The Cripps Building scoops two regional awards in annual architectural competition

The Cripps Building at St John’s has won two Awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in recognition of its architectural excellence and contribution to society.

The Cripps Building has received a A RIBA East Award and a special RIBA East Conservation Award following a ceremony at St John’s College on Thursday.

Cripps was opened in 1967 and provides 199 bedrooms for undergraduates and nine apartments for Fellows.

The building was on the cutting edge of modern architectural design when it was first constructed, but by 2007 it was in need of refurbishment. The task was taken on by RH Partnership Architects, Cambridge, who worked to reinvigorate the Cambridge icon between 2007- 2014.

Work included replacing the flat roofs, upgrading all the heating systems, concrete repairs, non-abrasive cleaning of the external faces and the total re-servicing of all the rooms.

The project was managed and overseen by the College's maintenance department.

Steve Beeby, Superintendent of Buildings at St John's College said: "I am delighted the work on Cripps has been recognised in this way, the award represents an outstanding effort by the architects and my team".

The RIBA East Conservation Award, sponsored by Historic England, was awarded to Cripps because of the attention to detail visible in the restoration which maintained and conserved the building’s classic style.

In total, 12 buildings in the East of England were given awards at the ceremony, which was hosted by RIBA Chief Executive Alan Vallance and RIBA East Awards jury Chairman Peter Williams.