Cripps Building

Client:

St John's College, Cambridge

Size:

7325m²

Value:

£20m

Awards:

RIBA East Award 2016 & RIBA East Conservation Award 2016

Status:

3 phase construction 2009–2015

Listed:

Grade II*

Cripps Building

Set within the grounds of St John’s College, this Grade II* listed building designed by Powell & Moya provides 199 under-graduate study bedrooms and 9 apartments for fellows. Opened in 1967, the snaking four storey design creates two large three-sided courts.

rhp carried out a feasibility study to refurbish the building to accommodate current standards expected by today’s students, including the provision of en-suite rooms. Our investigation considered the degradation of building fabric and piecemeal installation of services over the years, with other fundamental problems related to fire and access.

All refurbishment works were undertaken sensitively and the challenge was to make balanced decisions, whilst ensuring the building can continue to function for many more generations of students.

The phased refurbishment works are improving the environmental performance of the building, in terms of both built fabric and services. Our decision to use solar thermal panels provide up to 40% of the building’s hot water demand. We have also refreshed the architectural rigour and clear articulation of the original design.

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Exterior before and after
Exterior before and after
Interior before and after
Interior before and after
Refurbished en-suite rooms
Refurbished en-suite rooms