Interiors Award Highly Commended 2016

Location: London
Architect: Dow Jones Architects
Client/Owner: The Rector & PCC, Christ Church Spitalfields
Structural Engineer: Momentum Engineering
Main Contractor/Builder: Coniston Ltd
Joinery Company: Icklesham Joinery Ltd
Wood Supplier: Timbmet Group Ltd
Wood Species: European Oak

This project redevelops the crypt at Christ Church Spitalfields, a Grade I listed building by Nicholas Hawksmoor, completed in 1729, and widely regarded as his masterpiece. The use of European oak in the crypt space is inspired by Hawksmoor’s use of materials in the church above but with contemporary detailing. The new lightweight, reversible timber structures have been designed to be discrete. The design and placement of the unvarnished oak walls makes a clear distinction between the old and new and creates open views along the length and width of the space. Hierarchy is created by having two types of paneling. The walls to the primary spaces are similar to plank and muntin walls with staggered boards. In the back of house areas, the walls are detailed as flush tongued and grooved.