Cambridge University Centre

The Cambridge University Centre, designed by Howell, Killick, Partridge and Amis (HKPA) and completed in 1967, is a significant example of 1960s Brutalist architecture. Samuely and Partners were the structural engineers, and William Sindall Ltd were the main contractors.

The building is a prefabricated, concrete-framed structure with distinctive Portland stone cladding on the upper three storeys of the west and south elevations, attached with exposed stainless steel rods, washers, and domed bolts. The plan comprises a central, double-height space to the rear, with ranges extending to the west (riverside) and south.

The building is four storeys high. The upper three storeys of the west and south elevations feature vertically and horizontally emphasised modules with angled recesses between bays. The window frames have been replaced with metal frames set into the concrete. The west elevation has a ground floor of purple-red brick and a projecting, board-marked concrete turret, off-centre, housing the emergency stairs that lead to the now-closed roof terrace, complete with an over-sailing parapet and concrete benches. The main recessed entrance is to the right (south) of the turret, leading to a vestibule. On the south elevation, the upper three storeys are supported on columns, allowing ground-floor parking and access to the plant area at the rear. The north elevation incorporates concrete blockwork with exposed framing, punctuated by ranges of clerestory windows in the two central bays. A later 20th-century projecting concrete stairwell marks the end of the stone cladding, which wraps around the north-west corner.

The interior maintains a continuous architectural theme with exposed concrete framing, 'T' joints, and freestanding columns. Chamfered recesses along the main facade are echoed in broad capitals which support a double ring-beam. An open-tread staircase, set around paired columns with a thick timber handrail and lead-covered treads, rises through the height of the building and overlooks the dining room on the second and third floors via a glazed screen. The main dining space, with angled corners and a pyramid timber-clad roof supported by steel and timber trusses, is located at the rear. The kitchens are situated on the floors below. Corridors on the south and west sides provide access to various common rooms, restaurants, and meeting places, many featuring flexible partitioning consisting of folding, limed timber screens with square panels. Bolted, lime-washed doors further enhance the architectural theme.