Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities

Oxford

Britplas Façades delivered a package of windows and doors to Passivhaus standard on the Oxford University’s largest ever building project; Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.

At a glance

Client
University of Oxford

Architects
Hopkins

Main contractor
Laing O’Rourke

Products
Schüco AWS 90 SIi+ windows Fixed and double vent windows – AD UP 90 Si aluminium PAS24 doors

Project details

Britplas Façades delivered a package of windows and doors to Passivhaus standard on the Oxford University’s largest ever building project; Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Working in partnership with Laing O’Rourke, Britplas designed, manufactured and installed Schüco AWS 90 SI+ super‑insulated windows and AD UP 90 SI PAS24‑compliant doors as part of a highly optimised, low‑energy façade solution. These systems were selected for their exceptional thermal performance and airtightness, which were critical to achieving the project’s stringent Passivhaus targets.

A robust strategy of off‑site prefabrication, controlled assembly, and precision installation ensured consistently high quality and minimised thermal bridging across all interfaces. This approach meant every installed component contributed directly to the building’s overall energy efficiency and user comfort.

Airtightness testing demonstrated performance levels significantly exceeding industry benchmarks, with air permeability and installation consistency aligning with the most demanding Passivhaus requirements. These results validated the façade’s contribution to delivering ultra‑low heating demand and long‑term operational efficiency.

The Centre for the Humanities now stands as a benchmark project, combining architectural ambition with technical excellence. We are proud to have played a key role in creating a building that is visually refined, highly secure and environmentally responsible, showcasing how high‑performance façades can drive sustainability at scale.

Client Feedback

“It was a pleasure to work with Britplas throughout the Oxford Humanities project, from their early involvement as a PCSA partner through to the successful completion of the façade installation works.

From the outset, Britplas demonstrated a collaborative approach, working closely with the project team to develop and refine the window and door design, helping to achieve the demanding airtightness and performance requirements necessary for Passivhaus compliance. Their technical expertise and practical understanding of high-performance building envelopes were invaluable in resolving complex design challenges and ensuring interfaces were developed correctly from an early stage.

As the specialist contractor, Britplas continued to add value throughout both the offsite and onsite phases of delivery. Their close engagement with our teams at the Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (CEMC), where window installations were undertaken within the factory environment, helped support quality, consistency and programme certainty. This commitment continued through the site installation phase, including the successful integration of EPDM interfaces and other critical façade elements.

Britplas combined technical knowledge, attention to detail and a genuine partnership mentality throughout the project. Their experience and proactive approach played an important role in helping the team achieve the shared objective of delivering what is recognised as England’s largest Passivhaus building.

We would have no hesitation in recommending Britplas and look forward to working with them again on future projects.”

Delivery Leader, Laing O’Rourke

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