New Library for Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge

The new Library & IT Centre at Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge, extends the east wing of the 1959 Denys Lasdun College masterplan creating a place for study that reflects the peaceful landscape, respecting and enhancing the adjacent architecture.

The structure is an in-situ concrete frame with flat slabs forming the complex floor shapes and cantilevers necessitating extensive use of finite element analysis. A contiguous piled basement houses the IT Centre in which waterproof concrete was used.

Extraordinary care and workmanship was demonstrated by the whole design and construction team on this £5m project.

Client: Fitzwilliam College

D&B Contractor: Kier Marriott

Architect: Edward Cullinan

Civil and Structural Engineer: BCAL