MEB Design have worked with Horley Baptist Church for over 10 years producing  feasibly studies for existing and proposed sites. We have now completed phase one of a two phase new build church at Court Lodge, Horley. This new build church provides the congregation with the additional space and modern facilities they require for their expanding church.

The finished building represents extremely good value for money with the final cost per square metre of £1,460. The L shape plan of phase one enables a simple structure of mostly load bearing masonry with a timber trussed roof. Close collaborative work between the whole design team and main contractor have kept costs low without compromising the overall design.

The two storey building is contemporary looking with brick at ground floor level and predominantly render at first floor.  The roof, fascia’s and soffit’s are clad in pre weathered zinc. Windows and doors are hybrid construction with robust, light grey, aluminium on the outside and wooden frames on the inside. The accommodation provides a large hall with a glass sliding folding wall between the welcoming concourse area. A commercial kitchen serves to the hall and reception servery, there is a reception and general offices accommodation. In addition to standard sanitary facilities there are dedicated children WC’s and accessible WC’s as well as a shower wet room. Nine church rooms of generous proportions are provided with tea points and essential built-in storage, further flexibility is provided by acoustic sliding folding screens.

There are a number of sustainable features which improve the efficiency of the church. A building management system (BMS) enable the church to programme heating to improve efficiency. Motion detectors connected to many of the light fittings ensuring power isn’t wasted when rooms aren’t occupied. Natural ventilation cowls on the roof ventilate the hall and concourse areas. The south facing pitched roof is optimised by photovoltaic panels provide addition sustainable electric power, all of which reduces the running cost of the building.