The accommodation is made up of several buildings from different historic periods (Edwardian, Tudor and 1920s) linked at first floor level, with some areas Grade I and II Listed. The site’s location was challenging, situated in central Cambridge, above a parade of retail units, in a vehicle restricted area, with access through a single doorway and window at first floor level, however we opted for a collaborative approach to managing all the above, successfully delivering the project on time, to a high standard.

Methods of Refurbishment

• Acoustic and Fire upgrades using appropriate plasterboard systems
• Replacement door sets (including fire doors) and standardising sizes throughout
• Bespoke fire stopping details to partition between historic timber frames, and the reinforced concrete 1920s frame.
• Waterproofing of basements to house new M&E Equipment
• Installed new energy efficient heating and cooling systems, new ASHP and Photovoltaic Array
• New decorating and finishes throughout

Supporting Early Careers
We support and endorse “earn and learn” opportunities across our business. As well as supporting our own management trainees, we regularly partner with our supply chain to support them in hiring apprentices. The Spalding Hostel project supported multiple early careers – two of our own trainees, as well as 5 apprentices, across various trades including carpenters, electricians, and mechanical engineers. Additionally, we worked with Cambridge based scheme Future-IN, which provides pathways into construction for students from deprived backgrounds. Our Construction Maintenance Student gained 6months of learning, where he spent time with multiple trades, learning new skills to assist his career.

“Barnes have once again excelled in delivering, on time, a top quality refurbishment of a student hostel. The project was not without its complications, being a mix of eclectic buildings ranging from Edwardian to Tudor and Graded. The work required flexibility in responding to changes to the design, as unforeseens became apparent, and Barnes on each occasion took the additional work in their stride. Productive monthly meetings were held, and Barnes were transparent in looking forward and at early stages indicating forthcoming challenges, invariably suggesting alternative approaches to maintain the programme. The quality was excellent, with the project team and Barnes aiming high with respect to sustainability and thermal improvements to the old buildings, with the addition of alternatives to fossil fuels being installed. I have again been most impressed with the can-do attitude and approach, and look forward to working with Barnes in the future.”
Philip Isaac, Bursar, King’s College