Cambridge University Centre

Cambridge University Centre, designed by Howell, Killick, Partridge and Amis (HKPA) in 1963 and completed in 1967 with structural engineers Samuely and Partners and William Sindall Ltd as the main contractor.

MATERIALS A pre-fabricated, 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.

PLAN The plan-form comprises a central space to the rear, double-height on the second and third floors with ranges to the west (known as riverside) and to the south.

EXTERIOR Four storeys in height, the architectural treatment on the west and south upper three storeys comprises vertically and horizontally emphasised modules with angled recesses between each bay. The bands of fenestration have replaced bronze-coloured metal frames and are set into the concrete. The west elevation of 4 bays has a ground floor constructed of purple-red brick and an off-centre projecting board-marked concrete turret housing the emergency stairs which lead to the (now closed) roof terraced complete with over-sailing parapet and concrete benches. The recessed main entrance to the right (south) of the turret leads to a vestibule. On the 3-bay south elevation, the upper three storeys are supported on columns allowing ground-floor parking and access to the plant area to the rear. On the 4-bay north elevation, the three eastern bays are constructed of concrete blockwork with the framing exposed, punctuated by ranges of clerestory windows in the two central bays. A later C20 projecting concrete stairwell demarcates the end of the stone cladding which wraps around the north-west corner.

INTERIOR The exposed framing represents a continuous architectural theme, reflected too in some of the interior details such as the bolted, lime-washed doors. The concrete frame is exposed throughout with expressed 'T' joints and freestanding columns to the outer walls that maintain the motif of chamfered recesses along the main facade and whose broad capitals support a double ring-beam. Access to the main stairs is from the vestibule. The 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 through a glazed screen. The layout centres on the main dining space to the rear, also with angled corners, with its pyramid timber-clad roof supported by steel and timber trusses, the kitchens being located on the floor levels below. The corridors to the south and west allow permeability at each level, accessing various common rooms, restaurants and meeting places. The common rooms have flexible partitioning set within the frame comprising folding limed timber screens with square panels.

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 26/02/2013