goodman + oxfam
Background
Oxfam, renowned throughout the world for its charity relief and development work, has a strong ethical dimension to all that it does and looks for the same standards from those with whom it deals. So, when it was seeking a major new office location it needed not only the right design solution but also a partner whose development process would meet their high ethical and environmental standards.
Oxfam needed to bring together staff from nine ageing offices in Oxford to a single location to achieve gains in productivity and better communications in a single premises. At the same time, as a charity, they had to achieve a cost-efficient solution both in terms of build and operating costs.
Oxfam's Objectives
Goodman formulated an innovative financial solution for the development to suit Oxfam's status as a charitable organisation. A partnership approach to both the design and all procurement decisions underpinned the agreed 72 week programme for the construction, fit-out and handover of the completed facility.
To fulfil Oxfam's criteria both for the building design and all working practices a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were documented and agreed by the Oxfam/Goodman team at the outset including adherence to Oxfam's Ethical Purchasing Policy.
To achieve the deadline for a fully operational building much of the building shell was pre-fabricated so that a dry envelope was completed early in the programme to allow a 'quick start' to the fit-out. Goodman's experience in providing a total solution is ensuring smooth integration of a comprehensive fit-out that includes a complete IT infrastructure, café and nursery.
The Goodman Solution
The alignment of Goodman's design and build expertise and development management procedures with Oxfam's KPIs kept the development of Oxfam's new facility on track in terms of time, cost and specification. A particular feature of the building is its active chilled beam system for heating/cooling.
Oxfam enjoy a building that fulfils their particular standards for the work environment and energy efficiency that will save them an estimated £250,000 per annum in running costs. New, well-designed open-plan offices - in an attractive, landscaped setting with good transport infrastructure and nearby amenities - will fully support the welfare and commitment of Oxfam staff.
The new building which completed in June 2005, allows Oxfam to showcase their work and launch initiatives 'at home' rather than at other locations.