Laing O’Rourke successfully hands over its twelfth project in Oxford

Laing O’Rourke has successfully handed over the University of Oxford’s new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities - a once-in-a-generation project uniting seven faculties, six libraries, and a brand-new Institute for Ethics in AI under one roof for the first time in the University’s history.

The company used the full breadth of its engineering expertise and project delivery model, while working
in close collaboration with the University’s Capital Projects team, the Humanities Division, and donor representatives, alongside design partners Hopkins Architects, Max Fordham, AKTII and Purcell.

As a result, construction was completed on time, ready for the new academic year.

At the heart of this success were Laing O’Rourke’s three key strategies:

1. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
2. Digital Engineering
3. A focused Direct Delivery approach.

1. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

Our delivery model prioritised offsite manufacture, enabling the simplification of highly technical architectural and engineering elements while critically maintaining the original vision and concept. By leveraging MMC, we significantly shortened the construction programme, enhanced safety, and reduced environmental impact.

• The overall construction period was reduced to just 2.5 years, minimising disruption to the community and providing earlier access to the building for fit-out and commissioning.

• In delivering the structure:
  • Over 3,000 prefabricated structural components – including columns, slabs, and acoustic box-in-box walls – were manufactured off-site using low-carbon concrete, reducing emissions and simplifying construction delivery.
  • The entire structure was completed in 25 weeks, two weeks ahead of programme.
  • Use of low-carbon concrete alone abated 544 tonnes of CO₂e, and 97.7% of the steel reinforcement was recycled.
  • Switching from diesel to HVO fuel reduced carbon emissions from site vehicles and plant by 98.4%.

• Laing O’Rourke’s team safely delivered the façade, including:
  • The building envelope, comprising 154 brick panels and 172 stone panels, was erected in just 10 weeks, providing immediate weather protection and enabling a controlled environment for internal fit-out personnel to ensure the best quality finish.
  • 160,000 hand-modelled bricks, 18,500 stones (totalling 3,500 tonnes), and over three football pitches’ worth of insulation, all installed with zero scaffolding and zero diesel usage.
  • A striking 63-tonne oak and steel dome, along with high-performance, triple-glazed Passivhaus-standard windows, were also prefabricated offsite.

• Expanded MMC supply chain:
  • MMC principles extended well beyond our internal group companies. All trade partners were challenged to adopt offsite manufacture where possible. Utilising manufacturing capabilities in the South East, producing high-quality joinery for the centre’s performance halls, music library, and theatre.

2. Digital Engineering

Digital technology was central to our approach, where we adopt a “build twice” strategy: first in a federated digital environment, then physically on site:

• A total of 274 models, created by 22 different authoring organisations, were integrated to support manufacturing accuracy, installation certainty, and future smart building capability.
• We deployed a full digital toolkit, from Building Information Modelling (BIM) and point-cloud surveying to drone-based progress tracking, augmented reality, and cloud-based collaboration platforms.
• Approximately 8km of ductwork (19,500 components), 23km of pipework (71,500 components), and 10km of partitions were precisely modelled – equivalent to the distance of a full marathon!
• Over 6 miles of book shelving were digitally designed and coordinated to align with library systems and space layouts.

3. Direct Delivery Model

Our direct delivery strategy allowed for precision control over key components, workforce planning, and quality assurance — all while reducing pressure on the Oxford site and its surrounding community.

• The project was delivered by core team of just 300 personnel across trades, disciplines and professions. In the first year, a team of only 65 on-site workers delivered over £100 million of work, due to the MMC solutions implemented.
• Structural, façade, and M&E components were produced at Laing O’Rourke’s manufacturing facilities in the East and West Midlands, supporting local employment.
• This model significantly reduced the number of workers required to relocate to Oxford, enhancing work/life balance and reducing carbon emissions from commuting.
• Throughout the project, our in-house logistics and haulage teams upheld CLOCS and FORS standards for fleet and cyclist safety, engaging proactively with Oxford’s community at key public events, including Freshers’ Fairs and city centre pop-ups. The project was delivered incident-free, despite the complexity of urban logistics in a sensitive and historic setting.

Delivery of an Economic and Social Value Engine

As a result of these three combined strategies, the project delivered immense social and economic value benefits in a sensitive location in the heart of Oxford, with zero complaints from the local community and academics – fully aligned with the desired goals of the customer and donor:

• 97% of the project spend stayed in the UK, in particular supporting regional manufacturing hubs across the East and West Midlands
• Over £10 million in social value delivered
• 161 social value initiatives supported
• 37 people with barriers to employment hired
• 37 local Oxford residents employed, with a focus for ongoing career progression
• 2 apprentices and over 180 hours of community engagement

The Centre also delivered 544 tonnes CO₂e savings through low-carbon concrete and 98.4% reduction in fuel-related emissions by switching to HVO fuel.