Magdalene College New Library, University of Cambridge

One of the biggest challenges was controlling the conditions in the library’s archive which we designed as a passive space, not relying on energy intensive climate control systems. Placed in the centre of the ground floor, thermal mass provides temperature stability in the space. The walls and ceiling are made from concrete, and the concrete floor covers an earthen base.

To ensure humidity levels were within an acceptable range for the archive, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system and dehumidifier was incorporated into the design.

During the 2022 summer heatwave, the naturally ventilated building remained comfortable for its users (peaking at 25°C on the ground floor, in comparison to the 40°C outside) and the passive archive maintained a stable temperature throughout, and not exceeding the 21°C required to conserve the archive’s collections. 

We designed the lighting to minimise energy use and provide emphasis and focus on the bookshelves and working plane. Reducing light spill and obtrusive light was also key to reduce impact on the surrounding historic gardens. 

We chose pendants to provide a decorative feature that catch the sunlight as well as offering a source of directed light. We worked with the lighting manufacturer to get exactly the right optics and light sources to create a uniform level of lighting from a minimum number of pendants and downlights. Bookshelf-mounted lighting was used to illuminate the bookshelves around the perimeter of the spaces, helping define the area and make it easy to navigate around. Task lights with simple switch controls allowed us to provide higher light levels on the desks when needed. 

External lighting was kept to a functional minimum; lighting just the path, entrance and the facade along the terrace to aid orientation and navigation while allowing the new building interior to remain the centre of attention. The facade uplighting is to be switched off after curfew to minimise light pollution.

The New Library is naturally ventilated by 11 brick chimneys, which rise above the roofline to exhaust warm air from the library interior. Fresh air is drawn in through ventilation flaps by the window seats. Side windows can be opened by students and staff, maintain the connection with outside, while roof lights at the top of the chimneys open automatically depending on CO₂ levels in the winter and temperature in the summer.

We used acoustic absorption behind the bespoke slatted timber to provide reverberation control which fits seamlessly with the overall architectural vision of the brick and timber building, balancing echo and softness to create the optimum atmosphere for study. 

To avoid excess noise from footfall on the timber floor, the surface is built on natural rubber isolators, providing excellent impact noise control and a robust feel to the walking surface. Detailed noise modelling showed that rooms would have noise levels that are appropriate for peaceful study, despite the main road to the north.