Senior Architectural Systems Supports New YASA Headquarters in Oxfordshire

Senior Architectural Systems has supplied a full package of aluminium fenestration systems for the new headquarters of electric motor manufacturer YASA in Oxfordshire. The project is the first of five specialist buildings planned for The Ranges development at Bicester Motion.

Designed by 3DReid and constructed by Kier, the building includes glazing elements fabricated and installed by specialist contractor Elite Aluminium. The site is located at the former RAF bomber station in Bicester, which has been transformed into a 444-acre mobility campus and technology hub.

A Purpose-Built Facility for Research and Production

The Ranges development is intended to expand the specialist facilities available at Bicester Motion. The first building brings together YASA’s research, development, and production operations into a single purpose-built site.

For projects like this, window and façade systems must do more than provide daylight and an attractive appearance. They also need to support thermal performance, long-term durability, and reliable installation within the wider building envelope.

Glazing Systems Selected for Performance and Design

Senior’s SF52 capped aluminium curtain wall system was specified for the building’s glazed elevations and linked walkway. According to the source, the system provides the structural capability needed for large spans of glazing while maintaining consistent sightlines across the façade.

One of the notable design features is the use of SF52 curtain walling to create ribbon windows beneath the roof verges. This helps give the building a clean, modern appearance while keeping the glazing visually integrated with the overall structure.

Why this matters for building owners

• Large glazed areas can improve daylighting and the appearance of a commercial building.
• Consistent sightlines help achieve a more refined façade design.
• Careful integration with the steel frame and envelope is important for long-term building performance.

Elite Aluminium worked closely with Kier and 3DReid to ensure the façade package was integrated smoothly with the building’s steel frame and envelope. For commercial and industrial projects, this kind of coordination is especially important because even minor issues in measurement, detailing, or sequencing can affect installation quality and performance.

Doors Designed for Access and Efficiency

To improve safety and security at key access points, Senior’s PURe® Commercial Doors were installed. The source describes these as the largest and strongest doors in Senior’s portfolio, making them suitable for industrial and high-traffic environments.

The PURe® range is also presented as helping support the building’s overall efficiency through low U-values and durable construction. For property managers and commercial clients, that combination can be valuable in spaces that see frequent use and need dependable day-to-day operation.

Senior’s SPW501 aluminium automatic sliding doors were also fabricated and installed by Elite Aluminium throughout the building. Automatic sliding doors can be a practical choice for busy workplaces because they support smooth movement of staff and visitors while helping maintain controlled access.

Environmental Product Data

The source also notes that Senior’s SF52 system is supported by a new Environmental Product Declaration. This document provides data intended to support more accurate carbon calculations, and the source states that glazing is not included in those figures to avoid skewed results.

For architects, contractors, and developers, this type of product information can be useful when comparing façade options during the design stage. As always, product data should be reviewed carefully alongside project-specific requirements.

A Key Part of Bicester Motion’s Growth

The completed building is a central part of the wider Bicester Motion development and supports YASA’s continued expansion in electric motor technology. As the first of five planned buildings, it sets the tone for the next stage of the campus.

For homeowners, apartment owners, and commercial property clients alike, the project is a reminder of how much a building’s performance depends on well-specified glazing, accurate fabrication, and professional installation. Whether the goal is energy efficiency, better sound insulation, improved security, or a more polished appearance, the quality of the window and door package matters.

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