William Stone Building

High above the Scholars’ Garden, a copper-clad sentinel watches over Peterhouse. This, my friends, is the William Stone Building. A unique structure in Cambridge, it’s the only tower-style student accommodation in the university. The William Stone Building was completed in 1964. Its design, by Leslie Martin and Colin St John Wilson, was influenced by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The building’s staggered, eight-story form stands tall, a striking contrast to the traditional architecture of Peterhouse. Funded by a bequest from William Stone, a former member of the college, the building originally cost £100,000. Imagine the view from the top floors! The horizontal strip windows, a key feature of the design, offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. These views initially caused some privacy issues, as residents could see into each other’s rooms. The design was later modified to address this. The William Stone Building was listed as a Grade II building in March 1993. The listing describes its buff brick and copper cladding, as well as its distinctive staircase and lift tower rising above the roofline. In 2007, the building underwent refurbishment, including the installation of solar panels. This demonstrates Peterhouse’s commitment to sustainability. The William Stone Building stands as a testament to modern architecture within a historic setting. It represents a unique chapter in the story of Peterhouse and the University of Cambridge.