ST NICHOLAS, RADFORD SEMELE

Caroe & Partners was appointed to make repairs and significant alterations to St Nicholas Church, Radford Semele, following a fire in 2008 that resulted in major damage to the Grade II-listed building. Working closely with the Vicar and PCC, the DAC, amenity societies, the Local Authority, an Archaeologist, AV specialist, lighting designer, glass artists, and other consultants, a scheme was developed to re-instate the church as a contemporary place of worship, incorporating an open and flexible interior and new facilities, including WCs, a kitchen, office, vestry, crèche area, prayer corner and bell-ringing gallery.

The project required careful conservation of the surviving masonry fabric, and the reinstatement of the south elevation to its former appearance. Combined with this, the roof structure was reconstructed to a new design, incorporating a large glazed gable to the north. This has resulted in a transformation of the interior spaces, a new focus for worship, improved lighting conditions, and other environmental benefits. Extensions to the north-east and north-west accommodate some of the new facilities, and are designed using materials similar to the existing structure, but in a distinct and contemporary way.