St. John’s College

Project Overview

We have completed the new Learning Resource Centre for St John’s College in Durham. The project includes a state of the art lecture room and seminar rooms together with a new library, offices and associated toilets and external space. The project is located at the end of a cul-de-sac at the end of a narrow wall that runs past the Cathedral which is in the UNESCO conservation area of Durham City. The new development is landlocked on three sides by other properties and can only be accessed via the front elevation.

Objectives

The project aimed to deliver a modern, fully equipped Learning Resource Centre with lecture rooms, seminar spaces, a library, offices, and associated facilities to support the educational needs of St John’s College, while respecting the constraints of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Scope of Works

• The college will be moving over 27,000 books into the new library over the coming weeks. Enabling works (demolition of existing building on the land locked site and archaeological investigations works) were being carried out by Owen Pugh as a client’s direct order unfortunately Owen Pugh went into administration and as such the enabling works completed by Colton – the stabilisation of an existing lime tree were to be undertaken by the enabling contractor but unfortunately, this was not carried out and as such the temporary works and earth stabilisation works associated with the lime tree affected the initial stages of the project.
• We were instructed to provide the temporary works associated with the lime tree and this resulted in quite a lengthy and detailed procedure to identify a safe way of carrying out these works.
• A waterproof concrete solution was developed for the lift pit / manholes / raft and retaining walls. Some of the retaining walls were formed using one sided shutters as the new LRC was landlocked on three sides and access was only available from the frontage of the development via a cul-de-sac. A new steel frame was installed on top of the raft to create a three storey structure which has been clad in ashlar stonework / new metal windows and new zinc roof coverings. Each floor is supported with extensive services and underfloor heating to create a controlled environment for the students using the new facility.

Challenges

The project was landlocked on three sides, limiting access for deliveries and construction. Temporary works associated with a lime tree required a detailed and lengthy procedure to ensure safety. The project also required careful coordination within a UNESCO World Heritage site to preserve its historic setting while constructing a modern facility.

Outcome

A project delivered through great teamwork from all parties involved in this UNESCO Durham World Heritage site, resulting in a modern, functional, and fully equipped Learning Resource Centre that will support the educational and research activities of St John’s College.