We were commissioned by Magdalene College to develop a scheme to convert the Bonded Warehouse, located on the River Cam, into student residential accommodation. The proposals include the creation of a cafe facing a new public space addressing the Cam and an additional storey providing a total of 20 ensuite bedrooms, together with common rooms and kitchens. Roof top plant is concealed behind the new facade.
The College purchased the building in 1980’s when it was briefly operated as a glass-making factory and showroom by Langham Glass, before being converted into a gym, spa and restaurant facility around 1999.
The judicious removal of elements creates a better relationship to the surroundings and positive external spaces.
Ground floor plan
Typical plan
An additional top floor provides a celebratory top floor containing student bedrooms and kitchens.
The building is oriented perpendicularly to the river, with its west façade directly facing the river. The north and east façades look onto Thomson’s Lane.
A handed arrangement of bedrooms creates an efficient arrangement for the bathrooms and accessible service risers off corridors.
The Bonded warehouse building functioned as a depository and was constructed in the late 19th century, in what was then an industrial area. The structure, whilst not listed, is of historical importance, as it is one of the few remaining buildings of the industrial era in the area. The area is home to a wide variety of uses, housed within buildings ranging from 16th to 20th Centuries.
Sections of the existing building
Punts and Quayside, 1964, with Bonded Warehouse highlighted
Quayside from Magdalene Bridge, 1910, with Bonded Warehouse highlighted
Cambridge 1888
Cambridge 1929
