Completed Scheme
Salesian Sisters
Deep Retrofit & Remodelling
Deep retrofit of two 1990s semi-detached houses into a convent for the Salesian Sisters. A new hall with communal room above brings together the two sides of the building. The offices and charity spaces are separated from the communal living spaces. A simple lean-to building is elevated into a chapel with the addition of a new roof and windows.
A pair of semi-detached 1990s houses are woven together with a generous communal hall with a stair and double-height entrance space. A humble lean-to structure on the east of the building is made into a chapel by exposing the roof structure and introducing rooflights between the trusses.
Architect: VPPR Architects
Project Value
£0
Location
Salesian Sisters
Year
2024
Development Type
Re-modelling / Refurb.
Layout & Design
The ground floor comprises a offices and an activity room for the VIDES charity on the west, which is separated from the communal living (kitchen, sitting room, chapel and laundry) to the east.
On the first floor a communal library and sitting room joins bedrooms with en-suites to both sides of the building. Top lit kitchenettes form pockets for socialising within the communal corridors.
Craftsmanship & Detail
A criss-cross brick pattern in colours to match the existing brickwork weaves together the two buildings in the central hall. Large diamond picture windows and a diamond patterned front door provide a welcoming public entrance.
The window to the new chapel is replaced with a diamond shape, also in a criss-cross pattern.
Sustainability
New windows, solar pv and solar thermal panels, additional loft insulation, a new air source heat pump, MVHR system and grey water recycling create a much more sustainable building for future generations of sisters.
Before & After
Before
After
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