The new Staplehurst Free Church is currently under construction. It replaces a series of ad hoc structures with one unified building.
A cafe, creche and resource rooms have all been incorporated together with a second smaller hall on the first floor that can be used for community functions.
The defining feature of the building is the split pitched roof with a north facing clerestory window running the full length of the building, allowing natural light to flood in.
We made sure every element worked hard to achieve impressive environmental credentials on a tight budget. This includes an airtight FSC timber frame, triple glazing throughout, a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system and high levels of insulation.
We've secured planning consent for a 30kW peak PV system to go on the South-facing roof, which will provide a valuable income stream for the church and help to eliminate the building's CO2 emissions.
