St Thomas of Canterbury Church

To convert the existing church and provide mixed use community hub accommodation to serve the local community.

Our brief was to design flexible open plan space to accommodate 200 people for church activities, that could be subdivided for smaller groups and meetings. A café, bookshop and mixed stalls were to be included within the business hub environment.

The challenges for the scheme encountered working within confines and limitations of the existing structure and retaining original architectural detailing and character to protect the buildings heritage. Also encountered to provide natural light and prevent noise transition between spaces.

Our design concept proposed a soundproof ‘pod’ enclosure structure with steel framework independently supported without fixing to the stone and marble columns. Partition walls would line the enclosure, with generous glazed rooflights forming the ceiling to provide natural light. Acoustic bi-folding doors provide flexibility to open up the areas for larger gatherings. High-level glazing installed to arches would assist to reduce noise transmission between café, bookshop and mixed stalls.

• Location: Waterloo, Liverpool

• Context: Urban

• Nature: Conversion

• Status: Feasibility

• Client: Actua / Archdiocese of Liverpool

• Role: Stage 1 Design