Masterclass of historic building conservation
Nicola Westbury Architect for The Churches Conservation Trust
Contract value:v£276,500
GIA: 2304m2
Conservation Award
This church is a understated gem set in an unassuming part of the West Sussex countryside. Conservation work over almost 1000 years is engrained in the fabric of the building, telling forgotten stories of the communities and technologies which have preserved, abbreviated and embellished this building. The building has been saved from disrepair by the charitable work of The Churches Conservation Trust.
It appointed an architect with specialist conservation knowledge and experience whose approach was to re-tell the stories in the church fabric, and do 'just enough' in the most sympathetic and pleasing way to enable the church to once again be active. With careful restraint and extensive research, the design team has documented everything. The result is a beautifully reserved and charming church; a masterclass of historic building conservation.
See other winners in the RIBA Regional Awards 2015 – South East