Clare College

Project Info

Combining cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship, the new River Wing at Clare College is an oak-framed extension to Cambridge’s second-oldest college.

The new wing complements and updates the existing court building by providing improved walkways, galleries, a lift and staircase, along with a riverside café for students and faculty.

Rising from a narrow wedge of land between the Old Court building and its neighbouring Trinity College, the River Wing is a masterpiece in skilful design and off-site manufacturing. The intricate oak glulam structural frame makes maximal use of all available space and daylight, while CLT is used for the floors and a 3-storey liftshaft. To streamline installation on such a constrained site, large timber elements were preassembled in a factory before being precisely pieced together on-site.

The building’s beautiful finish is a testament to significant design detailing and coordination, including the creation of 525 individual structural connection details. Timber connections draw on traditional carpentry joints, such as dovetails and mortices, resulting in a startlingly low amount of steelwork.

Other credits: 

Services & Acoustics Engineer: Max Fordham LLP