Oxford
Year
2020
Installer
- Crittall Windows
Technology
- Crittall MW40
Deliverables
- C.U.in
Trinity College
Challenge: The Levine Building’s design had to reconcile high modern performance standards with the visual and material sensitivity of Oxford’s conservation environment. The architectural brief demanded glazing that could deliver excellent thermal insulation and sound attenuation – particularly for the theatre – without compromising the classical aesthetic. Standard double or triple glazing solutions posed risks of visual bulk or incompatibility with the finely detailed stone surrounds and steel frames.
Solution: Crystal Units provided bespoke C.U.in glazing tailored to fit within Crittall’s T60 steel frames, delivering superior energy performance in a compact 32mm unit. With a centre-pane U-value of just 0.6 W/m²K, our glass met the rigorous thermal requirements of the project while maintaining minimal sightlines to preserve visual clarity. The high-spec IGUs also contributed to acoustic control in the theatre space, supporting an enhanced user experience. This synergy of engineering precision and architectural sensitivity made the Levine Building a benchmark for heritage-aligned sustainability.
Project summary:
In 2020, Trinity College, part of the University of Oxford, undertook its first major development in over half a century with the creation of the Levine Building – a classical yet highly sustainable addition to its historic campus. Designed by ADAM Architecture, the three-storey building houses a 200-seat theatre, student accommodation, teaching spaces, and communal facilities. Installed by Crittall Windows, the glazing specification paired Crittall’s T60 thermally broken steel system with Crystal Units’ advanced C.U.in insulated glass. The integration of our 32mm IGUs, achieving a centre-pane U-value of 0.6 W/m²K, allowed the building to meet stringent thermal performance targets while complementing the architectural heritage with slender sightlines and precise detailing.