Combining cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship, the new River Wing at Clare College is an oak-framed extension to Cambridge’s second-oldest college.

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The new wing complements and updates the existing court building by providing improved walkways, galleries, a lift and staircase, along with a riverside café for students and faculty. Rising from a narrow wedge of land between the Old Court building and its neighbouring Trinity College, the River Wing is a masterpiece in skilful design and off-site manufacturing.

 

The intricate oak glulam structural frame makes maximal use of all available space and daylight, while CLT is used for the floors and a 3-storey lift shaft. To streamline installation on such a constrained site, large timber elements were preassembled in our factory before being precisely pieced together on-site.

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The building’s beautiful finish is a testament to significant design, detailing and coordination, including the creation of 525 individual structural connection details which draw on traditional carpentry joints, such as dovetails and mortices, resulting in a startlingly low amount of steelwork