Dining Hall, Homerton College, Cambridge

Cambridge, Eastern

Homerton College’s new dining hall is a bold, sustainable structure and a pivotal addition to the college campus. It significantly improves the experience for students, staff, and visitors while embodying Homerton's progressive ethos and inclusive values. The design speaks volumes about the college's commitment to defining its identity within the University of Cambridge. The building’s elevated form on a pigmented concrete plinth allows for wide openings, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including ancient meadows and mature trees. The use of sweet chestnut glulam timber in the construction, along with traditional carpentry joints and oak pegs, contributes to the building’s warm and inviting atmosphere. This careful choice of materials, combined with rich details like brass accents and terrazzo flooring, enhances the sensory experience within the space, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Homerton College set ambitious goals to create a building with a minimal environmental footprint, and the dining hall exceeds expectations in this regard. The building’s low-tech design minimises energy consumption, and features such as ground-source heat pumps and passively ventilated spaces ensure efficiency. The building’s orientation optimises natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting, while the use of biophilic design and green roofs enhances the connection to nature, boosting the wellbeing of users. The careful selection of materials with low embodied carbon and the focus on reducing steel use demonstrate a commitment to sustainability in both construction and operation. Access and inclusion are integral to the design, making the building a welcoming space for everyone. The open kitchen concept fosters a sense of equality and openness which aligns with the college’s mission to break down societal divisions, exemplified by the dining hall’s role in hosting public events. The dining hall has become more than just a place to eat; it is a space for socialising, collaborative working, and quiet study, offering diverse environments that cater to various needs, including those with neurodiverse requirements. The building’s careful attention to accessibility ensures that everyone, including those with mobility challenges, can easily navigate the space.