Summary
A modern glass side extension to an historic city centre church.
The Brief
Space: triple height volume with internal mezzanine areas connected to church at ground level.
Functions: church cafe; small shop; public toilets; office space.
Overview
This project was undertaken whilst our director, Sean Stanley, was working for Building Design Partnership (BDP) in Guildford.
He made this cutaway model to show the relationship between the existing historic fabric and the new café.
A Modern addition respects the Historic
This view from the street illustrates how modern extensions to listed buildings and other historic civic and ecclesiastical buildings ensures that the original building is still clearly legible.
We always look for ways to extend buildings that are appropriate for their context.
We have been involved in some very complex projects to Grade I listed buildings that have required very sensitive interventions. Generally these have been realised by utilising uncompromising contemporary detailing rather than replicating the original.
A pastiche repetition of an existing building style can appear lazy and weakens the language and integrity of the existing building.
