Engine Shed, University of Northampton
Sustainable rescue and repair of railway heritage
In collaboration with MCW, the transformation of this dilapidated Victorian engine shed into a functional, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ space for the University of Northampton’s Student Union is a testament to the power of conservation-led design.
Despite significant dereliction and the loss of much original fabric, the project carefully preserved the building’s industrial and railway heritage while sensitively adapting it for contemporary use.
Roof and structure
The original slate roof had been replaced by asbestos cement, and much of it was missing. Historic photographs confirmed the use of slate across the shed and adjoining office, leading to the reinstatement of a traditional Welsh slate roof over both old and new structures.
Historic timber and iron trusses, weathered and fire-damaged, were carefully tested, recorded, removed, and repaired off-site before being reinstated. Where trusses had been lost, new ones were introduced using a deliberately modern design in timber and stainless steel—highlighting the evolution of the building.
Windows and walls
The original cast iron arched windows were in a perilous state, with no surviving historic glass. Each window was documented, removed, cleaned, and repaired before being reinstated with new laminated single glazing.
Internally, breathable insulation and lime plaster were used to line external walls, enhancing comfort while preserving the building’s fabric. Two bays were left unlined to reveal the original masonry rhythm, which was echoed in the new finishes to maintain legibility of the historic form.
Floors, tracks, and sustainability
A new floor slab was installed using lime-based construction at the perimeter to maintain breathability. The original brick floor was salvaged from beneath layers of debris and re-laid at the entrance using lime bedding and mortar. Historic railway tracks were reinstated flush with the new floor, providing a tangible and visible connection to the site’s industrial origins.
To meet modern performance standards without compromising the historic structure, a mechanically assisted natural ventilation system was introduced. Fresh air is drawn through louvres in the reinstated historic ventilator lantern, providing effective environmental control while avoiding the need for invasive ductwork or plant equipment.
The Engine Shed, before and after
Details
- Client University of Northampton
- Team Cambridge Studio, MCW
- Location Northampton
- Country United Kingdom
- Photography MCW
Awards
- National Railway Heritage Award Won 2020
- AJ Retrofit Award: Higher and Further Education Won 2019
- Association for Industrial Archaeology: Best Creative Re-Use of a Building Won 2019
