Oxford Method is a system of parts no longer produced. It is no longer possible to extend it up or outwards using the original materials. It can only be refurbished and reclad using an alternative to its original form.
The early 2M and 3M buildings have an asbestos content, mainly for ceilings and column casings. Many have been cleared of this material and a list of these is found in the Manual relating to Asbestos in Oxford Method buildings.
The 2M buildings are designed as a single storey construction. The steel sizes of the frame were limited in this discipline. 3M buildings allowed for additional floors but in most cases they were for two storey construction.
As already stated the internal design was flexible. The shell was completed first and the internal layout designed to suit the requirements. This statement is correct where an undercroft was constructed. The floor was of concrete slabs based on a steel frame. The slabs had knock out parts which would not affect the strength of the slab but allow services and sanitary fittings to be placed on a flexible grid system. The void under could be access for all services and be inspected and maintained.
Some of the buildings did not have undercrofts. Services were run in ceiling voids and dropped in partitions. It is where sanitary ware needs to be repositioned that the problems are found. To take up the floor to run drainage could prove to be uneconomical. The alternative is to accept the existing room permentation.
To investigate and establish the floor construction could be an important factor in deciding the building's future.
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