Erasmus building, Queens' College
Cambridge, 2025
The Erasmus Building at Queens’ College was the first Modernist building on the Backs. The design was developed by Sir Basil Spence from about 1957; construction started in 1959 and the building was first occupied in 1960. HWM was invited to comprehensively refurbish and decarbonise the building, bringing it up to contemporary standards while respecting its architectural significance.
The developed brief focused on four core objectives: improving energy efficiency and sustainability in line with the College’s wider decarbonisation programme; enhancing accessibility; upgrading fire safety; and undertaking a full internal refurbishment, including new en suite facilities, kitchens (gyps), finishes and bespoke furniture.
Thermally, the building performed poorly prior to intervention, typical of its era. The uninsulated masonry walls and concrete roof, single-glazed aluminium windows, and gas-fired heating resulted in cold winter conditions and significant summer overheating. The decarbonisation strategy therefore prioritised sensitive upgrades to the building envelope, including new wall and roof insulation and the installation of high-performance triple-glazed windows that closely replicate the original proportions and sliding arrangements. Adjustable solar shading and reduced window sizes on south- and west-facing elevations help mitigate overheating, while a whole-building MVHR system improves ventilation efficiency.
The flat roof was utilised to accommodate air source heat pumps, enabling the building to meet its own heating and hot water demands and potentially contribute to nearby buildings in future. Together, these measures are projected to reduce operational carbon emissions by over 90%, with post-occupancy monitoring currently underway.
Accessibility improvements included the insertion of a lift and new ground-floor lobby, enabling the creation of an adaptable, wheelchair-accessible student room with bespoke furniture. Additional accessible toilets were introduced near communal spaces, and circulation routes were improved to allow for future adaptability.
Photos by Richard Fraser
Throughout, the refurbishment sought to balance performance-led upgrades with respect for Spence’s original design intent. Original hardwood floors were retained and refurbished where possible, contemporary furniture was carefully designed and fabricated in durable laminated bamboo, and high-quality reused furniture was specified in place of lower-grade new alternatives. Close collaboration between the locally based design and construction team was essential in responding sensitively to the building’s fabric as it was revealed, ensuring a coherent and considered outcome for this important Modernist landmark.
