Wolfson College Cambridge commissioned Owers Warwick Architects to lead the design and delivery of the first phase of their ambitious masterplan and decarbonisaton strategy. The project included the de-gasification of catering and bar facilities and the introduction of mechanical heat recovery to the kitchen – one of the first of its kind in college kitchens in the UK.
The scheme rationalised and extended the catering block to provide an all-electric state-of the-art catering facility. At ground floor, a new combined bar and servery provides a versatile and attractive focus to the popular Club Room and a generous servery at first floor facilitates day-to-day dining, as well as acting as a highly efficient “pass” during formal dining.
A new goods lift and staircase allowed the existing lift to be dedicated to front-of-house use and adapted for wheelchair access. Back-of-house facilities also include new staff offices, changing areas and improved storage. Extensive new plant, ventilation and heat pumps were placed on a strengthened roof behind a tall acoustic screen.
The project was completed in two and a half years from start to finish.
Existing
Proposed
