A University of Cambridge College clad in the floorboards of an old French goods train has won an award in recognition of its architectural excellence.
Churchill College’s newest student accommodation, Cowan Court, has been awarded a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East of England award. The Combined Colleges Boathouse and University of Cambridge Primary School were also among the 17 regional winners whittled down from a 31-strong shortlist.
The judging jury, which recognises buildings for their architectural excellence and contribution to society, said Cowan Court was a “bold and extremely well thought through” contemporary interpretation of the original design of Churchill College. Once likened to 'a secluded garden treehouse' by The Guardian, the court’s distinctive rugged appearance is thanks to cladding made from the floorboards of an old French goods train.
Each of the 70 undergraduate rooms are furnished with a fitted wardrobe, bed, chair, desk, bookcase, coffee table and armchair.
Cowan Court is named after its major benefactor and Churchill alumnus Michael Cowan (1970)
The boathouse was described by judges as a commendably straightforward building designed and executed in an elegant and beautiful way.
They added: “Overall this is well conceived and delightful addition to the River Cam’s frontage for what is a very simple building type but which, in this case, has been elevated into something special.“
The boathouse houses crews from Churchill College, King’s College, Selwyn College and the Leys School. Its clever architectural homages to rowing – from pillar bases shaped like oars to V-shaped steel structures reminiscent of the pattern blades form in the water – helped secure the building an award.
Judges praised the primary’s school’s “clear sense of place”. They added: “Considerable research went into the development of this primary school, taking best practice from across the globe on teaching methods since it is also a training school. It is an ambitious project and staff are clearly proud and delighted with the resultant building.”