Mount Pleasant Student Accommodation, St John's College

St John's College needed new postgraduate accommodation that balanced ambitious sustainability goals with one of the most constrained sites in Cambridge.

The Mount Pleasant development will provide 134 Passivhaus Plus student rooms while protecting the site's rich history and natural environment.

Understanding a complex site

We have provided project management services from the earliest stages, helping the College understand the opportunities and challenges across the site. This included commissioning BS5837 tree surveys covering more than 150 protected trees. The findings revealed that around 40% of the site fell within root protection zones, shaping the design from the outset.

Below ground, the site presented another challenge. A Roman road ran through the development, alongside an extensive Roman cemetery. Six months of archaeological investigations were built into the programme before construction could begin.

Three existing buildings occupied the site. Although each was assessed for retention, none could meet the College's sustainability ambitions or accommodation requirements. Bricks from the demolished buildings are now being reused within the new development, reducing waste while preserving part of the site's history.

Designing around constraints

With almost half the site affected by root protection zones, construction sequencing became critical.

Access was only possible from two points on the northern boundary, meaning the two south-eastern accommodation blocks had to be built first. Establishing the sequence early helped reduce programme risk and maintain access throughout construction.

Extensive root protection also influenced the engineering approach. Piled foundations replaced more conventional solutions, and we worked closely with the College to communicate the programme and cost implications early, allowing them to make informed decisions.

Coordinating drainage, power and data routes required the same level of care. By planning services around protected root zones from the outset, our team avoided unnecessary disruption during enabling works.

Built for the future

Passivhaus Plus certification set an ambitious benchmark from day one.

Thermal modelling looked ahead to 2080, assessing how the buildings would perform as temperatures continue to rise. The analysis showed that passive ventilation alone would not keep future students comfortable, leading to the inclusion of active cooling.

That solution also addressed another challenge. Located alongside Cambridge's busy ring road, the development will benefit from improved acoustic performance while maintaining comfortable living conditions.

Our team brought extensive experience of Passivhaus delivery and a strong understanding of Cambridge's planning environment, anticipating challenges early and keeping the project moving.

Creating homes for future generations

When complete, Mount Pleasant will provide 134 high-quality postgraduate rooms across six low-rise buildings, designed to Passivhaus Plus standards.

The development shows how thoughtful planning, sustainable design and practical project management can unlock even the most challenging sites. By protecting the site's heritage, retaining its mature landscape and creating accommodation built to perform for decades to come, the project will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of students.