Blog: Chapel of Saint Albert the Great

2013

Architects: Simpson & Brown

This little chapel nestles at the base of the Category A townhouses, obscured from the busy thoroughfare that is the Meadow Walk by the low wall and
shrubbery. From personal experience, the quaint chapel is easily missed on
ones journey through to the popular green but is well worth a visit.

The sandstone-clad clay blocks give the otherwise light building a weighty solid feeling, sitting well within the landscaped surroundings, framing the
sanctuary in Oak, masonry and corten steel against a green natural backdrop. The angled windows draw the eye forwards, keeping focus on
the altar and the individual engaged.

The frameless glass allows the floor to flow seamlessly from inside to out, with the corten steel “trees” bridging the visual link to create the illusion of no threshold between nature and place. Furthermore, these corten columns suspend the roof above the stereotomic walls whilst light is reflected inbetween the timber slats using mirrors to wash to roof in natural light.

The result is a very intimate, peaceful atmosphere that grounds visitors in nature. It is a place of quiet contemplation that uses knowledge of materials, textures and light to evoke a sense spirituality and sanctuary.