Client
Citychurch
Design
Angela Gidden Studio
Photographer
Matt Cant
Location
City Centre, Cardiff
Project Value
£30,000
Year
2017
Citychurch Cardiff
Restoring and refreshing the design of the façade. The iconic building and home to the Citychurch was built in the early 1930’s and was commissioned by Principal George Jeffreys, Founder of the Elim Gospel Alliance. It stands prominently on a main road into the heart of the city. It’s exterior looking tired, dated and un-inviting. The church, previously known as the City Temple, opened in 1933 to become one of the biggest churches in South Wales and wanted to update and refresh it’s outward facing presence and get noticed. ASR Projects collaborating with DCS contractors were commissioned to carry out the refresh of the façade and the remodel of the large foyer space and adjoining facilities. Working closely with designer Angela Gidden, we sensitively updated an un-loved building into a distinctive, positive and welcoming church – inviting, welcoming and identifiably Citychurch.
Same building, fresh look
This aspect of work in the Citychurch project needed to be undertaken whilst the church retained use of the main entrance and had continued access on Sundays for up to a 1000 of the church’s members to attend the services. Stepping from the pavement into the foyer and ‘building site’ was accommodated due to the close working relationship with the client and the ‘going that step beyond’ to ensure all logistical challenges were managed and overcome.
ASR Projects worked with DCS Contractors, Morgan Consult on signage, Architectural Stone on masonry restoration and Vale Consulting on structural Engineering. ASR Projects and DCS were responsible for the complete refurbishment programme, from Quantity Surveying to Project managing, procurement to quality control, rip-out to installation, M&E to all new windows, glazing and doors to ground level and upper level. The transformation enhanced the façade making it smarter, re-energised and cared for – a sympathetic homage to the 1930’s original building.
Angela Gidden | Designer & Consultant Creative Director |The Citychurch felt that their tired, dated main exterior did not reflect the warmth and openness of the church with its presentation almost anonymous and mis-understood. The design brief included one of the key elements, branding. From the windows to main entrance, external lighting to engineering, restoration to signage all aspects of the design and the finish needed to align with the Citychurch and its branding.
ASR Projects and DCS fully understood the importance of this paying attention to the detail with a respectful and considerate approach. The Citychurch now stands proud, smart and importantly, stands out.
The detail – Reflecting 1930’s architecture
From the restoration of the stone-work and brickwork to new threshold tiles, specialist sheet metal textures and reflective surfaces from Rimex to the metal forming and cut-out brand voice lettering in the signage, the autumn rich colour palette harmonious with the environment to the simple geometric forms and details – all illuminated, all reflecting the 1930’s architecture.
