Gold Hill Baptist Church, Chalfont St Peter

This high profile project involved the construction of a new ‘HubHeartHome’ for both the church and the local community, with facilities spread over 3 floors.

The ground floor hosts the main auditorium with raised stage and baptism pool, prayer room, kitchen, toilets and storage. The auditorium is a flexible space which if required, can be divided into 4 rooms with the sliding doors, and has a vaulted double height acoustic ceiling. A staircase and passenger lift provide access to the 1st and 2nd floors, which have an activity room, community rooms, showers, offices, further storage and a large outdoor terrace.

Located on a very tight site in the heart of the village, the existing industrial garage contained a rare asbestos requiring specialist hand removal prior to its demolition. Heavy civil engineering was also required, with 15m deep sheet piling before building could commence. Supported on piled foundations is a cast in-situ ground floor slab and lightweight steel frame envelope, clad with brickwork and rainscreen cladding, topped with photovoltaics and a green roof.

Internal finishes are to a high specification in the auditorium and entrance lobby. External works include a car park, raised planters, cycle parking and soft landscaping.