Isn’t it remarkable how buildings can encapsulate history? Today we stand before the Bernard Sunley Building. It is part of St Catherine’s College in Oxford. The Bernard Sunley Building is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to modernist design and architectural innovation.
Let’s delve into the story of St Catherine’s College. Its roots trace back to 1868. A delegacy formed for unattached students. This allowed students to join the university without college fees. Initially, they occupied a single room. Students lived in affordable lodgings around Oxford.
By 1884, it was renamed the Delegacy for Non-Collegiate Students. Students desired an identifying name. The Boat Club started using St Catharine’s Club. The spelling changed later. In 1931, it officially became St Catherine’s Society.
Alan Bullock became Censor in 1952. He envisioned further development. In 1956, he gained approval to transform the society into a residential college.
In 1960, almost eight acres were acquired. Arne Jacobsen, a Danish architect, began his design. His modernist masterpiece became Oxford’s most important 20th-century collegiate building. It now holds Grade I listed status.
St Catherine’s College opened in 1962. Alan Bullock was its first Master. The initial undergraduates were called the “Dirty Thirty.” This was due to the lack of hot water. Harold Macmillan ceremonially opened the college in 1964. The college became one of the first to admit women in 1974.
The Bernard Sunley Building was completed in 1968. It finalized Jacobsen’s original design. The building showcases strong geometry. It quickly became one of the first five post-war buildings to achieve Grade I listed status.
The Bernard Sunley lecture theatre is unique. However, the seating needed refurbishment. The college faced challenges due to its listed status.
Unlike traditional quads, St Catherine’s isn’t closed off. Hedge-lined walks connect buildings. Jacobsen considered the garden integral to his design. The garden is now a Registered Garden.
Recently, all roofs at St Catherine’s College faced condemnation. This was due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete RAAC. The Jacobsen campus includes the kitchen and dining room. The library is here too. The Bernard Sunley Building houses a lecture theatre and meeting rooms.
The roofs were inspected after school RAAC roof collapses. The RAAC planks showed water staining and cracking. The college had to vacate the buildings.
Oxford Architects were engaged to fix the problem. A solution was needed that wouldn’t damage the heritage. Close collaboration was key.
The lightweight RAAC allowed smaller beams and columns. Retaining the existing load became a key design constraint. Concrete decks were ruled out due to their weight. Timber was dismissed due to insurance concerns.
A lightweight steel framing solution was selected. This is easy to install without a crane. The plan is to insulate the roof to cut energy use.
The roof height has increased over time. Insulation increases the height further. Historic England was consulted. They agreed that a reasonable balance had been met.
The Bernard Sunley Building stands as a testament to architectural vision. It reflects the college’s commitment to innovation and preservation. Its story intertwines with St Catherine’s rich history. This creates a legacy for future generations.