Whilst the distinctive, existing 1960s church, was highly regarded amongst the local community it did not provide any facilities for activities outside of mass. Consequently, a new multifunctional (community) hall, and associated facilities were required, and a design competition was launched in 2001. The original concept for this design won that competition, and the developed design process occurred in close connection with a specifically established parish committee, and through frequent liaison with the local community.
Situated within a residential area, fifteen neighbor’s consents were required, and considered design steps were taken to ensure that both the existing architecture of the church, and the surrounding scale of the area, were not compromised.
The form of the existing church and the shape of the site necessitated the street front position of the new addition, but to avoid creating either a feeling of division between the old and new elements, or a long linear building, the new building was designed to form an integrated cruciform with the existing plan. By positioning the entry way as a perpendicular arm, spanning the width of the site, two access-ways were opened up, providing a sheltered entry regardless of the weather, and integrating the building with both aspects of the street. To add to this welcoming feel, the walls leading into the church space are slightly curved inviting the public in.
The entryway, glazed and open, provides an occupiable threshold between the existing church and the new multifunctional hall, enabling not only a visual connection, but also allowing the church space to expand, so that larger numbers of parishioners may be accommodated. In keeping with this connection a glazed cross in the new hall facade has a direct spatial and visual relationship with the crucifix above the altar. So as not to detract from the dynamics of these spatial connections, the required ancillary spaces, including a private room for grieving families & reconciliations, kitchen and toilet facilities, small storage and a new staircase up to the existing organ space on mezzanine level, were positioned within each corner of the cruciform enabling efficient access, but keeping the main axes open and free.
Care was taken to ensure that both the exterior form and the materials fitted in with the existing church. As a result, the front façade of the community hall forms a strong corner, emphasized by the glazed cross, and the roof emulates the soaring pitch of the dynamically segmented, existing roof. Similarly, the entryway, whilst glazed at both ends, and accentuated with landscaping, appears as an extension of the existing form. The success of these efforts is clear, for the parishioners feel that the extension is an integral part of the 1960s church, indeed, many have remarked that it does not appear as if any additional building has been carried out.
