Conversion of a C19 Chapel into a Single Dwelling
The Chapel in West Langdon is a beautifully restrained conversion of a former 19th-century United Reformed Chapel into a characterful one-bedroom home. Set within the rolling landscape of the Ripple Local Landscape Area, the project transforms this long-disused building into a unique contemporary dwelling while restoring its historic charm and architectural integrity.
At the heart of the scheme is the careful uncovering and repair of the Chapel’s original buff brickwork, long concealed beneath failing cement render. By returning the building to its authentic 19th-century appearance, the project not only enhances its architectural character but also safeguards its long-term health through breathable materials and sensitive conservation-led repairs.
Inside, the design celebrates the Chapel’s lofty proportions with a double-height living space, new mezzanine walkway and restored arched windows that flood the interior with light. A modest, subservient side extension provides a separate lounge and bedroom suite, subtly expressed through complementary brickwork, matching slate and slim-framed glazing. The new addition is deliberately set back and scaled down, ensuring the historic form of the Chapel remains the defining architectural presence.
The conversion introduces a thoughtful domestic layout—featuring an improved entrance hall, utility space, contemporary kitchen and dining area, and a calm first-floor bedroom accessed via the mezzanine. Conservation roof lights, breathable insulation, and efficient building fabric upgrades provide modern comfort without compromising the building’s heritage character.
With discreet pathways, carefully planned drainage, and minimal impact on the surrounding site, the proposal offers a deeply respectful transformation. The Chapel becomes a timeless home: modest, warm and modern on the inside, yet still unmistakably the Chapel that has stood in West Langdon since 1866.
