The project:
One of our most interesting and prestigious projects was the
refurbishment of the Butler's Pantry at All Souls College.
The college was planned, built
and endowed in the 1430s and is one of Oxford's most prestigious
historic buildings. All Souls College was founded jointly by Henry
Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury and Kings Henry VI. It was built
between 1437 and 1443 and was the ninth Oxford college. It is
unique in that it has no undergraduates. All its members become
Fellows, they undertake research and the supervision of graduate
students.
Bettaquip was asked to redesign
the pantry to upgrade the finishes and improve the working
ergonomics for the Head Butler, Hector Delcuratolo and his
hospitality team.
The challenge was to balance the
functional and hygienic requirements of the new pantry layout
within the character and constraints of this Grade I listed
building.
The existing cupboard joinery was
carefully modified to incorporate the fitting of stainless steel
wall cupboards together with a combination of bespoke stainless
steel and Beach Sand coloured solid surface work tops.
The walls were covered with
Orchard colour Altro Whiterock cladding and the floor Opus Stone -
Ombra by Karndean. These finishes provided durable hygienic
finishes whilst enhancing the character and ambience of the
Pantry.
Working to the design provided by
the structural engineer, an original chimney breast was opened up
to create additional storage space. This was a particularly
challenging task as steel supports were required to reinforce the
structure that had been partly built around a safe, this had to be
removed by a specialist team.
The result:
The ergonomics and environmental efficiency of the Pantry were
greatly improved through the design and by the incorporation of
innovative products such as the Electrolux undercounter
refrigeration and the Meiko dishwasher. The Electrolux Ecostore HP
Premium refrigerated cabinets have the highest climate (class A)
and highest energy efficiency rating (5) whilst the Meiko DV80
Pass-through dishwasher has a built-in heat recovery condenser
which saves energy by recycling the steam emissions to heat the
incoming water. This process also negates the requirement for a
dedicated extract canopy.
From strip out to completion
Bettaquip were allotted six weeks of the summer holiday period to
carry out the works. The project was handed over on time for the
first scheduled event of the new academic year.
The response:
Head Butler Hector Delcuratolo said "We are very happy with the
end result considering the challenges Bettaquip were faced with at
the start of the project. Their design made sure that every
available space in the room is put to good use enabling the
catering team to offer efficient service during the college's daily
requirements and when there are special events".
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