Winners of Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2022 are revealed
These are the winners of the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2022.
Unveiled at a ceremony on March 16 at Jesus College, the awards are run by the Cambridge Forum for the Construction Industry and the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service.
Submissions were allowed from across the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning area - which covers the city and South Cambridgeshire district - were allowed for the first time.
New buildings and conservation, alterations or extensions to existing buildings are celebrated in the awards.
Judges visited the shortlisted projects in February to see them first-hand, and assessed the context and the brief for the building, the design solution adopted; the quality and difficulty of the construction and craftsmanship displayed in the building.
Each scheme is expected to address environmental concerns such as energy performance and ideally make a contribution to the natural environment, both on the building and in the landscape around the building.
Accessibility and the creation of an inclusive environment were also key considerations.
While public access is not available for all the buildings, the organisers are encouraging owners/occupiers of them to join in with Cambridge’s Open House events to share what they have achieved.
Cllr Dr Tumi Hawkins, lead cabinet member for planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It was an extraordinary awards event to gather and celebrate the recognition of talent in construction, craft skills, design and place-making in our Greater Cambridge area. It was an honour to be a panel member as the award ceremony is a great demonstration of what Councils and developers are continuously able to achieve when they work in unison on local building projects. Events like this celebrate good design and raise the bar for new buildings I’m excited to see what future events like these and the work of our new Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel bring to fruition as we continue to shape the very best new designs and construction projects together.”
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, executive councillor for planning policy and transport at Cambridge City Council, said: “The awards showcase the best that Greater Cambridge has to offer, in terms of both people and buildings. Each year, we continue to see innovation and excellence. Our officers work hard in partnership with owners, architects, and local communities to ensure good design is appropriate to its local context, which is also the objective of our new Design Review Panel. I look forward to seeing what the future has to hold for us in Greater Cambridge.”
Meredith Bowles, chair of the CFCI, said: “Making buildings takes years and the commitment of many people; it’s an achievement in itself. To make a great building takes so much more: the ambition of the owner; the vision of the design team; the tenacity and skill of the contractors. The Awards showcase the very best new buildings in Greater Cambridge and celebrate the efforts of those that make them happen.”
The judging panel was chaired by Dame Fiona Reynolds, former master of Emmanuel College Cambridge and former director-general of the National Trust.
Best New Building (Projects over £2m construction cost)
In this category there are three winning schemes and three commendations.
Winner: Magdalene College Library
Photo © Nick Kane
- Client - Magdalene College
- Main Contractor – Cocksedge
- Architect – Níall McLaughlin Architects
- Structural Engineer – Smith and Wallwork
- M&E and Acoustics – Max Fordham
- Project Manager – Savills
- Quantity Surveyor – Gleeds
- Building Control & Fire Engineer – MLM
- Internal Joinery – Wedd Joinery Limited
Judges’ comments: “The New Library stands at the edge of the Magdalene Fellows’ Garden, creating a new desire line and pulling a lesser used part of the college grounds into its heart. The building is stunning, its hand-made red bricks carefully chosen to echo the ancient bricks in the two oldest courts, elegant chimneys performing the modern function of air rather than smoke egress; and the finely crafted wood-and-brick, light-filled interior providing a large and delightful variety of spaces. The integration of the natural ventilation is elegant. Overall, the brief was to challenge while also fitting in, and we congratulate the college on achieving this goal.”
Winner: Project Atria Heart & Lung Research Institute Building, Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Photo © Gary Britton Photography
- Client – University of Cambridge
- Main Contractor – SDC Builders
- Architect – Fairhursts Design Group
- Project Manager / QS – AECOM
- MEP Consultant – ARUP
- Structural & Civil Engineer – Curtins
Contractor Delivery Team
- Executive Architect – R H Partnership Architects
- MEP Subcontractor – Munro Building Services
- MEP Design – K J Tait
- Structural & Civil Engineer – Ramboll
- Fire Consultant – Hoare Lea
- HTM Compliance – Ingleton Wood
Judges’ comments: “This building was a revelation. The level of thought and preparation for its future occupants inspired us. The team worked closely with Papworth Hospital and the University to create a series of beautiful spaces, with the ability to evolve and adapt to new requirements. The building is innovative, light-filled and offers generous views in all directions. It is an elegant and clever model of a research-enabled future, and one we enjoyed seeing. We make special mention of its Project Manager, Tom Fenner, whose passion for the project inspired us.”
Winner: University of Cambridge Civil Engineering Building
Photo © Paul Raftery
- Client – University of Cambridge
- Main Contractor – SDC Builders
- Architect – Grimshaw
- Landscape Design – Turkington Martin
- Façade Engineer – Montrésor Partnership
- Fire Engineer – Hoare Lea
- Structural & Civil Engineer – Smith and Wallwork
- MEP Services / Environmental – Max Fordham
- Contractor Delivery Team
- Executive Architect – R H Partnership Architects
- MEP Services – K J Tait
- Structural, Civil & Fire Engineering – Ramboll
Judges’ comments: “This project has been some years in the making, and during its genesis Cambridge University made the welcome decision to no longer use fossil fuels as a heat source. The building exemplifies what happens when the skills and research expertise of the occupants shape the design and construction of a building. It is built so that it can be expanded or adapted, and although its ambition was to minimize carbon in construction, it is also proving to be exceptionally carbon-efficient to run. We thought it magnificent.”
Highly Commended: Trinity Hall WongAvery Gallery
Photo © David Valinsky
- Client – Trinity Hall College
- Main Contractor – Barnes Construction
- Architect – Níall McLaughlin Architects
- Structural Engineer – Smith and Wallwork
- Quantity Surveyor – Gleeds
- Archaeologist – LP Archaeology
- Landscape Architect – Kim Wilkie
- Acoustic Engineer – Gillieron Scott Acoustic Design
- M&E and Acoustic Consultant – Max Fordham
Judges’ comments: “This audacious addition to Avery Court is a stunning success. From the ammonites in the floor to the soft gold storage boxes, every detail has been finely crafted and delivered. The pale, calm semi-transparent stone structure sits lightly within Avery Court, undistracted by vegetation and drawing the eye by its simple beauty. Inside, it offers perfect light, heat and humidity to provide a stable environment for sensitive musical instruments. It is a gem, which we hope will be made accessible to the public at some point in the future.”
Commended: Akeman Street Housing
Photo © Matthew Smith; @MSAP
- Client – Cambridge Investment Partnership
- Main Contractor – Hill Residential
- Architect – Mole Architects
- Executive Architect – Rock Townsend
- Consultants – GBS Fire Stopping
- Brickwork – JJ Building Services
Judges’ comments: “Affordable housing is much needed in Cambridge, and this scheme aims to provide one- and two-bed housing and to regenerate the area, replacing a dilapidated row of shops with flats above. The scheme comprises fourteen units with a mix of balconies and garden access, a community centre and space for a nursery. The housing is functional and successful, generating positive feedback from tenants, and represents real success from a small budget. We liked the positive use of colour. We urge the Council to make swift progress in letting the shops so that the project can realise its full potential.”
Commended: Northstowe Education Campus
Photo © Frank Shaw Associates
- Client – Cambridgeshire County Council
- Main Contractor – Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands
- Architect – Frank Shaw Architects
Judges’ comments: “The new secondary and Special Educational Needs schools have been built ahead of much of the new housing at Northstowe and occupy a place among empty fields which will soon, become a town centre. The special facilities (including a hydrotherapy pool), empathetically designed classrooms and clear navigation, gave the panel confidence in its success. At the secondary school, we saw the immense care taken in design, space management and aesthetics to create an inspiring and encouraging environment for the pupils. The facilities are excellent, from classrooms and science labs to performing arts spaces and sports facilities: no effort has been spared.”
Best Building: Conservation, alteration, or extension (Projects over £2m construction cost)
In this category there is one winning scheme and two commendations.
Winner: The Works, Pampisford
Photo © Nick Guttridge
- Client – The Howard Group
- Main Contractor – Morgan Sindall
- Architect – NBBJ
- Project Manager – 3PM
- Structural Engineer – Conisbee
- M&E Engineer – David Bedwell & Partners
- Planning Consultant – Shrimplin Brown
- Fire Engineer & Approved Inspector – Build Insight
- Health & Safety Advisor – MSAFE
- BREEAM Assessor – Ensphere
- Contractor Delivery Team
- Technical Architect – R H Partnership Architects
- M&E Engineer – Briggs & Forrester
Judges’ comments: “Formerly a 1970s car maintenance shed, The Works has been adapted creatively and brilliantly to become a thoroughly modern, stylish multiple occupancy business space. Retaining the existing concrete structure which defined the workshop space was a strong move, reportedly saving tonnes of embodied carbon by using the framework already on-site.
“Careful implementation modern servicing and environmental standards, the introduction of a new mezzanine level and glazing, and strategic zoning of ventilation provision results in a flexible commercial proposition, organised around a wide central ‘Street’ accommodating shared facilities and offering social interaction, food trucks, and relaxing spaces.
“The Works just works. It provides flexible and useful spaces for life sciences research and development and is in the process of creating a community of expertise which shows every likelihood of flourishing.”
Highly Commended: Downing Place United Reform Church
Photo © Tom & Lina Photography Ltd
- Client – Downing Place United Reform Church
- Main Contractor – Coulson Building Group Ltd
- Architect – Archangel Architects
- Structural Engineer, Party Wall Surveyor & CDM Advisor – Andrew Firebrace Partnership
- Quantity Surveyor – Bremner Partnership
- M&E Engineer – David Bedwell & Partners
Judges’ comments: “The judges loved the ambitious, community-focused renewal of this Victorian non-conformist church. With a new stone entrance and windows facing the street, new catering and rentable office facilities, the church can now offer a genuinely warm welcome to everyone, including late at night to those in need of help.
“The original worship space has been given a new lease of life, and the creative transformation of one of two large church halls, creates more interconnected spaces by inserting new passages and a mezzanine level. Spaces now flow much more successfully. Though still heated by gas, interventions to reduce energy demand have been implemented.”
Commended: King’s College Garden Hostel
Photo © David Valinsky
- Client – The Provost and Fellows of King’s College
- Main Contractor – Barnes Construction
- Architect – Owers Warwick Architects
- M&E Contractor – Monroe Services Ltd
- Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager & Principal Designer – Faithful+Gould
- Structural Engineer – Smith and Wallwork
- M&E and Acoustics – Max Fordham
- Fire Engineer – Trenton Fire
- Building Control – Salus
- Planning Consultant – Turley
Judges’ comments: “Struck immediately by the stylish original staircase with its new upper floor and higher handrails successfully accommodated, the judges explored both new spaces and the refurbished existing ones. The new Cross Laminated Timber interventions and existing structure feel well integrated, with increased amenity space and ventilation improvements. The whole building has received a significant boost, and with new landscaping the whole site is generating very positive student feedback.”
Best Building: Conservation, alteration, or extension (Projects under £2m construction cost)
In this category there is one winner and two commendations.
Winner: The Brewhouse, Peterhouse
Image © Giles Quarme Architects
- Client – Master and Fellows of Peterhouse
- Main Contractor – Vince Thornby: Thorwood Construction Ltd
- Architect – Giles Quarme Architects Ltd
- Structural Engineer – SFK Consulting
- Quantity Surveyor – Swayer and Fisher
- Mechanical Engineer – Trevor Cushion
- Electrical Engineer – James Preedy
Judges’ comments: “The Brewhouse has seen many uses and adaptations over the centuries, and will now be a place for music, providing a stunning performance space among the ancient beams at first floor level, and offices and services below.
“The craftsmanship is superb, with fine attention to detail. As much as possible of the original brick and timber structure and fittings has been retained, and new insertions have been made sensitively.
“Accessibility is addressed by the insertion of a platform lift and new well-crafted wooden staircase internally. Insulation has been added sympathetically and the building does not use gas but is heated by a remote air source heat pump. Environmental controls are carefully designed to project both the structure and instruments within. The longevity of the energy strategy matches that of the building improvements, and we are confident this building will flourish.”
Highly Commended: Monkey Roost, Stapleford
Photo © Matthew Smith
- Private client
- Contractor – Adams and Newman
- Architect – Owers Warwick Architects
- Quantity Surveyor – Sheriff Tiplady
- Structural Engineer – Gawn Associates
Judges’ comments: “Monkey Roost is an architect-designed 1970s house, with a bold but entirely appropriate extension creating a family home with real character and integrity. The original house has been retained and its features celebrated in a sensitive re-ordering of spaces.
New elements comprise a generous kitchen-living space below, and a Douglas Fir–beamed sitting room with framed views to the countryside beyond. The floor area has been doubled, but a sense of intimacy and charm has been successfully retained. We were delighted by what can be achieved with vision and empathy on a reasonably modest budget.”
Commended: Former Mill Road Library, Cambridge
Image © Donald Insall Associates
- Client – Cambridgeshire County Council
- Main Contractor – Bakers of Danbury
- Architect – Donald Insall Associates
- Structural Engineer – RPS Group
- M&E Engineer – Cambridgeshire County Council
- Stonemason – Hibbitt & Sons Masonry Ltd
- Brickwork – Suffolk Brick and Stone
- Consolidation – Matthew Beesley
Judges’ comments: “Standing proudly on Mill Road, the Victorian Free Library was in a very sorry state with extensive mould and damp damage before the County Council commissioned the sensitive survey, repair and restoration of this community building to secure its future. Works to restore collapsed gutters, the reinstatement of blocked clerestory glazing, and substantial repairs to stone and brickwork, the lantern, and lime plaster internally have restored the building to a watertight state with good ventilation.
“The building now looks splendid, and urgently needs a viable future to ensure it does not deteriorate again. We congratulate Cambridgeshire County Council on its vision, but consider it too early to reach final judgement until an appropriate tenant is found to secure its future. No easy task, but we hope a solution can be found soon.”
The David Mackay Award for Engineering and Sustainability
In this category there is one winner.
Winner: University of Cambridge Civil Engineering Building
Photo © Paul Raftery
- Client – University of Cambridge
- Main Contractor – SDC Builders
- Architect – Grimshaw
- Landscape Design – Turkington Martin
- Façade Engineer – Montrésor Partnership
- Fire Engineer – Hoare Lea
- Structural & Civil Engineer – Smith and Wallwork
- MEP Services / Environmental – Max Fordham
- Contractor Delivery Team
- Executive Architect – R H Partnership Architects
- MEP Services – K J Tait
- Structural, Civil & Fire Engineering – Ramboll
Judges’ comments: “The Civil Engineering Building demonstrates the result of integrating engineering rigour into the design process – from inception to delivery. The result is a building that is a joy for those that use it, is very low energy and has been designed to be extended in the medium-term future and dismantled for reuse in the distant future. A real beacon of engineering excellence to inspire those that study and work within it.”
Craftsmanship Awards
There are two winners and two commendations for the Craftsmanship Award 2022
Winner: Magdalene College Library
Photo © Nick Kane
- Client - Magdalene College
- Main Contractor – Cocksedge
- Architect – Níall McLaughlin Architects
- Structural Engineer – Smith and Wallwork
- M&E and Acoustics – Max Fordham
- Project Manager – Savills
- Quantity Surveyor – Gleeds
- Building Control & Fire Engineer – MLM
- Internal Joinery – Wedd Joinery Limited
Judges’ comments: “This has been superbly crafted – a reflection of the investment in the building by the College. It is evident that there has been a lot of care, precision and attention to detail, in both the design and the construction.”
Winner: The Brewhouse, Peterhouse
Image © Giles Quarme Architects
- Client – Master and Fellows of Peterhouse
- Main Contractor – Vince Thornby: Thorwood Construction Ltd
- Architect – Giles Quarme Architects Ltd
- Structural Engineer – SFK Consulting
- Quantity Surveyor – Swayer and Fisher
- Mechanical Engineer – Trevor Cushion
- Electrical Engineer – James Preedy
Judges’ comments: “This project goes to the heart of what the craftmanship award is about: Individual craftsmen going the extra mile with care and consideration. The before and after photographs illustrate that this is a beautiful example of how good craftsmanship can be applied to re-purposing an existing building.”
Highly Commended: Trinity Hall WongAvery Gallery
Photo © David Valinsky
- Client – Trinity Hall College
- Main Contractor – Barnes Construction
- Architect – Níall McLaughlin Architects
- Structural Engineer – Smith and Wallwork
- Quantity Surveyor – Gleeds
- Archaeologist – LP Archaeology
- Landscape Architect – Kim Wilkie
- Acoustic Engineer – Gillieron Scott Acoustic Design
- M&E and Acoustic Consultant – Max Fordham
Judges’ comments: “A huge investment in a small building has resulted in a beautifully crafted project, on a very constrained site with complex access issues. It’s such an attractive building that it’s unfortunate it can’t be seen and experienced by more people.”
Commended: The Gables, Bartlow
Photo © Hufton+Crow
- Private client
- Main Contractor – Patrick B Doyle
- Architect – chadwickdryerclarke studio
- Structural Engineer – Michael Hadi Associates
- Services Engineer – Hoare Lea
- Cost Consultant – Henry Riley LLP
- Party Wall Consultant – AFP
Judges’ comments: “The building was incredibly well finished with crisp detailing – both internally externally - which is remarkable given the numerous complicated junctions, different angles, materials and interfaces. A very beautifully put together building.”
Apprentice of the Year
Winner: James Burke, assistant project manager – Bidwells
Commendation: Sergi Parera, apprentice surveyor - 3C Building Control Shared Service
Young Professional of the Year
Winner: Sam Alexander, mechanical estimator - Munro Building Services
Commendation: David Digby, development manager - Cambridge Investment Partnership
Site Manager of the Year
Winner: Simon Redgrave, senior site manager - Cambridge Investment Partnership.
Commendation: Adam Hunt, senior site manager - Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd.
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