Key Services:
Acoustics, Computer Graphics, Conservation & Restoration, Contract Administration, Ecological Architecture, Feasibility Studies, Full Architectural Service, Landscape Design, Lighting Design, Model Making, Planning Applications, Refurbishment, Sustainable Design | | | Description:
The halls redevelopment at Christ Church provides an exciting and accessible resource for the church and local community. The growing church had run out of space and the existing building could not accommodate more then one use at a time. ‘How can we serve the local community if we have to turn people way’, was the question posed by Revd Richard Hibbert. The need was for a range of rooms for meetings, to accommodate youth activities and counselling; a dining area; hall; and central to all of this, a cafe as the community focus.
The new 786m2 facility is connected to the church but can function independently. The double height entrance canopy address Goldington Road, the main route through Bedford, and provides a welcome and sheltered external community space, the ‘podium’.
Along the street frontage is a linear, two storey glazed atrium. The cafe ‘hub’ is integral with this foyer and acts as the main welcome area, public gathering and circulation route. A rhythm of timber columns at 6m centres support the glazed facade and incorporate seats to provide resting places for the elderly or play spaces for the young.
The need for space is met by a group of meeting rooms on the ground and first floor. These are located between the existing church and the new hall. While the first floor rooms are cellular, the ground floor spaces are designed to be flexible with moving walls. These create a large open space in combination with the atrium, kitchen and the new hall. The catering kitchen serves this dining area to provide for lunch clubs and the food bank. The main hall is the largest space and accommodates the pre-school during the day, and by night, it is used for youth work, juggling, pilates and many other community events.
As well as providing connectivity and flexibility, the complex is structured to allow the various functions of the building to coexist independently without conflict.
Hand in hand with being good for the community, the centre has to be good for the environment. The provision of a sustainable resource was paramount. Cross laminated timber (CLT) was chosen for the new structure. Exposed on the interior and clad with wood fibre insulation and lime render externally, this breathing, solid wall, system provides a sustainable and healthy environment. This is complemented by the use of daylighting and a combination of natural and hybrid ventilation.
The client was mindful to be a good neighbour. The upper level of glazing is translucent white glass which, maintains the privacy of the houses opposite, whilst proving diffused daylighting. The glazing to the ground floor of the atrium allows a visual connection to and from the street. |
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