Sensitive transformation of historic subterranean spaces into an education facility, balancing structural integrity, archaeology preservation, and modern accessibility requirements.
Sensitive transformation of historic subterranean spaces into an education facility, balancing structural integrity, archaeology preservation, and modern accessibility requirements.
Located beneath Worcester Cathedral, the Undercroft project transformed a 12th-century former monastic refectory cellar into a fully accessible education centre. Previously unused and inaccessible, the listed space was carefully opened to the public for the first time, supporting the Cathedral’s long-standing commitment to learning and community engagement with a flexible venue for education, arts, and outreach.
Working within a sensitive heritage environment required a carefully considered structural approach. A modern brick vault, which had replaced a collapsed medieval section, was removed to facilitate new stair and lift access. The existing floor level was reduced by removing later concrete additions, replaced with breathable lime-crete to protect underlying archaeology. New shallow raft foundations were introduced to minimise ground disturbance. Throughout, repairs and stabilisation of the original vaulting were undertaken, ensuring long-term structural performance while preserving historic fabric.
The completed learning centre received multiple honours, including the 2022 RIBA West Midlands Awards for Building of the Year, Conservation, and Client of the Year, as well as a Civic Trust AABC Conservation Award. These accolades reflect the project’s success in delivering a carefully considered, light-touch intervention that has brought new life and purpose to a historically significant space.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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