Church Hall Conversion 

Rostrevor, Co. Down

​

Conversion of a Church Hall located within the curtilage of a Grade B listed Church in Rostrevor. The proposed work aims to develop the Hall building to improve its appearance, its utility and flexibility, its thermal performance and reduce its carbon footprint. The overall approach aims to improve the contribution the property makes to its setting without degrading its significance. Historical features which contribute to the significance, particularly the Gothic windows, internal original features will be subject to sympathetic repair/refurbishment.

Architectural unity is a major factor in making the scheme an impressive composition. The proposal responds sensitively to its historical context and the proposed building mass is respectful of its surroundings and retains a strong and appropriate town presence.  As a response to the requirement of additional accommodation and constraints of the site, the scheme contains a refurbishment of the Hall building and conversion into an apartment with a lower level garden extension. Minor internal layout changes are proposed to create a more accessible layout. The introduction of an extension will satisfy the required residential accommodation.

 

The extension is of a modest scale, set back and doesn't dominate the historic facade. The design approach is Restoration of existing property and Assertive Contrast by use of modern materials. Any alterations/interventions are designed very sensitively, with regard to materials and features. The scale of the existing buildings will not be affected as a result of the proposed works. The works do not alter the appearance of the scale, size or height of the building. 

 

In response to the constrained site, the proposed extension is a low-level one-storey pavilion of black stained timber cladding and glass. The extension is a modest, compact volume of a markedly and appropriately different character with a flat green roof covered with extensive vegetation. Elevations are clad with black stained timber cladding to reference the existing timber fencing & elements used throughout the site. 

 

Enclosed, with controlled fenestration the extension is united through a carefully judged approach to the scale of the site, lending an unassuming sensibility to the connection to the Hall building. The simple plan of the converted Hall building provides an impressive open plan kitchen/dining/living space, full of original features. The floor plan consists of 2 bedrooms, one with an en-suite, bathroom, and laundry area. The second apartment is located on the further side of the extension and it has separate access from the southern boundary. Coherence and harmony to the spacial concept has been achieved by the introduction of a simple but effective courtyard between two units. 

The proposal responds sensitively to its historical context and the proposed building mass is respectful of its surroundings and retains an appropriate presence. 

​

Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent granted.