Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi College, one of Cambridge’s oldest colleges, commissioned NBJ to deliver the specialist joinery for the Taylor Library, a replacement of the main College library. Architect Wright & Wright designed the Library interior as though it was a series of giant, elegantly crafted pieces of oak furniture, deliberately pulled back from the external wall so that new and old are clearly distinguishable.  Readers’ seats are concealed behind bookcases and some contained within framed balconies resembling look-out towers, reminiscent of the famous fifteenth century painting of St Jerome in his study by Antonello da Messina.  Ellis Woodman of The Architecture Foundation, cited Ruskin’s edict in their review of the project, “when we build, let us think that we build forever”, as a sentiment close to the heart of the design and construction of the building, remarking that “One suspects that in another six centuries, students at Corpus will still be able to enjoy much of the […] work” delivered on this project. 

Following the completion of the project, we were delighted that our work was recognised at the Wood Awards 2008, securing a win in its category for the use of timber panelling to form the oak clad balconies.