St John of Jerusalem Church was built in 1845-8 by architect Edward Charles Hakewill. The church has historical value as a fully-fledged Gothic Revival church in the Early English style, leading to it’s Grade II* listed status in 1951. The church was built in a single phase of construction and largely unaltered since, except for the introduction of transept rooms to either side of the crossing, which are now damp and mouldy.

The church has an extremely fine interior, which initially appears very symmetrical but, on closer inspection, reveals huge differences in the details and decorative carved elements, where individual craftsmen left their marks.  A dialogue between the communal and the individual which we sought to continue into the new designs.

The church does not have a separate church hall so it has to be multifunctional for all the needs of the congregation whilst remaining within the existing footprint.

A newly graded access to the church entrance creates a more inclusive and welcoming entrance.

New timber servery and information desks at the west end of the church provide a more welcoming and attractive entrance.

Two new transept rooms have symmetrical elevations but are slightly different within:

– The north transept houses WCs and a multifunction space with storage to the back and a sink.

– The south transept houses a small vestry to the west and a larger chapel or second multifunction space.

Three sets of doors can be opened onto each room, allowing for larger events to take place across the crossing using both rooms at the same time. These events may also be serviced by the new commercial kitchen.

The mezzanine levels allow for much needed storage, organ, sound equipment and choristors.

Photovoltaic panels are proposed for the roof.

The elevations of the new transept rooms will be carved in reference to traditional transept screens and rood screens.  We will use decoration found in the church which has been scanned by Refinery Studio and converted into 3D models.  These are then reassembled to create a new decorative frieze.

The transept rooms have mezzanines to the top for choristors and sound equipment.  Below are a community room and WCs to one side and a side chapel and vestry to the other.  For large catered events the doors to both sides can be opened up to the crossing in lieu of a church hall.

The animals and floral decoration are all found in the existing carved timber and stonework in the church.