Faculty of Architecture and History of Art, Scroope Terrace, Cambridge

Client – University of Cambridge
Date of Completion – 2007

In 2005 The Cambridge University School of Architecture nearly closed.  Its survival strategy included moving their research department, the Martin Centre, to the main buildings in Scroope Terrace, which also contained the History of Art department.

Freeland Rees Roberts were commissioned to refurbish the grade II listed 19th century terrace to accommodate the researchers and, together with Mole Architects, design the new studio required to house the undergraduates.  The introduction of new links connecting with the 1958 Sandy Wilson lecture theatre and a new lift in the terrace provide disabled access around the faculty for the first time.

The strategy for the terrace was to restore the elegance and identity of each of the former houses, as far as the budget allowed. The buildings are Georgian, listed Grade II and retain many original, decorative features.  

The form of the new studio is conceived as a contemporary version of a Victorian warehouse building and is a column free, open-plan teaching space entirely constructed from timber, cooled using innovative ceiling panels that exchange heat with the ground to produce a pleasant, light and vibrant working space.