St. John's College

Mcw Architects Portugal Street Cgi Square

Mcw Architects St Johns College Butteryinside Square

St. John's CollegeSt. John's College2

For the past five years, we’ve been the trusted partner of St John's College, chosen through a competitive interview process for our innovative designs and local expertise. With the skills to balance historic building refurbishment and the provision of new facilities, we collaborate closely with the City Council and Historic England. Our projects prioritise the community’s needs and wellbeing and advance the College’s carbon reduction goals, enhancing both the heritage estate and its growth.

Projects
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1 Buttery Dining Room, Bar and Cafe
2 1-11 Portugal Street

1 Buttery Dining Room, Bar and Cafe

We refurbished the Grade I Listed Second Court building, adding a cafe, buttery dining room, and bar for the college community, while preserving significant historic features. Alongside specialist consultants, the Grade I Listed stone gate piers have been relocated and a dramatic new oak roof has been installed.

MCW have created a beautiful and inspiring environment for learning, living and connecting.”

Heather Hancock
Master of St John’s College

Mcw Architects St Johns College Section 1

Mcw Architects St Johns College Plan Drawing 1

2 1-11 Portugal Street

This is an exemplar retrofit of existing student accommodation in central Cambridge, which achieved AECB CarbonLite Retrofit Certification. Our plan improved thermal performance, reduced water consumption, generated energy, supported decarbonisation, and enhanced biodiversity. Sensitive extensions and redesigned external spaces upgraded and enriched the existing terrace building.