The new Investcorp Building at St. Antony's College in the University of Oxford, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is clad in a striking stainless steel sheathing that uses Hadid's trademark flowing style in spectacular effect. The building cost $17 million to build, and serves to double available space to the Middle East Centre at St. Antony's College.
The building is equipped with a reinforced concrete primary structure and a laminated timber-framed room and is completely clad in polished stainless steel. The building's flowing form moves between two other building, and also curves and sashays in order to avoid harming a protected sequoia tree.
Given that Zaha Hadid is one of Britain's most acclaimed architects and has Middle Eastern (Iraqi) roots, her choice to oversee this project for the Middle East Centre was always natural. Her striking architectural style also ensures that the Investcorp Building will be talked about for a long time to come.
Stainless Steel-Clad Buildings
The New Investcorp Building is Designed By Zaha Hadid
Trend Themes
1. Stainless Steel Clad Buildings - The use of stainless steel cladding in building construction is a trend being adopted by architects for its aesthetic, durability and low maintenance qualities.
2. Laminated Timber-framed Rooms - The use of laminated timber-framed rooms is a trend being adopted by architects for its eco-friendliness and cost effectiveness.
3. Protected Tree-inclusive Architecture - The trend of protecting and designing architecture around protected trees indicates a growing awareness and prioritization of natural environment preservation.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - The architecture and design industry stands to benefit from further innovation in the use of materials like stainless steel and eco-friendly lumber for construction purposes.
2. Construction - The construction industry is ripe for opportunities in the development of sustainable and eco-friendly building methods which are also affordable.
3. Real Estate - The real estate industry can better respond to consumer demand for sustainable and green residences by investing in and prioritizing architecture that prioritizes eco-friendliness and sustainability, such as the use of laminated timber framing and eco-friendly materials like stainless steel.