Old Clare College at Cambridge Receives Constructive Refurbishment with Witherford Watson Mann's Latest Addition
Photos by Philipp Ebeling & Philip Vile | Words by Jason Sayer
Clare College readjusts its stance or operations
The second oldest college at the University of Cambridge, Clare College, has been undergoing a much-needed facelift recently, largely due to its advanced age and deteriorating condition. The restoration work has been undertaken by the esteemed architectural firm, Witherford Watson Mann, who managed to breathe new life into the historic structure while also focusing on safety and accessibility.
Originally founded in 1326, Clare College's construction history dates back centuries, with work on the current building ceasing during the 1600s due to the civil war. This, combined with its idiosyncratic design (a curious combination of Gothic and English classical styles), led to numerous challenges for the architects tasked with restoring it.
One such challenge was the need for fire safety improvements. Witherford Watson Mann addressed this by incorporating updated fire escape routes seamlessly into the building's design, ensuring safety without detracting from its historical ambiance. They also worked to improve accessibility for students, creating a new riverfront café as an integral part of the renovation.
The new café, known as the River Room, is located within a wedge of land along the college's northwest boundary towards the River Cam. Inside, an oak glulam timber frame structure forms its skeleton, as part of an intricate timber frame that stretches back into the College's Old Court building and up into its inner workings. Due to the project's complexity, a temporary bridge had to be built across the Cam to transport materials.
Students can now make use of the River Room not only for socializing but also as a space for work. Despite its modest size, it can accommodate both individual students and larger study groups. The room has also been acoustically designed to host music recitals and other events.
While the River Room may seem discretely tucked away, an impressive fire escape staircase and a glazed gallery connection highlight the more functional aspects of the project. The fire escape, crafted from beautiful oak, gently spirals down to the ground, offering safe egress without compromising the aesthetics.
In terms of material and design, Witherford Watson Mann has primarily focused on using brick with wood as secondary elements. Inside, they have introduced new materials such as Purbeck stone and pigmented pre-cast concrete. These chosen elements work harmoniously with the original structure, while also meeting contemporary safety standards.
The renovation project has been meticulously planned and executed, with an emphasis on preserving the historical character of the college while addressing practical needs. Clare College has praised the architects for successfully achieving this balance and for ensuring the college remains the heart of campus life.
Credits
- Client: Clare College
- Architect: Witherford Watson Mann
- Conservation Architect: Freeland Rees Roberts
- Historic Buildings Advisor: Dr Roland Harris
- Main Contractor: Barnes Construction Ltd
- Structural and Civil Engineer: Smith & Wallwork
- Acoustics and Services Engineer: Max Fordham
- Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager: Henry Riley
- Landscape Architects: Liz Lake Associates
- Fire Consultants: The Fire Surgery
- Oak Glulam Frame: Constructional Timber
- Purbeck Stone Floor: Stonebuild
- Oak Staircase: Lowe & Simpson
- Pre-cast Concrete: Cambridge Architectural Precast
- Brickwork: Anglian Brickwork
Additional Images and Drawings (not included for brevity)
Music recitals can now be held at Clare College's new River Room, a space designed with acoustic considerations for various events. The history of education and self-development at Clare College, dating back to 1326, is intertwined with the food culture, as students can now gather for socializing and work in the River Room café.
