Community · Walworth, Southwark
Church of the Lord, Surrey Square
Nine self-contained flats added to the rear of the Church of the Lord on Surrey Square, Walworth, in brick and render, with the church kept in use.
- Location
- Walworth, Southwark
- Type
- Community
- Year
- 2019
- Scope
- Community, flats
- Design
- Green Code Architects
The Church of the Lord is a long-established place of worship on Surrey Square, in a predominantly residential part of Walworth. The proposal extends the building to the rear with nine self-contained flats, meeting local housing need while responding to the changing needs of the congregation.
The extension is planned so that the church's operations continue uninterrupted. A central lift and staircase organise the vertical circulation and connect the new flats functionally with the church.
The residential element is deliberately distinguished from the original church, in beige-toned brick and anthracite render. Its design draws on Walworth's mix of historic and contemporary buildings. A flat sedum roof carries photovoltaic panels.
Access was a priority throughout. Entrances are step-free, and the flats are designed to accommodate disabled residents. The result is a building that serves both its congregation and its new residents.