Narthex & re-order of All Saints Church, Brough

A cost-effective, brick box that removed them from the original church. Now with the church home to a vibrant, welcoming community the vicar and church council wanted to make it warmer, less draughty and with more character. Design was developed with the church community, through repeated computer models and physical models.

The project was broken into two manageable phases. Phase 1 provided an insulated floor slab with underfloor heating. Re-painting to emphasise the altar and war memorial. Reopening the original entrance door and providing an entrance path. Phase 2 built a ‘narthex’ structure at the west end and added new spotlighting. The ‘narthex’ acts as both a lobby, a warm and cosy space for smaller gatherings, and a space for children to play during services. A useful ornament to the simple box nave.

The oak and painted timber structure echoes the exposed structure above. Lighting is concealed between the joists to wash light above and below. The slope rises into the nave giving views to the top of the chancel arch. Large glass panels in the ceiling bring natural light and views of the stained glass. A stained-glass dove reflects on the glass doors, hovering above the cross as you enter. Large format porcelain tiles cover the floor, whose colour lightens towards the altar, but offset to give a prominence to the central aisle. Stone cobbles mark the junction between the new floor and the old building – a moisture open junction that avoids driving damp into the old walls.

The new narthex is graced by the traditional closing blessing. A lettering design was developed with sculptor Charles Gurrey who hand cut the oak beam with a specially created rune-based scheme.

Annual CO2 emissions data (requested in kg/m2/year) was not provided.