Hinsley Lane, St John’s College

St John’s College, Cambridge, set out to deliver new student accommodation – built to Passivhaus standards and fitting naturally into their historic, landscaped setting.

As project managers, we supported the scheme from the first conversations through to completion.

Managing complexity with expertise

The Passivhaus process demands precision, so we coordinated design and construction closely to make sure every detail met the required standards.

Our long experience with Cambridge’s collegiate estates – and with previous Passivhaus projects – meant we could offer clear, practical guidance where it mattered most.

The site sits close to archaeological remains, so we worked flexibly to balance those findings with modern performance. We developed sensitive layouts that respected the historic spine of the site. At the same time, the townhouse typology allowed the College to plan for the long term – a design that works today and adapts easily for the future.

Cambridge’s largest Passivhaus scheme

The completed development provides 245 high-quality study bedrooms across eight buildings, set within new landscaped courtyards. It is now the largest Passivhaus project in Cambridge, combining modern energy standards with a gentle, context-led response to its surroundings.

Setting new benchmarks for sustainable colleges

The Hinsley Lane project not only delivers much needed accommodation – it creates a place for students to live, study and connect. Thoughtful communal spaces and landscape design support wellbeing, while the highly efficient fabric ensures low energy use year-round.

By bringing together energy performance, sensitivity to place and long-term flexibility, the scheme strengthens St John’s environmental ambitions and shows how Passivhaus principles can scale with confidence to major academic developments.