Saturday, July 31st 2010

Church

Church projects offer specific challenges in crafting spaces that function well for often large numbers while maintaining a sense of intimacy and fellowship. Specific solutions will only come from a thorough understanding of the aims and culture of a specific congregation, which must be the starting point in developing a proposal. Several members of the Archangel team are actively involved in worshipping communities across a range of traditions, giving us an appropriate sensitivity in approaching these projects. We also have extensive conservation experience, which in many cases is a key consideration in modernising existing buildings for the evolving needs of the modern church.

Mill Road Baptist

new halls for old

The project for Mill Road Baptist Church provides a new community facility for this small but active church in central Cambridge. Some old meeting rooms, no longer fully fit for purpose were demolished and a new facility was created comprising a Vestry, Kitchen, large Hall, smaller meeting room, WCs and storage. Above this is a total of 14 one bed flats. The church retains the freehold of the property, with the developer taking control of the flats on a long lease; the new purpose-built community facility has thus been provide at nil cost to the church. The scheme was initially refused planning permission, but was approved on appeal. The scheme includes limited parking for church use only; the residential part contribute to a car share scheme.

St Thomas' Church

Islamabad

Designed in conjunction with local practice Suhail and Pasha, St Thomas' Church attempts to define an appropriate architectural language for a church in a predominantly Muslim society, and draws on the Mughul brickwork tradition. A large Hall sits under the church itself, accessed from the rear of this steeply sloping site, and a two storey house sits to the side dividing the site into two external spaces - a more formal entrance courtyard, and a lower and less formal sports and functions area.

Baptist Church

listed church refurbishment

Phase 1 works to the church are completed, comprising a new entrance and welcome area with large new doors into the church itself, and refurbishment of the coffee and lounge areas. Listed Building Consent has been gained for a reordering of the church itself, including a new floor with underfloor heating, the removal of most of the pews, a new dais and new lighting throughout.

Victorian Church

extension, mezzanine & reordering

This Victorian church will receive an extension to create new kitchens and cafe, new offices, and a mezzanine for Sunday School rooms. The floor of the entire church will be raised to provide level access, and some additional reordering will take place to create a new Creche facility.