Six projects shortlisted for the Pineapples!

Our Passivhaus student accommodation project for the University of Cambridge has been named among the projects shortlisted for the RIBA Journal's MacEwen Award – celebrating architecture for the common good.
Lucy Cavendish College is one of just 12 projects from across the UK to make the shortlist for the prestigious award. Our projects Wentworth Woodhouse Camellia House in Rotherham and Cockpit Arts in Deptford were also named in the 30-strong longlist released in December.
The RIBA Journal MacEwen Award was launched in 2016 to discover and celebrate architecture with a greater purpose – responsible architecture that acts in the wider interest, whether that be to create a sense of place, engage with local issues, or tackle global challenges.
Lucy Cavendish College is a student accommodation project that prioritises student wellbeing and accessibility. Clear, easily navigable circulation routes are provided inside and out, with level access across the site and sufficient space for people with diverse abilities to move freely. Inside, enhanced accommodation bedrooms – two with adjoining carer rooms – ensure equal access for all. The design also incorporates sufficient flexibility to accommodate a variety of physical, cognitive and learning needs, and is future-proofed to cater for evolving technologies.
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Working alongside RH Partnership Architects, we provided MEP, sustainability, Passivhaus and acoustics services for the project. The highly insulated building reduces energy needs for heating or cooling. Carefully-designed windows provide plenty of daylight in each room, making the study bedrooms comfortable spaces to use throughout the day and academic year, without risking overheating. We supported the development of an overall sustainability vision for the college which takes a holistic approach, reducing energy use, encouraging responsible use of materials, supporting biodiversity, and reducing water use.
The building uses electricity as its fuel source, with air-source heat pumps for both domestic hot water and space heating. Indoor air quality is managed through mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and summer comfort through natural ventilation. In addition to delivering low operational energy, the primary structure of the building is cross-laminated timber, limiting its embodied energy.
The RIBA Journal described the project as the 'much-needed, inclusive and sustainable heart' of the College.
"This pioneering approach to accessibility and sustainability in higher education has been achieved in consultation with health and welfare charity Leonard Cheshire, and with stakeholders including students. The result helps to extend the opportunity for a world-class education beyond a privileged few, improving social inclusivity, nurturing the potential of under-represented students, and unlocking their aspirations to achieve positive impacts across society."