Firmly in the heart of vibrant South London, The Chapel stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and visionary brilliance of Craftworks, formerly known as John Smart Architects. Winner of the prestigious 2019 Don’t Move, Improve! award, this remarkable residence seamlessly combines the timeless elegance of religious architecture with modern design sensibilities, creating a captivating living space that transcends the confines of conventional residential design. The Chapel’s striking transformation from a derelict place of worship into a luxurious family home serves as a poignant reminder of Craftworks’ unwavering commitment to architectural innovation and creative excellence, redefining the boundaries of contemporary living in the bustling urban landscape of South London.
The architecture of The Chapel is a delicate interplay of traditional and contemporary design elements, reflecting Craftworks’ meticulous attention to detail and their reverence for the historic significance of the structure. The addition of a vaulted ceiling and lower ground floor serves as a seamless integration of modern functionality and timeless elegance, while the subtle nuances of the pitched roof with triangular skylights pay homage to the dramatic architectural heritage of the converted chapel. Drawing inspiration from the iconic churches designed by renowned German architect Gottfried Böhm, Craftworks delicately balances the preservation of the chapel’s historic essence with a bold reinterpretation of its structural elements, breathing new life into its hallowed halls and creating an enchanting narrative that seamlessly merges the old with the new.
Amidst the strong local sentiment regarding the preservation and utilization of the chapel, Craftworks artfully navigated the delicate balance between retaining the outer structure and introducing innovative architectural interventions to accommodate the needs of a contemporary family home. The strategic incorporation of a new lower ground floor, housing four bedrooms, bathrooms, and a study, serves as a seamless extension of the chapel’s existing structure, fostering a harmonious union between the historic shell and the modern living spaces within.
The interior of The Chapel is a testament to Craftworks’ unparalleled craftsmanship and their unwavering commitment to delivering a bespoke living experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional design. The open-plan dining and kitchen area, bathed in natural light from the intricately designed skylights and slender arched windows, creates a captivating ambiance that seamlessly blends modern functionality with a sense of ethereal grandeur, inviting residents to indulge in the serene tranquility of their surroundings.
Craftworks’ meticulous attention to detail is prominently displayed in the deliberate incorporation of religious motifs throughout the interior space, meticulously reimagined for contemporary living. The fireplace, serving as a symbolic altar, creates a focal point that exudes a sense of warmth and intimacy, while the angular wood-clad pulpit ingeniously conceals a luxurious bathroom, underscoring Craftworks’ commitment to maximizing space and functionality without compromising on the aesthetic integrity of the design.
The captivating interiors of The Chapel are a seamless fusion of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury, with the entirety of the inner volume adorned in a lustrous coat of waxed lime plaster, exuding a sense of understated opulence that complements the exterior’s reclaimed bricks and slate roof tiles. The carefully curated landscaped garden, meticulously designed by Jane Brockbank Gardens, serves as a hidden sanctuary, further enhancing the tranquil ambiance of The Chapel and seamlessly complementing the faceted forms of the roof with its intricate criss-crossing weathered steel borders.
Craftworks’ exceptional craftsmanship and their relentless pursuit of architectural excellence are further exemplified through their previous work on the site, wherein they transformed one of the adjacent convent buildings into four exquisite homes, each a testament to their enduring commitment to redefining the boundaries of modern residential design. As The Chapel continues to stand as a beacon of architectural innovation and creative brilliance in the heart of South London, Craftworks invites residents and architectural enthusiasts alike to immerse themselves in the captivating narrative of this timeless structure, where the rich heritage of the past converges with the sophisticated elegance of the present, creating an immersive living experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional residential design.
Photos by Edmund Sumner (https://www.edmundsumner.co.uk/).