BETA We use cookies to improve your experience. By using architecture.com you agree to our terms of use and use of cookies. This is a new RIBA online service. We would like to hear your feedback .

Find an architect

Stephen Hawking Building, Gonville & Caius College

Cambridge

Project Details

£5m to £9.99M

Practice

*Donald Insall Associates Ltd

Donald Insall Associates Ltd, Milton Hall , Ely Road , Milton , CAMBRIDGE , CB24 6WZ

The College required a building of high status that would form an attractive location for both students and conference delegates,providing 75 study bedrooms,8 Fellows sets and conference and seminar rooms. The building is finished in high quality natural materials. Its sinuous form allows it to weave between important preserved trees whilst its mass and modelling respond to adjacent important university buildings. A new Porters' Lodge forms an ensemble with the building and provides the location for an air intake to two 60m long earth tubes. These temper the air used to ventilate the building to a cellar temperature of 12 degrees, heating in the winter and cooliong in the summer. This system works in conjunction with highly efficient heat exchangers and the super insulation of the walls and roof to conserve energy.