A new building now under construction for the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is one of the most important building projects in Oxford this century and will certainly become a major landmark in the city.

Andre Vrona, who has made a speciality of traditional building in solid stone, is responsible for the stonework in the new building. He describes the methods being used as "a fresh approach to a traditional form of construction".

He says: "We will be using between 1,500 and 1,800 tonnes of Ketton freestone as load bearing masonry because of its extreme durability. That makes it unique in modern times, but we are building something to last for centuries.

"Durability is not the only benefit. Ketton freestone is also needed for its colour. It has nice mellow tones with a subtle look, which is in harmony with the traditional buildings in Oxford."We are going to use the stone in the principal public places in the new building."

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, currently in George Street, was established in 1985 as an associated institution of Oxford University to encourage, "by means of academic excellence in teaching, research and publication", a more informed understanding of Muslim societies.

Under the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales, it is governed by a Board of Trustees of representatives of Oxford University and scholars and distinguished people from across the world.

The new building will accommodate those academic, social and residential facilities essential for the collegiate life of a community of scholars. These will include a library, exhibition gallery, mosque, dining hall, auditorium, teaching rooms, residential accommodation and landscaped gardens.

Work on the building began in June 2000 and is likely to be completed by the summer of 2005.