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This project is for the conversion of the Duncairn Presbyterian Church to a centre for Arts, Culture and Heritage. It is located at 174 Antrim Road, Belfast.
The Church was built in 1860-1862 together with the adjacent School House and Manse.
It was designed by WJ Barre in the High Victorian Gothic Style and executed in Scrabo Stone. The original plan was T shaped. It is a B+ listed building.
A knowledge and understanding of the evolution of the church itself and the setting has been invaluable in assisting us in developing appropriate proposals;
a) The need to respect the spatial volume of the church. Knowing the history of the building allowed us to take into
consideration the changing plan form of the building as it was extended over the years. We were able to take this into account in preparing our proposals while respecting
the need to preserve an understanding of the evolution of the building as a part of its inherent character.
b) To ensure that insertions into the volume of the church are made in a manner that is reversible. All new floors are inserted on their own independent structure with significant
shadow gaps where walls are met ensuring the actual and visual primacy of the original structure.
c) To integrate the need for smaller spaces, acoustic separation and fire escape into the facility while still retaining its essential character.
d) To retain material. We have utilised our integrated Computer 3D BIM model to assist with this
allowing us to identify clearly any areas where the proposals impact on the existing fabric of the church..
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