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Reuben College, Oxford – Airtight White Delivers Award-Winning Basement Airtightness

Morgan Sindall Construction undertook a £45 million redevelopment of the Grade II listed Radcliffe Science Library to create Reuben College, the University of Oxford’s newest graduate college. Designed by FJMT Studio, the project created state-of-the-art facilities for interdisciplinary research, including fully accessible spaces, a large dining hall, quiet study areas, group rooms, and a refurbished two-level basement for high-quality archival storage and teaching.

Why Airtightness Was Critical

The lower basement required an airtight score of 0.6m³/h·m² @ 50 Pa or less, while a sub-basement within needed an even stricter 0.3m³/h·m² @ 50 Pa or less. This was essential to protect delicate archives and ensure stable humidity and temperature conditions.

Why Airtight White Was Chosen

Morgan Sindall partnered with Intelligent Membranes to implement a bespoke airtightness solution using Airtight White, a liquid-applied vapour control membrane specifically designed for high-performance subterranean environments.

Key Benefits:

  • Exceptional airtightness – Certified Passivhaus Component A to 0.034ach, nearly 20× better than Passivhaus requirements.

  • Moisture and mould resistance – Essential for archival and teaching environments.

  • Seamless application – No joints or seams that could fail over time.

  • White finish – Creates a bright, clean internal aesthetic for low-light spaces.

Application Process

The Intelligent Membranes team applied Airtight White via airless spray to the entire internal basement structure — including walls, soffits, and service penetrations.

Detailing was meticulously handled around complex junctions such as:

  • Structural beams

  • Service routes

  • Vaulted areas

This ensured a continuous membrane with no weak spots. The application was also coordinated with follow-on trades to maintain airtight integrity.

Results & Recognition

Airtightness testing confirmed results well below the project’s strict requirements. Benefits delivered include:

  • Stable humidity and air pressure control.

  • Reduced heating and cooling loads, improving energy efficiency.

  • Enhanced preservation of sensitive collections.

The project’s airtightness strategy, combined with heritage preservation, earned Low Carbon Project of the Year at the 2024 OxProp Awards — a testament to the effectiveness of Airtight White in demanding environments.

Products Used on This Project – Airtight White Basement Works

1. Airtight White – BIG BOY – Vapour Control Paint (11.4kg) – Spray / Roller Applied – Intelligent Membranes
Our high-performance liquid-applied airtight coating, used to create a seamless internal vapour control and airtight barrier for the basement structure. Its white finish allows for easy inspection of coverage and ensures long-lasting protection against air leakage and moisture ingress.

2. Airtight Tape – Intelligent Membranes
Applied to all joints, corners, and service penetrations to reinforce the airtight seal. This tape is flexible, durable, and designed to complement liquid-applied membranes for maximum performance.

3. Supergrip Primer (10kg) – Roller – Intelligent Membranes
Used on key surfaces to ensure superior adhesion of Airtight White, especially on smooth or low-porosity substrates. This roll-applied primer enhances bonding and guarantees a robust airtight finish.

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Passivhaus-certified Airtight White applied in heritage building basement. Passivhaus-certified Airtight White applied in heritage building basement. Airtight White liquid-applied vapour control membrane at Reuben College basement.