John Wesley’s New Room
Transforming an underused courtyard into a vibrant new extension
John Wesley's New Room is the oldest purpose built Methodist building in the world. We were engaged to transform an underused courtyard within the site into a multi-purpose extension of the Grade I-listed building.
A new education suite, enlarged library and archive facilities, and administrative offices are now housed within a new glass and steel structure, carefully integrated into the existing structure.
Design challenges and solutions
The site was a relatively small urban courtyard defined on three sides by buildings in separate ownership and within rights of light. The fourth side was formed by the Grade I-listed New Room. The courtyard contains a Grade II-listed statue, standing and below ground archaeology, trees, and existing lean-to structures.
Our design solution maintained and enhanced an existing axial route leading from a busy shopping street to the tranquility of John Wesley’s New Room. Visitors will experience a sequence of distinct external and internal spaces, culminating in a double-height glazed courtyard immediately adjacent to the existing building.
From here, visitors can climb a discreet stair to the first floor library and archive facility, and the new education suite on the second floor. A new glazed bridge will span between new and old, allowing full wheelchair access to the refurbished and represented museum.
Details
- Client The Methodist Church
- Team Bristol Studio
- Location Bristol
- Country United Kingdom
- Listing Status Grade I
