Comprehensive Waterproofing at The Dickson Poon China Centre, University of Oxford
Client: University of Oxford
Contractor: Galliford Try
Located within the grounds of St Hugh’s College, the Dickson Poon Building is a landmark facility at the University of Oxford, designed to house a large portion of the Bodleian Libraries’ Chinese book collection, along with lecture facilities and landscaped gardens. Opened by HRH The Duke of Cambridge in 2014, this state-of-the-art, multi-storey centre includes a 5,500m² basement that plays a critical role in the functionality of the building.
Advanced Preservations was appointed to design and install a comprehensive waterproofing system for the building’s below-ground structure. Delivered in partnership with Galliford Try, the system had to achieve the highest levels of protection to safeguard both the irreplaceable literary archive and the high-spec interior finishes throughout.
Understanding the Waterproofing Requirements
The basement of the Dickson Poon China Centre presented a series of technical and conservation-led challenges. The archive space needed to maintain a dry, stable environment with no tolerance for water ingress or vapour transfer, in line with BS8102:2022 Grade 3 standards.
The building design called for the use of robust, layered waterproofing measures that could:
- Safeguard the archive and lecture spaces
- Integrate seamlessly with the concrete structure
- Remain accessible for future maintenance
- Meet the architectural vision without compromise to internal detailing
Advanced Preservations worked closely with the architect and contractor team to develop a specification that delivered long-term performance through a multi-line defence strategy.
Delivering a Multi-System Waterproofing Solution
To meet the unique demands of the project, we implemented a triple-layered waterproofing design combining Type A, B, and C protection.
- Externally, Fosroc Type A barrier membranes were applied to provide the first line of defence against groundwater.
- The basement’s structure incorporated integral Type B waterproof concrete, ensuring the core of the building was water-resistant from the outset.
- Internally, a Newton Type C cavity drain membrane system was installed, offering a fail-safe solution designed to manage any residual water ingress via a bespoke drainage and sump arrangement.
This belt-and-braces approach allowed us to achieve a completely dry internal environment, suitable for the storage of delicate materials and occupation by students and staff. Each element was installed with careful consideration for access, maintainability, and the building’s long-term use.
The Outcome: A Dry and Durable Academic Basement
The waterproofing system performed exactly as intended, delivering a robust, multi-system solution that remains reliable nearly a decade later. The basement now provides a secure, climate-controlled environment for thousands of rare books, while also supporting the building’s wider educational and architectural goals.
The project stands as a model of thoughtful waterproofing design, showcasing the benefits of layered protection when working with high-value, sensitive, and specialist-use basements.
Why Choose Advanced Preservations for Complex Waterproofing Projects?
At Advanced Preservations, we design and deliver comprehensive waterproofing systems for complex commercial and institutional buildings. With experience across the education, healthcare and heritage sectors, we are trusted to protect sensitive spaces and deliver systems that meet performance, compliance, and construction programme requirements.
We are proud to work alongside leading contractors, architects, and manufacturers to deliver fully integrated waterproofing solutions that perform in the real world.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
Need support on a multi-system waterproofing scheme? Whether you’re working with heritage assets, archives, or below-ground lecture and research spaces, we can help.
Call 01252 333 310 or enquire online to speak to our technical team.
