Some buildings appear destined for a second life. Church buildings, specifically, typically possess a way of scale, craftsmanship, and environment that fashionable properties battle to copy. The Previous Chapel in west Devon is an ideal instance. Initially constructed within the early twentieth century, this former place of worship has been remodeled by Tuckey Design Studio right into a heat household residence that embraces its historical past quite than concealing it.
Set throughout the rolling Devon countryside, the undertaking fastidiously balances modern residing with the constructing’s ecclesiastical character. Authentic stone partitions, hovering ceilings, Gothic-inspired home windows, and uncovered timber buildings stay central to the design, whereas a sequence of delicate interventions make the area work effortlessly for contemporary household life.
A Historic Chapel Reimagined for Household Dwelling
The previous nave has been remodeled right into a spacious residing space centered round a wood-burning range beneath hovering vaulted ceilings.
Relatively than subdividing the chapel into a group of standard rooms, the architects selected to have fun its extraordinary quantity. The previous nave now serves as an expansive open-plan residing space the place the constructing’s authentic proportions can nonetheless be totally appreciated.
Pure mild pours by way of slender arched home windows, framing views of the encompassing woodland and coastal panorama past. The sense of openness is enhanced by the uninterrupted sightlines that stretch throughout your entire size of the chapel.
Preserving the Drama of the Authentic Nave
A brand new plywood staircase winds alongside a restored stone arch, making a putting distinction between previous and new.
On the heart of the primary residing area sits a wood-burning range, making a pure gathering level for household life. The range’s darkish silhouette contrasts fantastically with the pale palette of timber, plaster, and stone that defines the inside.
Above, reclaimed timber boards line the stripped-back ceiling, whereas restored joists create a rhythmic sample that attracts the attention upward towards the dramatic pitched roof. These authentic architectural parts present a continuing reminder of the constructing’s former goal.
The result’s an area that feels each grand and intimate—a uncommon stability that many giant open-plan interiors battle to attain.
A Floating Plywood Room Above the Kitchen
One of the crucial putting additions is the brand new plywood quantity suspended above the kitchen. Relatively than competing with the historic material of the chapel, the insertion seems nearly like a bit of furnishings positioned throughout the bigger area.
The elevated construction homes an extra bed room and research space whereas preserving views by way of the unique quantity of the nave. Its easy geometry and pale timber end enable it to take a seat quietly throughout the historic shell.
Entry is offered through a fastidiously crafted stair that winds alongside a repointed stone gable wall, creating a chic dialogue between previous and new.
Stone Arches, Timber Beams, and Sincere Supplies
Customized timber cabinetry and arched openings echo the chapel’s historic structure whereas introducing heat and performance.
All through the undertaking, the fabric palette stays restrained and remarkably cohesive. Uncovered stone partitions reveal the craftsmanship of the unique development, whereas pale plywood joinery introduces heat and performance with out overwhelming the historic structure.
The architects have averted pointless embellishment, permitting pure textures and punctiliously thought-about particulars to outline the interiors. Authentic arches proceed to border views between areas, whereas built-in storage and bespoke cabinetry really feel seamlessly built-in into the material of the constructing.
It’s a lesson in how modern interventions can assist heritage structure quite than dominate it.
The Kitchen’s Polished Zinc Countertop Displays the Panorama
A library-lined mezzanine introduces further residing area whereas preserving views throughout the chapel’s authentic quantity.
The kitchen combines practicality with understated magnificence. A big island topped with polished zinc serves as the focus of the area, its reflective floor capturing altering mild all through the day.
The encompassing cabinetry is completed in pale timber, complementing the plywood additions elsewhere within the residence. Open shelving and easy detailing reinforce the relaxed environment, whereas giant arched home windows set up a continuing connection to the encompassing panorama.
Even the smallest particulars contribute to the general sense of calm and cohesion.
Reworking the Former Crypt into Mild-Stuffed Bedrooms
Easy supplies and punctiliously framed views create a peaceable environment all through the non-public areas.
Under the primary residing areas, the previous crypt has been prolonged to create beneficiant south-facing bedrooms overlooking a sloping backyard and intimate courtyard.
The decrease stage feels surprisingly vivid, because of fastidiously positioned openings that maximize pure mild. Thick stone partitions have been carved with sculpted niches that accommodate delicate lighting, highlighting the feel of the historic masonry whereas making a heat and welcoming environment.
The brand new areas really feel modern with out dropping their connection to the constructing’s previous.
Reclaimed Terracotta Tiles Add Heat and Character
Reclaimed terracotta tiles deliver texture, heat, and a way of historical past to the house’s staircases.
One of many residence’s most charming options is the staircase completed with reclaimed terracotta tiles. The various tones of the aged bricks introduce texture, heat, and a way of historical past underfoot.
All through the undertaking, reclaimed supplies are used thoughtfully quite than decoratively. Their imperfections assist floor the modern interventions and reinforce the constructing’s connection to its previous.
These small moments of expertise contribute considerably to the house’s general character.
The place Up to date Design Meets Ecclesiastical Structure
What makes The Previous Chapel such a compelling renovation is its restraint. Tuckey Design Studio has resisted the urge to erase the constructing’s former identification, as an alternative working with its distinctive architectural qualities to create a house that feels genuine and timeless.
The hovering ceilings, Gothic-inspired home windows, uncovered stonework, and reclaimed supplies stay the defining options of the undertaking. Up to date additions, together with the floating plywood room and bespoke staircases, are fastidiously calibrated to enhance quite than compete with the historic construction.
The result’s a household residence that feels deeply linked to its setting and historical past—a considerate transformation that proves previous buildings can adapt fantastically to fashionable life whereas retaining the qualities that make them extraordinary.
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