Property and construction consultancy Ridge has completed the design and build of its own new office at The Cowyards on the Blenheim Estate, Woodstock.

The Grade II Listed building, previously a disused model farm dating from 1860, was officially opened by the Duke of Marlborough.

Ridge has designed and managed the total redevelopment of The Cowyards for its 100-strong team since the restoration programme began in November 2005.

It is the first large-scale commercial property venture for Blenheim Estates and is the start of a programme to optimise the use of its assets, and preserve the long-term future of Blenheim Palace as a World Heritage site.

The building has been constructed with sustainability a priority. Existing building materials have been reclaimed and new timber has been sourced in a responsible manner. Optimum environmental performance has been engineered by incorporating natural ventilation and an under-floor heating system that utilises the mass of the stone walls.

Oxford managing partner, David Walker said: "The Oxford office is rapidly expanding and The Cowyards development was exactly what we were looking for - close to Oxford and also the centre of Woodstock. It offers our people a wonderful working environment."