Wolfson Flats

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: The Wolfson Building at Churchill College (University of Cambridge) was designed by David Roberts in 1967, and in 2010, 5th Studio - where Holbrook is Director - was commissioned to remodel the building into the centrepiece of a new graduate precinct for the college - a £3.4 million project. In 2011, it won the top award at the 3R (Refurb, Rethink, Retrofit) Awards. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 5th Studio remodelled 20 flats and 20 maisonettes in the three­storey structure postgraduate accommodation block, providing a 10 per cent increase in usable floor area. The project introduced a generosity to the flats to make them more suitable for contemporary needs, extending the available space while breaking down some of the cellular divisions, address failings in the building fabric, and improve the energy efficiency and comfort. The resulting redevelopment reduced annual carbon emissions, with the maisonettes consuming less electricity and flats running on less power. This project draws on Holbrook's ongoing design research in developing approaches to strategic thinking within conservation, environmental sustainability and complex regeneration projects. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The prestigious 3R Awards are backed by The Architects' Journal, Construction News and New Civil Engineer; it celebrates design, engineering and construction excellence that 'prolongs the active life of buildings and infrastructure, helping the lower energy/lower carbon agenda.' For this project, 5th Studio won both the large housing scheme category and the coveted Best Lower Carbon Building Project­ effectively the Award's 'best of the best' accolade.