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Historic buildings have been renovated and new low-carbon homes created as part of a major postgraduate accommodation programme at St John’s College.

The three developments have exceptionally high sustainability credentials and are an important milestone in the College’s long-term plan to modernise and decarbonise student housing.

One of the new projects is the largest student scheme in Cambridge built to Passivhaus standards – a rigorous international benchmark for buildings that require very little energy for heating or cooling.

Alison Cox, Domestic Bursar and Fellow of St John’s, said: “We are delighted to offer beautiful, well-equipped and comfortable homes that support academic life and build a close-knit graduate community.

“These schemes also reflect the changing needs of modern postgraduate life by providing additional high-quality accommodation for couples and families. The projects all use efficient electric heating and ultra-low-energy design, marking a significant step in the decarbonisation of the College’s estate.”

St John’s is one of the largest Cambridge colleges and aims to offer accommodation to all of its 400-plus postgraduate ���ճԹ�, while also guaranteeing housing for its undergraduates.

More than 100 postgraduate ���ճԹ� have now moved into renovated heritage buildings in Portugal Street and Madingley Road, as well as into the newly-built Hinsley Lane development off nearby Wilberforce Road. All of the properties are within walking distance of the main College site.

The schemes have been designed to increase capacity, improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and cut the carbon footprint of the College estate.

Renovated heritage homes

On Portugal Street, six 19th century period houses within a conservation area have been upgraded to create 43 student rooms with shared living areas and outdoor communal space.

New large kitchen and living spaces open into the garden and the number shower facilities has been increased. The houses are accessible to visitors with disabilities.

The refurbishment has decarbonised the buildings whilst preserving the character of the historic street, discreet sustainability measures such as solar panels, enhanced insulation and green sedum roofs have been added.

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On Madingley Road, two Grade II-listed properties have been converted to offer nine self-contained flats suitable for ���ճԹ� living with a partner or family. As the houses are listed, only minor alterations have been made to the existing building fabric and historic features have been enhanced.  

The late 19th and early 20th century homes have had all fossil fuels removed, with heating and hot water now supplied by air source heat pumps. All windows are secondary-glazed or have been replaced, and additional insulation has been installed to reduce heat loss and noise. The picturesque-shared courtyard has new paving and planting to lift the shared outdoor space.

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Cambridge’s largest Passivhaus student development

A new development at Hinsley Lane, next to the University Sports Ground, provides 245 rooms in 39 townhouses, 60 of which are occupied by St John’s ���ճԹ�, the remaining rooms are rented by two other Colleges.

Built to Passivhaus standards, the homes maintain stable indoor temperatures using a fraction of the power of conventional housing.

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Ongoing investment in postgraduate living

All College-owned rooms are furnished and include utility bills, high-speed internet, kitchens and free laundry facilities. Further low-carbon and Passivhaus projects are scheduled to open in the coming years to expand and enhance sustainable postgraduate accommodation at St John’s.

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Student accommodation at St John’s

Postgraduate life at St John’s

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