The library provides much needed space for the display of in excess of 60,000 books, with an additional secure room housing special collections of rare and valuable manuscripts. The building also provides a number of flexible study areas equipped with permanent computer workstations and an extensive wireless network system facilitating the use of laptop computers. The north “stair-tower” conveys readers between the library floors and provides study alcoves at half-landing levels with varying views over the College; it culminates in the “nest” level where readers can enjoy panoramic views across Cambridge.

The library has been designed to significantly exceed Building Regulation requirements in terms of thermal performance and to subsequently reduce energy consumption levels. The building has been orientated with large north-facing windows and louvre screens maximising natural daylight whilst minimising solar gain. The passive design approach, with the objective to reduce the building’s environmental impact continues with the ventilation strategy. The heating/cooling requirements of the building are satisfied via a mechanical supply and extract ventilation system with treated air introduced into the occupied areas via the raised floor/s and a range of swirl diffusers. The comfort cooling requirements are provided by an adiabatic evaporator located in the main air handling unit. In principle, a fine mist of water is sprayed into the “warm” incoming/recirculated air stream causing the moisture to evaporate; the heat necessary for evaporation is removed from the air thus providing a net cooling effect which is subsequently implemented to offset the building’s internal, fabric and solar heat gains.

Extent of Mechanical Services:

• Incoming utilities – gas and water
• LPHW heating – low level / cill line radiators operating in conjunction with supply ventilation system.
• Comfort cooling via adiabatic “evaporative” cycle
• Balanced supply / extract ventilation systems – with tempered fresh air introduced via floor mounted swirl diffusers.
• DX reverse cycle heat pump units serving IT / Computer Rooms
• Domestic hot and cold-water services
• Automatic control systems

Extent of Electrical Services:

• Incoming utilities - electrical power
• General lighting and emergency lighting
• Electrical small power
• IT / data systems
• Fire alarm installation
• Door entry, CCTV and security systems
• Lightning protection
• Landscape lighting.