The architectural practice which has had offices in Frome for over 150 years, acted as client, architect, contractor and end user for this innovative project. The practice wished to move to larger and more modern offices and after an exhaustive search of the Bristol, Bath and Frome area, a decision was made to relocate to Rook Lane Chapel in Frome. The chapel was constructed in 1707 with later additions in the 1860s and had operated successfully until 1968 when it was deconsecrated and the congregation moved elsewhere. The building had essentially been empty since that date, many of its internal and external finishes had been looted and as a result it was in a very poor state of repair. Repairs had been carried out to the building in the mid 1990s by the Somerset Building Preservation Trust in order to make the building watertight and when the practice became involved with the project it was owned by Mendip District Council. Rook Lane Chapel is Grade II* listed and is therefore of both local and national architectural importance. Although the structural fabric of the chapel itself was in reasonable condition, the site and internal elements were in a poor state of repair. Because the chapel is in essence one large single space, it was neither feasible or desirable to sub divide it to provide the facilities required. The strategy adopted therefore comprised a sensitive refurbishment and fitting out of the chapel itself, with a new extension to the rear to house additional facilities. The completed building is divided horizontally to provide public access to an arts base at ground floor level and new architectural offices on the upper floors. The scheme involved the transfer of the freehold to the practice, who then provided funding for the entire works including the art space which is now run by a separate trust. Chapel The existing chapel has been renovated using traditional materials throughout, including lime render, limewash and handmade stained glass. The original sloping mezzanine floor had previously been replaced with a flat structural floor. Alterations were carried out to this to increase the first floor area, which was then fitted out for use as an office. Underfloor heating was installed to both levels and the ground floor area is provided with exhibition lighting as well as stage lighting for performances. Careful attention was paid to sight lines during the design of the mezzanine balcony to ensure that the office and art spaces are visually separated whilst at the same time maintaining the awareness of the overall space. The mezzanine level office space has been similarly renovated and provided with high powered uplighters and electrical and data distribution. A new balcony has been installed to the upper level maintaining a visual and auditory link with the performance space below. Extension The new extension is linked to the existing chapel with a fully glazed wall in order to clearly define the old structure and its relationship with the new fabric. The extension has been constructed from fully sustainable materials with the main superstructure being timber framed with minimal use of flitch beams and columns at key spans. The Timber frame is clad in traditional lime render on stainless steel lath on a build-up of insulation both over and between the framing, making the new extension far exceed current regulations. The roofing is formed using natural finish zinc. The internal arrangements within the new extension echo the close relationship established in the main chapel in that visual communication is maintained between all the spaces. Although there is a secure personnel separation between the office and the public spaces, the link between the chapel and the extension affords a visual link to the public spaces below. Likewise the various levels within the office space are interconnected with double height voids to maintain the office environment as a whole and provide natural stack ventilation. The ground floor of the extension provides an informal dining/exhibition space with kitchen facilities, as well as toilets for the gallery. The external landscaping has been designed to connect the extension to the existing chapel as well as providing a setting and external function space for the new building. The Café space is double height and is provided with fully glazed screens, which open out onto the external spaces. Procurement The whole development was procured with the practice acting as the main contractor with the majority of the construction staff, with the exception of specialist sub-contract packages, being directly employed. The works were completed in two sections, with the chapel being released for partial possession by Christmas 2002 and the works being complete to the main extension and external works by July 2003. Overall the project took 12 months to complete.