Project overview
St. Michael & All Angels Church is a building that by its admission, has never been finished. Opened in the early 1800s, it was frequently extended throughout the following centuries to cope with the increase of churchgoers and the reduction of other nearby places of worship, although funds proved to be a continuous issue, resulting in the addition of a raw brick wall at one end of the structure.
Adrian James Architects undertook the challenge of creating an entrance lobby that efficiently utilises its space to incorporate a kitchen, bathrooms, storage and an office. A toplight allows for unrestricted views of the church and allows light to flood the entrance.
The choice was made to embrace the unusual existing brick wall with the addition of Charnwood’s Stamford Buff and Specials being used to create a brick-encased “lozenge”. The addition of Charnwoods brick complements the existing character of the building while creating a welcoming, modern new entranceway.
In 2018 the church was shortlisted for The President’s award, run by the National Churches Trust.
More information:
adrianjames.com/project/st-michaels-threshold/