Marron Civil Engineering was proud to deliver specialist civil works for the award-winning Hands Building at Mansfield College, Oxford—a landmark development designed by MICA Architects.

The project formed a pivotal phase in the College’s masterplan, integrating student accommodation with academic facilities, including the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights.

Our scope included:

• Groundworks and Foundations: Precision excavation and raft slab installation to support the five-storey structure and double-height basement, navigating a high water table and heritage constraints.
• Drainage and Waterproofing: Dual-system waterproofing and cavity drain installation to protect the reinforced concrete basement housing the 160-seat auditorium and seminar spaces.
• Site Logistics and Public Protection: Careful coordination adjacent to Grade II* listed buildings, ensuring uninterrupted college operations and safeguarding public access throughout construction.
• Hard Landscaping and Access Routes: Formation of gently sloping pathways and sunken terraces, enhancing connectivity across the newly landscaped quad.

Delivered on time and within budget, Marron Civil Engineering’s contribution helped realise Beard Construction’s vision for a contemporary yet contextually sensitive addition to the Oxford campus.

The result is a striking facility that blends modern timber engineering with historic architecture—now a celebrated feature of Mansfield College