The Brief – to restore and remodel a Grade II listed early 19th century chapel in the heart of Truro, Cornwall into a unique, stunning family home.  The Chapel had been neglected over recent years and had suffered from both vandalism and theft and required careful restoration and repairs to the existing building as well as the addition of a contemporary barrel vaulted single storey rear extension. Demolition of the modern additions to the Chapel were also required.   Internally the Chapel would take full advantage of the wagon roof with the addition of a first floor with access via a feature spiral staircase and bridge to the first floor Master and second Bedroom. At ground floor there would be an open plan Kitchen, Dining and Living Room with double sided fireplace as well as a third Bedroom with Ensuite within the rear extension.

     

The Design – before works began for the residential conversion of the Grade II Listed Chapel in Truro, Cornwall, the building required structural works as a result of issues with the rare and stunning ‘wagon’ roof.  This involved the addition of stainless steel cross ties to prevent further lateral spread of the roof.  Externally the building required repointing with lime and the formation of an external drainage system in order to minimise internal dampness. Demolition included the removal of modern additions to the Chapel.  In order that the first floor could be constructed, revisions to the double height leaded front window were also required with the addition of a stone transom to hide the floor structure.   The main entrance into the Chapel was repositioned from the rear to the front of the Chapel under one of the flying buttresses. At ground level, the property has a stunning full height open plan Lounge, separated from the Dining and Kitchen by a double sided fireplace.  To the rear, a contemporary barrel vaulted extension providing a third Bedroom with Dressing area and Ensuite was designed.  A Utility is  incorporated in the existing side wing, and the property also includes a Home Office and ground floor Toilet.   The feature spiral staircase leads up to the first floor which includes a Master Bedroom with Ensuite and a second Bedroom both of which enjoy the exposed barrel vaulted ceiling.    

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Being Grade II listed the Chapel required extensive involvement by CAD before works could start on the conversion.  A full building survey was undertaken in-house by CAD prior to the purchase of the chapel for the owner to identify the potential issues.  CAD worked with the owner to produce design concept and sketch schemes and once finalised, the scheme was submitted to Cornwall Council as a planning pre-application in order to ascertain the viability of the proposal.  With both the support of the planning and  conservation officers, a full listed building and planning application was submitted and approval was duly granted.  Full building regulations approval was then granted alongside structural calculations and details which enabled the owner to commence works to the Chapel.   

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Works to the Chapel have now been finished and the resultant scheme has seen the conversion of a derelict Grade II ecclesiastical building into a stunning family home in the heart of Truro.

 

Build Route – Self Build.

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Completion Date – July 2017.