Esher Green Baptist Church

This project involved the remodeling and extension of a 19th-century church in Esher to create additional space within the church buildings yet sensitively retain the character and overall style of this heritage building to address the changing needs of the church and its operation.

The design team facilitated the creation of a new single-story link structure to the existing church building and church hall, providing a light and airy environment and modern structure which contrasts with the existing architecture. The extension caters to the increasing number of people attending services and the modern audio-visual needs of such spaces. Further, alterations were made to the original sanctuary area to create administrative spaces and meeting rooms. Being in the heart of a lively community, Esher’s key challenge was ensuring the extension was well received.

Elementa Consulting provided full mechanical, electrical, and public health (above- and below-ground) design services for the extension work. At Esher Green, Elementa Consulting reviewed and assessed the existing services with a view to the retention and budget efficiency. Long-term operation and sustainability are also key project drivers.

The use of energy-efficient lighting, sympathetic to the functions and style of the buildings with natural ventilation being used where possible, fully integrated AV installations throughout, and lighting control as key features of the design services. We have also integrated mixed-mode mechanical ventilation to the hall extension due to the external town center acoustic issues that would interrupt the use of the space during certain periods.