Arup Building starting on site

Nicholas Hare Architects are leading the design team for the extensive refurbishment and remodelling of the Arup Building for the University of Cambridge, which has now started on site. The building will reopen in its new form in 2015, and will house the Museum of Zoology and the recently launched Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI).

The retention of the building is the first step in developing an exemplary approach to carbon management. The existing building is one of the worst performers in energy terms in the University estate, and the primary aim in making it more energy efficient is to reduce radically its carbon footprint and running costs. The high ambitions for the project led to the development of a bespoke wide-ranging Sustainability Plan. This is monitored by the Sustainability Group of client, users and design team, who will oversee the Soft Landings targets and ensure the sustainable occupation of the building in its next phase of life.

'The refurbishment of a fine example of 1960s architectural brutalism will demonstrate the highest levels of environmental sustainability and be an exemplar of how to enrich and conserve biodiversity in an urban setting'
Cambridge Conservation Initiative