Evolution5 appointed for a new church building
Evolution5 has been appointed to provide construction management, quantity surveying and site management services for the construction of a new church building at St Michael’s School, Burghclere, Berkshire.
The purpose-built church is located on the site of St Michael’s School, replacing the existing makeshift chapel, which has stood on the site for twenty years. The current chapel is now inadequate in both size and magnificence.
Design image provided and used with the kind permission of Morse Webb Architects
The stunning new St. Michael Archangel Church designed by Morse Webb Architects is of romanesque proportions, faced in red brick to complement the existing school buildings. Structural engineering specialists Scott White and Hookins have provided structural advice, design and specifications to the project, which has the capacity for a congregation of around 240 and boasts a large windowed narthex (“cry room”). The sanctuary will be large enough for a Solemn High Mass, is flanked by two chapels and has a large wrap-around sacristy. Outside, the surrounding land will be beautifully landscaped and incorporates church parking along with a new school drop-off point.
As the church is located next to an operational school site with which it shares an entrance, safeguarding has been a paramount consideration throughout the project. The site has numerous buried Utility Services to be managed within the project, along with challenges arising from restricted site access.
Drawing on our extensive experience in delivering education and ecclesiastical projects, Evolution5 is providing construction management, cost management and site management services to ensure the project is completed to the client’s requirements for a high-quality building within limited budget constraints.
The project design commenced in December 2020, with construction on site starting in the summer of 2022. The project completed in late summer 2023.