Issue 47 JUNE - Flipbook - Page 30
Conversion from Church to Heritage and Wellness
Centre
St Mary’s at the Quay in the centre of Ipswich was a
Grade II listed medieval church that had fallen into
disuse. The building was fully restored and renovated to
create a heritage and wellbeing centre providing a space
for mental wellbeing, along with a venue that could be
hired out for meetings and events.
Building a mezzanine floor made full use of the lofty
church ceiling to open up additional space, whilst at the
same time offering an unhindered view of the nave for
people using the meeting rooms. Sympathetic use of
structural glass ensured that the atmosphere and
architecture of the building was fully retained.
Ion Glass installed a combination of glass screens and
panels that fit perfectly into the arches overlooking the
nave along with glass partitions to create fully contained
and private meeting rooms. The panels were fitted into
bespoke steel mullions to echo the look and feel of the
original stonework.
Mezzanine floor at St Mary at the Quay with a bespoke glass
balustrade
a bespoke aluminium handrail in keeping with the
industrial look and feel the client wanted to achieve.
The original arched glass window overlooking a busy road
adjacent to the church was screened with acoustic safety
glass to protect the original stained glass and reduce the
impact of traffic noise.
‘This was an interesting installation,’ commented Peter,
‘the architects had specified extensive use of frameless
glass throughout the entire project, with impressive
results. Using glass makes the space functional and
contemporary without detracting from the look and feel
of the original building.’
Ion also installed glass balustrading across the front of the
mezzanine floor and to both sides of the staircase, adding
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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