Castle Bailey Quad, St Peter’s College

St Peter’s College in Oxford set out to create more student accommodation – homes that were sustainable, comfortable and in keeping with the historic Oxford Castle next door.

Working alongside Design Engine, Gray Baynes & Shew, Eckersley O’Callaghan and QODA Consulting, we provided full cost management services from the outset.

Cost management that delivers value

A key part of the role was leading a value engineering exercise that kept the College’s ambitions on track while respecting the character of this sensitive site.

Working closely with the contractor, we introduced buildability input into the façade design, helping refine brickwork details and roof coverings so the scheme remained efficient to build and true to its intent. We managed this process end to end, balancing cost with quality and preserving the building’s integrity.

The location brought extra layers of coordination. We worked with Oxford City Council, Historic England and onsite archaeologists, keeping schedule, permissions and budget moving together.

Award-winning design built for performance

Completed in 2023, the 2,100 m² development delivers 54 high-quality study bedrooms across two buildings, designed to meet the Passivhaus Institute Low Energy Building standard. With triple glazing, enhanced insulation, airtight construction and energy-efficient ventilation, the accommodation provides steady, year-round comfort with very low energy use.

The scheme won Student Accommodation Project of the Year at the Education Property Trust Awards, recognising its commitment to sustainable design and student wellbeing.

Sustainable spaces that support student success

Castle Bailey Quad gives students a future-focused, energy-efficient place to live, study and connect. Delivered on budget and to high environmental standards, it supports St Peter’s long-term growth while respecting the historic heart of Oxford.

Landscaped courtyards and thoughtful communal spaces create a warm, sociable environment – a place designed not just to accommodate students, but to help them thrive.