Masterplanning, extensions, refurbishment, energy efficiency upgrades, and funding research for a church in Richmond, London.
This complex and ambitious project sought to respond to the congregation’s vision for a revitalised and extended church serving the local and wider community, while safeguarding the fabric of the historic church building and achieving net zero across the site. The response to the brief entailed a comprehensive feasibility study considering a number of refurbishment and extension options, each individually costed by a quantity surveyor, and funding eligibility and processes researched to meet the estimated cost.
A key part of the project was investigating energy efficiency upgrades in order to achieve net zero. These included heating and hot water via air source heat pumps (ASHPs), underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), internal wall insulation, double and secondary glazing, solar panels, and insulation upgrades to the existing roof. Each option was designed in outline, assessed for energy and carbon savings by an M&E consultant, and then priced by a QS to estimate overall cost and payback times.
Externally, we sought to design a cloister-type courtyard to the west front, with new public meeting areas, church offices, and potentially a public café. The original bell, salvaged when the original church tower was demolished due to subsidence, was proposed to be reused in a new bell tower facing the street, announcing the church’s presence on the street scene.
Viable funding options were identified and processes for application outlined to the congregation, with the guidance of the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT).
Carried out under Hugh Cullum Architects, 2023.
