Not many people will get to tour King's College Chapel roof space inside and out! Thank you David Adamson for his time and knowledge and thank you to the Cambridge Association of Architects for arranging this, including Patricia Forero!
Most people are aware of the controversy over the installation of photo voltaic panels on the chapel's roof. I too was concerned about it setting a potentially dangerous precedent. However, once you are up there, you can easily see that the level of harm from any visual impact or glare is minimal at best. It just goes to prove that you should not judge a proposal until you have visited the site and seen it in its context.
It is clear to see that the large parapet masks the PV panels from views and lessens their visual impact.
The PV panels are set far back from the front facade of the building.
View looking to the rear elevation of the building facing into the College grounds.
I am not sure if planning and conservation officers went up there though!
I do wonder if the 'bang for buck' is really there on solar power. The information shared by Max Fordham states that, 'The new panels, combined with existing panels installed on the Wilkins Building and Old Garden Hostel student accommodation, will meet the chapel’s energy requirements and reduce the annual electricity demand of the college’s main site by approximately 6%, reducing the college’s reliance on the National Grid.'
What percentage are they aiming for when the new panels are included with the existing ones? Plus, I know that storing the energy can be an issue as well. Perhaps those more in the know can shed light (pun intended) on the subject.
I am sure many of you have been to see this amazing building, but there are a few extra photos of the building and interior. The images within the roof space are above the vaulted ceiling and below the timbers. There is one of a very interesting looking door lock as well. Enjoy!
Inside of the Chapel, note the fan vaulted ceiling above which we were able to stand on top of in the roof space.
Narrow corridor used to access the roof space once you ascend up a narrow winding spiral staircase.
View from within the roof space, notice the timber frame and structure, and the vaulted ceiling at the bottom.
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