No.1 New Inn Hall Street, Oxford

Further to consultations with stakeholders regarding our proposals for Bonn Square in Oxford, the practice was asked by New Road Baptist Church to develop proposals to consolidate their properties on the north side of the square. Over time the existing buildings have been adapted in an ad-hoc manner to provide facilities for the secular activities of the New Road Baptist Church; however, with the revitalisation of the west-end and the redevelopment of Bonn Square in particular, the potential of the property to fully address both the needs of the church and contribute to the life of the city can now be realised.

The brief called for a solution which would reinforce the 'outreach' activities of the church, enabling greater social inclusivity. The project effectively extends the Grade II Listed Georgian Church to incorporate a cafe, offices, meeting rooms and residential accommodation for the church, while also allowing access to the university buildings behind.

Client: New Road Baptist Church

Cost: £3 million

Area: 1300 sqm

Status: Stage C

The image of the church will be effectively both changed and reinforced by the construction of the proposals. While the nature of the accommodation to be provided undoubtedly enables this, the architecture reinforces the image of the church.

The project is designed in a loose-fit, flexible manner, both to ensure adaptability in the short term, but also to allow redevelopment in the future, so providing longevity. Drawing on the historic fabric of Oxford, a language of stone and concrete has developed which is uncompromising, yet resonates with its setting. The facades are formed by a regular rhythm of slender concrete fins, infilled with either limestone or sliding, bronze-framed, glazed panels.