01 St. Peters Church Onchan - Design Statement

Project: Internal Alterations, St. Peters Church Onchan

At St. Peters Parish Church, Church Road, Onchan (‘the Site’) Job No. 1897.01 (JE/fd) Revision: -

ARCHITECT’S DESIGN STATEMENT 12thNovember 2024

St. Peter's Church in Onchan is a parish church that serves its local community with religious services, often accompanied by a robed choir, religious ceremonies and smaller group activities and events for its active congregation and the wider community. An active Mothers' Union and Ladies Fellowship further enhance the church's role as a community centre. The current church building, consecrated in 1833, stands on a site of a previous church; St. Catherine’s and contains a number of ancient celtic crosses. The church sits within a large graveyard that serves the entire Parish of Onchan.

The architectural proposals seek to sensitively enhance St. Peter's functionality while preserving its heritage features. Our design respects the architectural and historical integrity of the church, with careful consideration given to structural independence, minimal intervention, and reversible construction wherever possible. These proposed interventions include the addition of a new kitchen, conversion of existing spaces, installation of a lift for improved accessibility, and construction of a new gallery and staircase, all aimed at supporting the church's evolving needs while honouring its historic fabric.

Following a thorough assessment of St. Peter's current layout and functionality, this proposal includes the addition of a new kitchen, conversion of existing spaces, installation of a lift for improved accessibility, and construction of a new gallery and staircase. These updates are essential to support the church's evolving needs, such as the ability to economically host smaller group activities, while ensuring compliance with modern accessibility standards.

Design Approach Our approach to the design is based on three core principles:

• 1. Structural Independence – The proposed changes, including new stud walls, gallery support, and lift shaft, are designed to be structurally independent from the existing church fabric. This allows us to introduce modern functionality without compromising or altering the historical structure.
• 2. Minimal Intervention – Each phase of the project has been carefully planned to minimise disruption to the existing materials. Where alterations are necessary, such as in the removal of the existing gallery and staircase, we are committed to reinstating finishes to match adjacent areas, ensuring the new elements harmonize with the original structure.
• 3. Reversible Construction – By designing the new interventions as independent structures, the project preserves the possibility of reversing these additions in the future if required. This approach aligns with best practices in the conservation of heritage buildings.

Key Elements of the Proposal

• • Kitchen and Vestry Conversion – A new kitchen will be installed, and the existing kitchen space will be repurposed as a vestry, enhancing the church's facilities while maintaining its original character. The new kitchen structure will be isolated from the original walls, with all fixings limited to new studwork.
• • New Gallery and Staircase – A new gallery and staircase will be introduced, supported by an independent steel structure. This addition will not impact the original external church walls, and the design will incorporate sympathetic materials such as timber balustrades to ensure visual cohesion with the existing architecture. The full detailed design of which will be created by a specialist joinery sub-contractor.
• • Accessible Lift Installation – The lift installation will provide much-needed accessibility improvements, enabling inclusive use of the church’s spaces. The lift structure and walls will be independent from the existing fabric, and original floorboards will be carefully reinstated around the new opening.
• • Phased Approach – The schedule of works is divided into multiple phases to ensure a systematic and sensitive progression through each aspect of the renovation and to allow works to progress as funds become available. Each phase has been developed to allow flexibility, focusing on the seamless integration of new elements within the church's historical framework.

Material Selection and Finishes Materials have been chosen to complement the existing building fabric while meeting modern standards of durability and efficiency. Timber and plaster finishes will match adjacent features, maintaining continuity in aesthetic appearance. Where new materials are introduced, they will be of high quality to ensure longevity and low maintenance, upholding the church’s visual and structural integrity.

Conclusion The proposed works at St. Peter’s Church aim to enhance the usability and accessibility of this historic building while safeguarding its heritage. Through careful planning and adherence to conservation principles, the design maintains the church's architectural identity and historic value. This approach ensures that St. Peter's Church remains a functional and welcoming space for the community, respectful of its past while adaptable to present and future needs.