Major award for library roof restoration

A landmark project to restore and protect the distinctive barrel-vaulted roof crowning the College’s modernist Rosemary Murray Library has been recognised with a prestigious national award. 

The complex refurbishment, carried out within strict building regulations imposed by the College estate’s 2* listed status, revived the striking beauty of the roof, whose design is unique in the UK. The works will also ensure the library will remain warm and dry for decades to come. 

The restoration was named 2026 Project of the Year in its category in awards run by the Liquid Roofing and Water Proofing Association (LRWP), triumphing over four other shortlisted schemes. Liquid roofing, which involves applying a waterproof coating rather than traditional felt, is particularly suited to buildings with unusual or challenging shapes. 

The Rosemary Murray Library, with its long concrete barrel vault echoing the flowing lines of the Dome dining hall, is a masterpiece of mid-century modernism and one of the College’s best-loved spaces. However, more than 60 years after it was built to the iconic design of architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, the roof had become damp, dirty and badly in need of repair. 

Works overseen by the College’s Head of Estates, Calvin Kemp, and Bursar Rob Hopwood were carried out during the summer and early autumn of 2025. The Library remained open to students and other users throughout. 

Warmth and energy efficiency

Initial investigations revealed that not only was the concrete cracked, stained and pitted with holes but the original insulation underneath was saturated by rain and required replacing, extending the scope of the project. The College required the new roof to deliver modern standards of warmth and energy efficiency, stipulating the building be decarbonised to support its wider commitment to environmental sustainability. 

Adding to the challenge were the constraints of the building’s listed status, which required the restored roof to match its original profile exactly and prohibited the use of modern mechanical fixings on the concrete barrel. 

Working to the specifications of project managers Watts, contractors Millane stripped away original surface and insulation, taking the roof back to bare concrete. They then installed specially moulded insulation, applied a primer, and then coated the roof with waterproofing liquid (supplied by Westwood Liquid Technologies Ltd) using giant rollers. Finally, they added a stippled white finish precisely matching the original aesthetic. 

Calvin said: “The complex design of the roof and the need to recreate the original look while meeting modern performance standards required bespoke solutions at every stage. We were innovating throughout – and it’s that determination to solve every problem while staying on time and under budget that has won us the award.” 

Before carrying out the work, the contractors even created a mock-up of the roof barrel so the team could practise achieving the required smooth, glass-like finish. 

The new roof, which is both visually striking and far more energy‑efficient, is expected to last at least 50 years. 

Second award shortlisting

The LRWA award, Liquid Roofing Project of the Year (Under 1000m²), is not the only recognition the £592,000 project has received. It has also been shortlisted for a National Federation of Roofing Contractors award in the Cold Applied Liquid Roofing category, with winners to be announced on 8 May. The Federation is the UK’s largest roofing trade association. 

Rob Hopwood said: “The library is one of the most architecturally significant parts of our estate. Its roof is literally one of a kind in the UK if not the world. This highly innovative roof repair represents the first of a series of phases which will revive and sustain our iconic library, while remaining true to its and our unique cultural heritage. 

“Phase II, a £1.1m refurbishment of the lower ground floor to create a bright and welcoming study space, has already begun in earnest. The library transformation as a whole forms part of a wider, exciting Estates strategy that, subject to funding, the College intends to deliver over the next decade or so. 

“We are therefore delighted that our first project has received national recognition. The work was complex and required expert and innovative input from several teams collaborating carefully. My grateful thanks go to all who helped deliver the project so well, from contractors Millane and Westwood to our Head of Estates, Calvin Kemp, and project manager Stuart Johnson and others. 

“No less grateful thanks are also due to the Wolfson Foundation and the many donors who so generously helped fund the project.”