We were commissioned to convert an existing Chapel into a contemporary three-bedroom house for a private client. The Chapel is Grade II* listed and forms part of a series of almshouses at Barstaple House. From the outset, the design strived to incorporate a contemporary home within a listed space. Every new intervention was unashamedly modern and contemporary in look and materials while respect was given to the existing building elements and decorative features through preservation, repairs, and like-for-like replacements.

The building had been vacant and neglected for many years and required extensive work to bring the building back into use. Dry rot had spread, requiring treatment but also replacement of and repairs to structural timber roof trusses. Modern gypsum-based plaster and paint affected the breathability of the building and worsened the damp issues. These were removed and replaced with lime plaster and breathable paint to ensure the longevity of the Chapel. A complete overhaul of the internal decorative features was also required such as masonry cleaning, repairs to existing stained-glass windows, timber panelling, doors, and vaulted timber-clad ceilings.

The typical spaces for a modern home such as the open plan kitchen, dining and living spaces were inserted in the double-height Chapel area, while two of the three bedrooms and bathroom were in the ancillary spaces like the vestry. The third bedroom was installed on a freestanding mezzanine within the double-height space of the Chapel. The mezzanine was designed with exposed steel universal columns and a platform which was recessed on all four sides from the Chapel walls.