A major refurbishment project has been completed at one of Cambridge University’s most historic buildings.
The Downing Site building, renowned for science, is home to the department for genetics and underwent extensive work to provide accommodation for the university’s expanded computational biology programme.
SDC Ltd. were the successful tendering contractor for the project, and they appointed Ingleton Wood Martindales to provide post-tender architectural and structural services for the refurbishment project.
Ian Morrison, Senior Associate and Architect at Ingleton Wood’s Cambridge office, said: “Working on this project was a great challenge for the team and required a close working relationship with the contractor to turn the client’s requirements into reality within the constraints of working with such an historic building.”
The project involved the refurbishment of the existing library as well as developing the building accommodation to provide four new offices, 30 open-plan workstations and a new refurbished library.
Ian continued: “We achieved additional floor space through the removal of one of the building’s old staircases and were able to knock through on the second floor of the premises to connect to the building’s primary circulation and staircase.”
A spokesperson for the University of Cambridge praised the results: “The department will really benefit from this new space with our staff and students now able to take advantage of the expanded facilities on offer to them. The bespoke fitted oak furniture has created a really impressive setting.”