Associates has advocated for the decarbonization of the church where possible , opting for a new air source heat pump to warm St Leonard ’ s throughout the cooler months . A new underfloor heating system is installed on top of the existing original parquet floor throughout the church so as not to disturb the historic material . The system is covered to step the floor level up by 15 centimeters , whilst new ramps at both the new porch and supporting south entrance overcome level access issues . St Leonard ’ s appeal is extended beyond solely church-goers with the addition of a café in the smaller nave . The counter is crafted from repurposed choir stalls and the continuation of original herringbone patterns found in the church ’ s tiling in the new joinery reflects a wider commitment to continuing St Leonard ’ s historic character . Herringbone timber cladding covers the new dividing screens , and a new toilet pod and is evident in the herringbone oak slats of the timber porch .
In addition to interior works , external landscaping improvements include the renewal of pathways , a new outdoor seating space , and the installation of new outdoor path lights for better accessibility and visibility . Festoon lights alongside the new porch brighten the neighborhood so effectively that St Leonard ’ s Church is now colloquially known as the “ bright and light church ”. John Puttick Associates ’ thoughtful and sensitive approach marks the most substantial intervention at the site for many years . The new enhancements revitalize St Leonard ’ s Church for its shifting congregation , duly considered for the needs of a 21st-century demographic . These ecclesiastical improvements , rooted in context , ensure the church remains a vibrant heart of the local community .
www . johnputtickassociates . com
‘ Working with John and Martin at John Puttick Associates has been so fantastic from start to finish . It ’ s been incredible to see the process through from concept to reality and how well it has translated throughout the refurbishment process . It looks stunning but also really works practically for our now bustling church and community events . Reactions from both people who knew the church before and also those coming in for the first time are of wonder and appreciation of the best of old and new elements of the building looking great together . The new porch is a wonderful new feature welcoming in the community new and old and providing a real external wow factor for the building as well .’’’ -Ali Marshall , Associate Vicar at St Leonard ’ s Hove Church
Area : 770 m ² Year : 2024 Photographs : Gareth Gardner www . refurbandrestore . co . uk - 31