Rigorous attention to detail is evident throughout, with pigmented concrete utilised to form columns, and the timber roof structure held together with interlocking joints and pegs to negate the need for steel bolts and plates. Facilities comprise a 330-seater Dining Hall, kitchen, buttery, and associated rooms. Its completion means that the existing Victorian Gothic Great Hall can be reserved for performances, lectures, and smaller dinners which are catered by the new facilities.

Quality control was paramount to the success of the scheme, and we worked with the wider project team to achieve this from the earliest stages of our involvement. In the pre-tender period, we worked with the architect to develop specifications. This included early engagement with key subcontractors, such as groundworkers and concrete manufacturing plants for the scheme’s pigmented in situ concrete. We ultimately provided pour samples as well as practical advice to ensure that finishes were consistent throughout. Early engagement with subcontractors for joinery and internal floor finishes ensured that we developed optimum installation methods to ensure a high-quality finish. For the faience cladding, we undertook factory visits to understand the curing process and initiated strict management of lifting and installation on site to protect the tiles from damage.

Sustainability is at the heart of the scheme. The all-electric Dining Hall uses a ground source heat pump and is passively ventilated. This reduces CO2 emissions by 40% compared to traditional alternatives. In winter, heat from the kitchen is recovered from cooker hoods into the main dining area. The whole life embodied carbon of the project exceeds the expectations set out in the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge (version 2) for non-domestic buildings.

The project was also awarded Best Building over £2m, Craftmanship Award and the David Mackay Award for Engineering and Sustainability (Highly Commended) at the CFCI 2023 Awards.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The project was delivered at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns. Despite this, we delivered meaningful social value through holding a topping out ceremony. We engaged with the local residents throughout, ensuring that meticulous road cleaning and strict noise control procedures were in place. We strengthened our collaborative approach with stakeholders, giving site tours every 3 months to the college’s catering and conference staff, ensuring that they were familiar with the building ahead of completion and held site tours for the local Architectural Society, as well as Cambridgeshire Planning Department.

“We have always found Barnes Construction’s approach to working within the student environment (and sensitive residents) to be understanding and compliant with College needs. On the very few occasions when a sub-contractor has overstepped in terms of time or noise, Barnes have been quick to respond. This is the third major project that Barnes have worked on since 2016 – two of them won through competitive tender. Barnes responds quickly to our demands and work with us and the architects to find solutions. I really do feel that they want us to be a satisfied customer and will go the extra mile to make sure that happens.”
Ms Deborah Griffin OBE, Bursar