Facing an uncertain future, Becket’s Chapel in Wymondham, Norfolk, was placed on the Heritage At Risk Register in 2018. Today, a phased transformation project is preserving this historic building for a sustainable future.
BACKGROUND
The Architect Studio first became involved in this project in 2021, supporting Historic Norfolk with plans to save the building. We led the initial phase focused on essential conservation work, upgrading and preserving the historic chapel structure to successfully prepare it for a new role within the community.
Take a look at phase 1 here: Becket's Chapel - An Abridged account of the last two years in its long history...
THE CHALLENGE
The second phase of development presented a complex architectural challenge. Historic Norfolk sought to sensitively integrate new modern amenities into this Grade I Listed building, including a café, kitchen and information point for visitors. The extension needed to generate income for building maintenance, support community events and encourage tourism, while respecting the chapel’s historic character.
OUR SOLUTION
Initial Inspiration
With the site otherwise constrained by neighbouring properties and an adjacent road, The Architect Studio identified the south elevation as the ideal location for the extension.
Drawing from the site’s history, we proposed a design that references a row of 18th-century shops once standing alongside the chapel. This influenced our design for the form and massing of the extension, creating a meaningful connection between past and present.
Sensitive Design
It was important to get the proportions of the new extension right, so that it would highlight the beauty of the main building. The roofline was key to achieving this architectural harmony and we used digital modelling to determine the perfect roof pitch, striking a balance between the chapel’s steep ridge and the existing annexe behind.
Practical considerations were also important, and the extension was designed to be self-supporting with minimal connection points to the historic fabric. This prevents any impact on the chapel, safeguarding its structural integrity.
Removing temporary brick panelling that had remained in place for many decades revealed magnificent 15th-century arches. Sensitively integrated with a glazed screen, this created a pleasing connection between the historic hall and new café.
We selected Zinc cladding as the primary material which provides a contemporary aesthetic that clearly distinguishes the new from the old. As a lightweight and highly sustainable material, zinc offers excellent durability and is also a subtle reference to the lead that originally featured on the chapel roof.
We included large, glazed areas and rooflights in the extension to maximise natural light and ventilation. Carefully designed overhangs and angled walls control solar gain from these which helps to maintain a pleasant interior temperature year-round with minimal heating requirements. The glazing also allows visitors to enjoy views of the beautiful historic architecture of the chapel from within the modern space.
Energy Solutions
Sustainability is an important factor in preserving historic buildings such as Becket’s Chapel for the long term. The south-facing position of this extension made it ideal for installing PV solar panels. The panels we selected, which represent one of the very latest in British engineering, adhered easily to the roof within the standing seams of the zinc roof, which alongside an anti-reflective surface makes them visually unobtrusive.
Work is also underway to replace the existing gas heating system with an air source heat pump.
Planning Navigation
Despite some local objection and a challenging journey through the planning process, The Architect Studio positively navigated the system on behalf of Historic Norfolk.
Early engagement with the conservation officer and Historic England, thorough pre-application consultation and a phased approach were key to the successful planning outcomes we achieved. Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission were agreed by the Planning Committee, where 7 out of 9 Councillors voted in favour of this transformational project.
“I think the design is outstanding. It is a worthy addition to an 800-year-old building and will in centuries to come be a strong example of architectural enhancement from 2024 on this historic chapel.”
COUNCILLOR JOHN OVERTON, SOUTH NORFOLK COUNCIL
THE OUTCOME
Our involvement in the first phase of this project saw Becket’s Chapel removed from Historic England’s At Risk Register in November 2023.
In this next phase, we have now secured plans to sensitively integrate contemporary design and modern facilities into this valuable cultural and historical asset.
Becket’s Chapel demonstrates how thoughtful contemporary design can revitalise historic buildings, creating a sustainable future for our architectural heritage.
"Patricia has worked as the Conservation Architect and Principal Consultant with Historic Norfolk since 2021 on an important and complex project to save and extend an "at risk” Grade 1 listed chapel.
Her excellent work on the design of a modern extension, for which we received Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent recently, has required patience and persistence and was achieved as a Net Zero-friendly project.
Patricia led the professional team in a commendable manner and oversaw the contract works efficiently. She has a friendly and professional manner, takes great attention to detail and plans all work thoroughly.
JUDITH HARWOOD, CHAIR, HISTORIC NORFOLK
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