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St . Mary's Church, Woolpit

Project Details

£250,000 to £499,999

Practice

The Whitworth Co-Partnership LLP

18 Hatter Street , BURY ST. EDMUNDS , Suffolk , IP33 1NE , United Kingdom

The Parochial Church Council were keen to develop and re-order the interior space; with particular emphasis on access improvements. It was previously decided by the DAC that any works that were undertaken should be designed in to look contemporary, not in a pastiche mediaeval manor. Limited funds and open meetings precluded the ability to undertake this scheme in a single-phase. Phase one provided equal access, detailing a glass sided ramp and new steps over the existing in the front entrance, which did not take away from the existing aesthetic appeal. The second phase was to amend the rainwater flooding and external paving issues. This was followed by, re-ordering the West End, lowering and repositioning the font, repairing brickwork to match and removing superfluous furniture. This meant that the font was now situated along the diagonal site-line of the main entrance, causing a strong visual association and giving the illusion of a larger Fellowship Area. Under the tower an equal access WC was formed along with a trench-arch drainage system. This is situated behind a screen, which also discretely masks storage and access to the first floor ringing chamber. This first floor rail manages to draw the eye to the enchanting coloured stained glass window. Finally, a kitchenette area was formed within the Fellowship Area. It is a simple cupboard and worktop arrangement with hot and cold water supplies under a canopy held open on gas struts.