The New Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge

Junckers solid hardwood flooring has been installed at The New Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge, an award-

winning new building by Niall McLaughlin Architects. An interior of cross-laminated timber and hardwood create a welcoming and modern study environment with interconnecting rooms and spaces.

The New Library at one of University of Cambridge’s oldest colleges provides a wide variety of resources, both print and digital, including books, journals, and reference works. There are more than 90 study spaces across three floors with a mix of individual desks, comfortable seating, and window seats.

The long-length Junckers’ 20.5mm Oak Boulevard Harmony plank flooring provides a warm and elegant backdrop, complementing the use of timber throughout the building. 

A series of brick columns echo the gabled buildings typical of the College’s architecture and carefully considered windows and roof lights provide plenty of natural light making the library a comfortable and inspiring place to study and work.

A solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a crevice-free surface which cannot harbour dust or mites. It is easy to keep clean and contributes to a healthy indoor climate, one of the RIBA’s targets in its 2030 Climate Challenge for architects. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure no harmful gasses are released into the room. Installing timber in an interior helps minimise static from electrical appliances and helps maintain an even temperature, an important consideration for a well-used library.

The New Library by Niall McLaughlin has won several awards including the Wood Awards Gold Award 2021, the Civic Trust Award 2022, and a RIBA East Regional Award 2022. The Times newspaper named The New Library one of the coolest new buildings of the year (2021).