Architect’s Account

This was a first for us in many senses: It was our first full interior refurbishment of a listed Church. Never had we the privilege of working for a client who had such a well-articulated vision formed before we were appointed. This was due to the client’s extensive knowledge of the building, ecclesiastical architecture, their appreciation of its strength, the distraction of some previous, inappropriate, if perhaps well intentioned interventions, and their dream as to how the Church could be improved to inspire and educate; Also to the guidance of Architect Alan Ross who had already spent considerable time on the project and who introduced us to the process during the design development stages. The determination, passion, and clarity of Father Martin O’Hagan and of parishioner/retired craftsman Arthur Noble, who physically modelled the Altar, Reredos and Sanctuary to beautifully inform the detail design, was compelling and this permeated through the entire design team, contractor, subcontractors, and tradesmen. Never have we been involved in a project where everyone we encountered seemed so fully engaged and so evidently taking pride in being part of a restoration which aims to be enjoyed for the next 150 years.

Early involvement with craftspeople such as stone mason, John McCollum, and later in the process, McConnell stone proved invaluable to completing the composition of the new high altar. Similar engagement with Tiling, Glass and Specialist Joinery contractors all informed the design process. All of this facilitated; encouraged and choreographed by Main Contractor Paul O’Prey. Fr. O’Hagan and Arthur remained “hands on” through out the project, listening, contemplating, educating, and advising and this has ensured that their overall vision has been beautifully realised. Fr. Martin O’Hagan has truly recognised the character of the Church, appreciated the value of craft, the skill of the original architect and as a final surprise to us, had Alan Ross’s and my name, along with that of contractor Paul O’Prey, inscribed into the glass enclosing the new Chapel of the Word as testimony to our part in their journey; Another first.

Stephen Salley HBK Architects