The Dorothy Garrod Building, Newnham College
Details
Location - Cambridge, Great Britain
Architect - Walters & Cohen Architects
Brickwork Contractor - Caxton Brickwork/SDC Builders Ltd
Brick - Sidgwick Blend, bespoke blended mix
About the project
The new building knits itself among those designed by Basil Champneys 100 years earlier and creates a new frontage for the College on Sidgwick Avenue. The rational, elegant design balances solidity with transparency: generous glazing alternates with full-height brickwork panels where a ‘hit-and-miss’ element weaves seamlessly into the texture, detail and interest of the elevation. Particular attention was paid to the brick facades of the other buildings at Newnham, looking at the mortar and bonding, the colours, textures, rhythm, articulation, decoration and other details that make this site unique.
Adopting the Arts and Crafts tenet of ‘truth to materials’, the contemporary hit-and-miss detail in handmade brick complements but never mimics the Champneys buildings. The success of the facade relies on the detail of the design, quality materials, and highly skilled craftsmanship.
Sponsored by Wincanton
Wincanton, the largest British logistics company, provides innovative and market-leading supply chain consultancy and solutions to some of the world’s most recognisable brands. It employs approximately 17,500 people across more than 200 sites and has a 3,400-strong fleet of vehicles.
Wincanton’s construction logistics service has built a reputation for being able to provide truly transformational services to the construction industry.
As recognised experts in the transportation of building materials for all types of construction projects we can provide solutions that deliver the flexibility and scalability required to react quickly to changes in customer demand.
