ALL SAINTS CHURCH FLEET
REPAIR, REORDERING & EXTENSION
On 22nd June 2015 All Saints Church in Fleet was severely damaged by fire – the result of an arson attack. While the main brick structures remain intact, the roof and most of the interior was destroyed – a tragedy not just for the Church community, but for the wider population of the town. Designed by the famous Victorian architect William Burges, All Saints Church was one of the few buildings in Fleet with real architectural merit. Prior to the fire it had Grade II* listed status.
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Following the fire and subsequent stabilisation works, thoughts turned to the Church’s restoration and reconstruction. Though the Church building is well loved, it’s original design as a memorial church, when Fleet was a just small village, now presents a number of frustrations in its fitness of purpose for the much larger congregation and wider community it now serves. The post fire restoration of All Saints therefore presents an opportunity to address these frustrations.
The intention is to respect the Church’s remaining heritage, while building for the future. Creating a church, which is a modern and attractive place of worship, but is also a facility, which can be of great value to the wider community.
Existing Site Plan
The existing All Saints Church is a Grade II* listed building and prior to the fire had a number of functional limitations, which it is hoped will be addressed in the rebuilding project. The following are just a few of the problems encountered within the current church layout: Inadequate capacity for current church and community functions, inadequate WC provision, poor access for all via the South Porch, lack of storage, lack of flexibility to stage concurrent events, inefficient heating and electrical systems, lack of hospitality facilities, poor lighting and Audio Visual equipment, and poor sight lines.
KEY DESIGN ISSUES
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Existing Floor Plan
Existing East Elevation
Existing South Elevation
KEY CONCEPTS
- Repair and restore the fire damaged church
- Extend the church on the north to provide new improved community facilities, lady chapel and vestries
- Reinstate the original entrance to the church from the west.
- Reconfigure the landscaping within the churchyard
- New improved heating
- New improved Lighting & Audio Visual equipment
Proposed Site Plan
DESIGN CONCEPTS
As well as the rebuilding of the fire damaged church the proposal is to address some of the other aspects of the building that currently hamper the church from delivering their core mission. These include:
As well as the rebuilding of the fire damaged church the proposal is to address some of the other aspects of the building that currently hamper the church from delivering their core mission. These include:
- Creating a sense of ‘arrival’ and improving how you access the church. The aim is to re-introduce the entrance at the west end and re-create the processional approach through a west door. In addition to responding to the original Burges plan, this has other advantages, the first being improved internal seating organisation and capacity and the second being better disabled accessibility through a new wider and DDA compliant door.
- Re-landscaping of the churchyard to reinforce arrival from the west, this involves new paving routes and trees and a new vehicle drop off area to allow disabled users and funerals closer access.
- The demolition of the later built and poor quality existing north extensions and the construction of a new annexe with additional community facilities identified within the statement of need.
Church Vision Diagram
MONUMENTALITY
The existing church has a monumental quality and a very clearly expressed structure. We feel the new extension should reflect and express this monumentality so that it is a natural development of the building rather than appearing bolted onto it. As such the structural rhythm of the columns and buttresses is continued into the extension with new brick piers that support timber glulam beams reflecting the original structure in a new contemporary manner.
The existing church has a monumental quality and a very clearly expressed structure. We feel the new extension should reflect and express this monumentality so that it is a natural development of the building rather than appearing bolted onto it. As such the structural rhythm of the columns and buttresses is continued into the extension with new brick piers that support timber glulam beams reflecting the original structure in a new contemporary manner.
GLAZED LINK
The extension is sensitively connected to the existing fabric on the north elevation of the church, without compromising windows and eaves details, by creating a glazed circulation corridor along the former external elevation. This new internal street becomes usable space by opening directly into the main community / activity room with sliding screens for use when privacy is needed.
The extension is sensitively connected to the existing fabric on the north elevation of the church, without compromising windows and eaves details, by creating a glazed circulation corridor along the former external elevation. This new internal street becomes usable space by opening directly into the main community / activity room with sliding screens for use when privacy is needed.
LADY CHAPEL
The existing Lady Chapel is located off the North Aisle at the eastern end of the church. It is not visible from the main body of the church and as such visitors are unaware of it and do not tend to make use of it. A key part of the project is to ensure the church as a whole can be used more flexibly and is available for a wider variety of events. However, in order to ensure that quiet prayer and worship are not compromised the availability of the Lady Chapel for all is vital. This led to the decision to relocate it to the west end of the extension and improve its visual and physical connection to visitors and passersby. It was clear also though that privacy needed to be maintained for the Chapel and this lead to orientating the chapel away from the entrance area and north towards the churchyard. The chapel has a curved focus that references the apse at the eastern end of the church with a circular rooflight defining the altar.
The existing Lady Chapel is located off the North Aisle at the eastern end of the church. It is not visible from the main body of the church and as such visitors are unaware of it and do not tend to make use of it. A key part of the project is to ensure the church as a whole can be used more flexibly and is available for a wider variety of events. However, in order to ensure that quiet prayer and worship are not compromised the availability of the Lady Chapel for all is vital. This led to the decision to relocate it to the west end of the extension and improve its visual and physical connection to visitors and passersby. It was clear also though that privacy needed to be maintained for the Chapel and this lead to orientating the chapel away from the entrance area and north towards the churchyard. The chapel has a curved focus that references the apse at the eastern end of the church with a circular rooflight defining the altar.
Proposed Ground Floor Plan
Proposed East Elevation
MATERIALS KEY
- Existing red brickwork
- Plain clay tiles
- Solid red brick with black, grey and cream coloured brick string courses
- Patterned red brick slip panels
- Frameless Glass
- Dark grey zinc
Proposed West Elevation
MATERIALS
The proposed external material for the extension is red hand made brick to match the existing church but detailed in a very contemporary and crisp way to reflect its time and to ensure it enhances the listed building it connects to rather than devalues it. Decorative brickwork and polychromy are used to reference the existing Victorian church and ensure the high levels of craftsmanship is continued with the new additions. The introduction of simple glazed elements and a new timber roof structure will ensure the extension is an elegant addition to the church.
The proposed external material for the extension is red hand made brick to match the existing church but detailed in a very contemporary and crisp way to reflect its time and to ensure it enhances the listed building it connects to rather than devalues it. Decorative brickwork and polychromy are used to reference the existing Victorian church and ensure the high levels of craftsmanship is continued with the new additions. The introduction of simple glazed elements and a new timber roof structure will ensure the extension is an elegant addition to the church.
NATURAL LIGHT & VIEWS
There is an opportunity with the north extension to provide fantastic naturally lit spaces to complement the darker more introspective spaces within the church itself. As such the top lit glazed link will provide a really inviting interstitial space between the church and the community functions. Large north facing windows will also provide a special connection between the internal spaces and the churchyard, something that is not possible within the church footprint itself.
There is an opportunity with the north extension to provide fantastic naturally lit spaces to complement the darker more introspective spaces within the church itself. As such the top lit glazed link will provide a really inviting interstitial space between the church and the community functions. Large north facing windows will also provide a special connection between the internal spaces and the churchyard, something that is not possible within the church footprint itself.
There is also the hugely advantageous opportunity to rebuild the fire damaged church roof structure to incorporate a north facing rooflight over the North Aisle. This natural light would enliven the north aisle and help to bridge the junction between the existing church and the new extension. The design of the this rooflight takes the form of traditional patent glazing rather than individual rooflights that would have disrupted the roof plane and given a domestic feel to the church.
Proposed North Elevation
MATERIALS KEY
- Existing red brickwork
- Plain clay tiles
- Solid red brick with black, grey and cream coloured brick string courses
- Patterned red brick slip panels
- Frameless Glass
- Dark grey zinc
- Patent glazing/dark grey glazing bars
- Lead gutter and flashings
- Slim line aluminium window system/dark grey frames
MASSING
Very simply, in massing terms, the masonry structure of the annexe is pulled away from the main body of the church and connected by a lightweight glazed link that connects above the eaves and decorative brickwork frieze. The relationship of the new extension to the existing church is critical, and following consultations with all key statutory bodies the preference was to opt for a flat roof design that followed the eaves level of the church, as opposed to a pitched roof which was felt to be too imposing in relation to the existing church. A balance is needed in creating something in massing terms that matches the character of the Church, while insuring that the Annexe is a high quality piece of architecture in its own right.
Very simply, in massing terms, the masonry structure of the annexe is pulled away from the main body of the church and connected by a lightweight glazed link that connects above the eaves and decorative brickwork frieze. The relationship of the new extension to the existing church is critical, and following consultations with all key statutory bodies the preference was to opt for a flat roof design that followed the eaves level of the church, as opposed to a pitched roof which was felt to be too imposing in relation to the existing church. A balance is needed in creating something in massing terms that matches the character of the Church, while insuring that the Annexe is a high quality piece of architecture in its own right.
Exterior view of Annexe looking into community/activities room
COMMUNITY ROOM
The new flexible community / activities space is provided in the heart of the building and is the one genuinely new addition to the church building. Sliding doors that hide away allow this space to open up into the corridor for larger events that can either support activities in the main body of the church or occur simultaneously. A kitchen servery and toilets serve this space that also benefits from large sliding glass screens overlooking the churchyard as well as large clerestory glazing from above to ensure it is always well lit and inviting.
The new flexible community / activities space is provided in the heart of the building and is the one genuinely new addition to the church building. Sliding doors that hide away allow this space to open up into the corridor for larger events that can either support activities in the main body of the church or occur simultaneously. A kitchen servery and toilets serve this space that also benefits from large sliding glass screens overlooking the churchyard as well as large clerestory glazing from above to ensure it is always well lit and inviting.
VESTRIES
New support facilities such as the choir and clergy vestries are located in the more private east end of the extension closer to the Chancel and new Organ Chamber.
New support facilities such as the choir and clergy vestries are located in the more private east end of the extension closer to the Chancel and new Organ Chamber.
Extension Interior Scene
NEW WEST PORCH ENCLOSURE
The reintroduction of the west door offers the opportunity to create a more welcoming and open threshold for the church. It also provides the chance to improve the thermal and access issues associated with the existing arrangement. The proposal is to open up the lower west window and insert a new glass lobby. A simple projecting masonry canopy extends externally to mark the entrance and provide cover at the gathering area. The thickness of the existing masonry wall helps to minimise the distance the new lobby extends into the church.
The reintroduction of the west door offers the opportunity to create a more welcoming and open threshold for the church. It also provides the chance to improve the thermal and access issues associated with the existing arrangement. The proposal is to open up the lower west window and insert a new glass lobby. A simple projecting masonry canopy extends externally to mark the entrance and provide cover at the gathering area. The thickness of the existing masonry wall helps to minimise the distance the new lobby extends into the church.
Proposed Section CC
MATERIALS KEY
- Existing red brickwork
- Plain clay tiles
- Solid red brick with black, grey and cream coloured brick string courses
- Patterned red brick slip panels
- Frameless Glass
- Dark grey zinc
- Patent glazing/dark grey glazing bars
- Dark grey GRP membrane
Proposed Section DD
ATTACHMENT OF NEW TO OLD
A key part of the design development has been dealing with how to connect the Annexe to the Church while minimising the impact on the existing fabric. A particular challenge has been to maintain and express the distinctive frieze and corbel detailing at the eaves of the north elevation. The proposal is to take advantage of the wall thickness and carry the link/cloister glazing over the frieze and on top of the wall. For anyone looking up at the glazing, they will not see the connection or where the glass terminates over the Annexe roof. At the east end of the North Aisle wall, the awkward junction with the flat roof of the existing Lady Chapel will be removed by its demolition, and replaced with same detail.
A key part of the design development has been dealing with how to connect the Annexe to the Church while minimising the impact on the existing fabric. A particular challenge has been to maintain and express the distinctive frieze and corbel detailing at the eaves of the north elevation. The proposal is to take advantage of the wall thickness and carry the link/cloister glazing over the frieze and on top of the wall. For anyone looking up at the glazing, they will not see the connection or where the glass terminates over the Annexe roof. At the east end of the North Aisle wall, the awkward junction with the flat roof of the existing Lady Chapel will be removed by its demolition, and replaced with same detail.
The existing connection between the Clergy Vestry and the roofs of the Lady Chapel and Choir Vestry is also particularly unsatisfactory. Again, this will be removed by their demolition and the junction between east end of the Annexe and the church addressed by using a lower level section of flat roof, which is set back from the east wall.
Interior view of Annex looking west
With the vertical glazing and doors, which links the Annexe at either end, a slim line glass and aluminium system will be used so that the connection points are reduced to the minimum.The door and glazing forming entrance to the Annex will be set behind the buttress so that the connection of screen to wall is obscured on the west elevation.
RAISED LANTERN ROOFLIGHT
The new flexible community room within the annexe offers the church a potentially different kind of space filled with natural light and external views. To maximise natural light a raised rooflight / clerestory is proposed and has been designed to appear as a very lightweight glass lantern in order to minimise its visual impact on the profile of the church roof. The aesthetic effect is a lightweight glass box on top of the solid masonry extension. Structurally the lantern is supported by steel supports off the glulam beams but set back from the perimeter to allow the frameless glass enclosure to be expressed.
The new flexible community room within the annexe offers the church a potentially different kind of space filled with natural light and external views. To maximise natural light a raised rooflight / clerestory is proposed and has been designed to appear as a very lightweight glass lantern in order to minimise its visual impact on the profile of the church roof. The aesthetic effect is a lightweight glass box on top of the solid masonry extension. Structurally the lantern is supported by steel supports off the glulam beams but set back from the perimeter to allow the frameless glass enclosure to be expressed.
Proposed Section EE
MATERIALS KEY
- Existing red brickwork
- Plain clay tiles
- Solid red brick with black, grey and cream coloured brick string courses
- Patterned red brick slip panels
- Frameless Glass
- Dark grey zinc
- Patent glazing/dark grey glazing bars
- Dark grey GRP membrane
- Lead gutter and flashings
Proposed Sketch Views KEY VIEWS AND CIRCULATION ROUTES
The location of the new annexe is on the north side of the church and this ensures the majority of the extension is broadly hidden from the public domain. The west elevation is the most prominent view and as a consequence shields the mass of the extension. Internally the extension follows the structural grid of the existing church and this allows the opportunity to provide key views through the North Aisle doorways into the extension and out to the churchyard beyond. This arrangement to provide views from within the church into the churchyard without having to affect significant existing fabric. |
TRANSPARENCY
While the structure of the Annexe references the massing and rhythm of the Church arcades, the overall design endeavours to create the maximum transparency, allowing views of the Church through the fully glazed bays and frameless glass clerestory of the North Elevation. This in turn creates new views from the Church into the churchyard and beyond.
This approach is carried onto the Church itself whereby, to introduce more daylight and create a more welcome internal environment, part of the North Aisle roof is restored with on-rafter patent glazing. The patent glazing articulates the connection to the Annexe, but also, when the church is being used in the hours of darkness, the splendour of the restored decorations can be seen from outside.
While the structure of the Annexe references the massing and rhythm of the Church arcades, the overall design endeavours to create the maximum transparency, allowing views of the Church through the fully glazed bays and frameless glass clerestory of the North Elevation. This in turn creates new views from the Church into the churchyard and beyond.
This approach is carried onto the Church itself whereby, to introduce more daylight and create a more welcome internal environment, part of the North Aisle roof is restored with on-rafter patent glazing. The patent glazing articulates the connection to the Annexe, but also, when the church is being used in the hours of darkness, the splendour of the restored decorations can be seen from outside.
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ACANTHUS HOUSE
57 Hightown Rd
Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 9BE |
ACANTHUS HOUSE
57 Hightown Rd
Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 9BE |
ACANTHUS HOUSE
57 Hightown Rd
Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 9BE |
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