WELCOMING DESIGN

The second phase of St Margaret’s Church redevelopment looks to provide a new entrance to the church. This architectural additional is not just a physical door to the external urban realm but is using architectural design to enhance the space and create a community hub for people to gather.

After extensive studies the existing doorway was found to be dark and uninviting, to help reinvigorate the church to the community it was felt a more welcoming main entrance was needed, reengaging the project with the local community. The design uses copper cladding, creating a warm and inviting entrance with windows offering glimpses inside, breaking down the threshold barrier.

The church is located in the heart of Portsea, serving the wide community of Portsmouth and Southsea. Phase one of the redevelopment included a new and robust concrete floor though the whole church, the development of some very simple robust furniture that can multi-functional so it can be adaptable when creating ‘rooms’ within the church space and internal heating.