College Projects

Frankopan Hall Conference Facilities: Jesus College, Cambridge

Client: The Master and Fellows of Jesus College, Cambridge
DB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

Phase 1A of Jesus College’s West Court project comprises the refurbishment of the original Wesley House development. Re-acquired by Jesus College from Wesley Theological College, the Rank Building (renamed in part as the Frankopan Hall) has been transformed to provide a state-of-the-art 180 seat auditorium in which to host esteemed conferences, lectures and stage performances. The fully automated retractable seating arrangement folds away into self-closing oak panels, cleverly designed to provide seamless uninterrupted wall lines.

DB&P worked closely with the College’s representatives and Architect via a series of workshops to establish a comprehensive and definitive brief for the conference facilities; the design of the audio visual (AV) and recording facilities being of key importance to the College. The associated recording studio supports a high definition multimedia projector, a 4m x 2.5m projection screen and 6m x 3.5m video wall; complete with integrated stage lighting and professional surround sound system.

The transference of extraneous noise to the auditorium was of major concern; with the maximum resultant back-ground noise level set at NR20, the design and construction of the structure to the adjacent areas was meticulously planned. A similar approach was taken with the motive mechanical services with only extremely quiet equipment specified, all supports designed to incorporate antivibration measures, pipework and ductwork services acoustically insulated.

Despite the diverse applications of the auditorium, with typical use ranging from small / personal presentations to full-house / public performances, the internal air quality and room temperatures are controlled in the first instance by passive means (for circa 85% of the occupied period) with the mechanical heating, cooling and ventilation systems only operating in extreme conditions.

Extent of Mechanical Services:

  • Reverse cycle air source heat pumps providing heating and cooling facilities
  • Natural / passive ventilation via Monodraught “Windcatchers” – designed to reduce overheating at source.
  • Dedicated supply AHU providing filtered, cooled and tempered fresh air – designed to support / maintain critical air quality levels and internal temperatures throughout the year.
  • Automatic control systems

Extent of Electrical Services:

  • Specialist audio visual systems, including dedicated recording studio
  • Stage lighting and themed “mood” lighting facilities
  • General lighting and emergency lighting
  • Electrical small power
  • Door entry, CCTV and security systems
  • Fire alarm installation

Cookie Notice

This website uses cookies that are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. By accepting this OR scrolling this page OR continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Notice. Learn more about Cookies in our Cookie Notice.


Copyright © 2011 David Bedwell Limited.
Designed By Software Major.