Clare College

Outwardly, Clare College had remained largely unchanged since the mid-eighteenth century, when its much-interrupted rebuilding was finally completed; however, behind this appearance of continuity, change has been continuous. The compact site was almost fully built up, future change constrained by the listing of the buildings Grade I and the gardens Grade II. With the number of post-graduate researchers still increasing, further works were essential in order to maintain the central role of Old Court in the life of the college community.

One site remained, so constrained that its potential took some time to grasp: a narrow wedge of land between two brick garden walls, to the rear of the college. Here, as well as providing essential access, escape and catering improvements, we have built a new café beside the River Cam. Our design responds to the giant chimney stacks and grand windows of the seventeenth century building to make a coherent addition within the awkward left-over spaces. Building in this location is very challenging: the new structure has been made entirely in laminated oak, assembled on site like a ship in a bottle.

The new river room has a strong landscape character, with two largely glazed walls revealing creepers up the old garden wall and a trellis beside the river. The timber structure, earthy stone floor and good daylight make it warm and informal, a complement to the college’s formal hall. The tapering form has been used to form smaller bays within the larger room, offering intimacy in everyday use, but flexibility for events, supporting the college’s rich associational life.