Client: Magdalene College, University of Cambridge
Services: MEP Design | Sustainability Consultancy | Zero Carbon Strategy
Overview
QODA was appointed by Magdalene College, Cambridge to provide scope, survey, and detailed design information for the refurbishment of the Samuel Pepys Library—a world-renowned collection housing Samuel Pepys’s original diaries and one of the most significant private collections of books, manuscripts, and prints in existence.
This project forms part of a long-standing relationship with the College, where QODA has delivered multiple upgrades across student accommodation and academic buildings.
Project vision
The project at Magdalene College had a dual focus: first, to preserve and enhance the historic Samuel Pepys Library through sensitive engineering interventions that respect its architectural and cultural significance; and second, to develop a comprehensive sustainability roadmap for the wider College estate, aiming to achieve zero carbon by 2030. This strategy balances the need for heritage conservation with the integration of modern performance standards across both historic and ancillary buildings.
Key features
Heritage Sensitivity:
Careful integration of building services within a Grade I-listed environment.
Estate-Wide Sustainability Review:
- Extensive surveys of MEP systems and infrastructure.
- Energy load analysis to inform decarbonisation strategy.
Zero Carbon Strategy:
- Recommendations for low- and zero-carbon technologies.
- Development of a Sustainability Guide to embed Whole Life Carbon principles in all future projects.
QODA’s role
QODA delivered detailed MEP design input for the refurbishment of the Samuel Pepys Library, ensuring sensitive integration of modern systems within the historic building. Alongside this, we conducted comprehensive sustainability assessments across the wider Magdalene College estate, evaluating infrastructure performance and energy use to inform long-term carbon reduction strategies.
Working in collaboration with the Master Planning Architect, we also helped develop a Sustainability Guide to ensure future developments align with the College’s ambition to achieve zero carbon by 2030.
Impact
This project demonstrates how heritage preservation and sustainability can work hand-in-hand. By combining technical expertise with strategic planning, QODA is helping Magdalene College protect its historic assets while leading the way toward a net zero future.
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