Tales from the crypt: Dow Jones Architects refurbishes a Hawksmoor icon

Christ Church Spitalfields, widely regarded as the masterpiece of English Baroque architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, is opening its crypt to the public for the first time in its some 300 year history. Funded by the Monument Trust and sensitively refurbished by Dow Jones Architects, the space now encompasses a new café, gallery and performance space. Works to the crypt follow the restoration of the nave in 2003 and the Baroque organ in June this year, completing a three-phase redevelopment of the grade I listed building.
The design ambition was to support activities in the nave with the ability to operate independently for venue hire. Three bold gestures define the remodelled crypt; a grand entrance ramp, the creation of a flexible open-plan environment and the insertion of timber volumes to accommodate support facilities. Hawksmoor envisaged the west elevation as an arched gateway to the city, representing the connection between centre and edge. Embracing this notion, Dow Jones conceived the entrance ramp as a continuation of the street, connecting the buried crypt to the city. Fashioned in York stone with metal railings, the ramp references the familiar features of the London streetscape.
Historically, the crypt had been subdivided in a piecemeal manner. Now, non-structural elements are stripped out, revealing Hawksmoor’s magnificent vaulted structure. The Portland stone columns have been restored to their original state and lime render to the brick vaulted soffits replaces a tired plaster finish, unifying the spacious interior with a bright undulating soffit. Daylight and ventilation are capitalized from perimeter clerestory windows, augmented by new lighting and mechanical systems.
The crisp appearance of the lightweight timber walls inserted between the heavy stone structure, creates a clear dialogue between old and new. Housing the ancillary spaces and concealing service routes, the unvarnished oak elements play an understated role, allowing the newly formed views of Hawksmoor’s impressive architecture to take centre stage.
Built in 1729, the crypt now opens to the public for the first time in its 300 year history with a new café, performance space and gallery
The design intent was to feel connected to but separate from the nave, offering the option for the space to operate independently. As part of the church’s sustainable business plan, both the nave and crypt can be hired out. The new catering kitchen and café provides the flexibility to service dinners for up to 250 and receptions for up to 600 people
The restoration works stripped out blockwork walls and redundant services installed over the years, creating open-plan spaces and revealing Hawksmoor’s vaulted structure
The underground crypt capitalizes on natural daylight and ventilation from perimeter clerestory windows, augmented by new lighting and mechanical systems, discreetly incorporated into the design of the timber panelled walls
Support facilities including wc's, kitchen and servery counters are housed in complimentary timber interventions inserted between structural bays. A distinction is created by the timber panelling, with primary spaces lined in a plank and muntin staggered board style, and back of house areas lined in tongue and grooved boards
Hawksmoor envisaged the west elevation as an arched gateway, representing the connection between centre and edge. Dow Jones embraced this notion, conceiving the York stone topography and metal railing of the entrance ramp as a continuation of the street into the crypt
The metal balustrade references the language of the London streetscape. Finer elements including handrails, ironmongery, signage and light fittings are formed in bronze
The brick vaults of the entrance vestibule had never been plastered and for this reason are left in their original state. The oak insertions are detailed to incorporate service routes, integrating air supply, acoustic attenuation, lighting and AV
INFORMATION
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
For more information on Dow Jones Architects visit the website
Photography: David Grandorge
-
The Sinclair name is back, attached to a pocket-sized games console with an educational edge
Grant Sinclair’s name is freighted with early computing history. Wallpaper* tapped up the British inventor to find out more about his new GamerCard console and other innovation
-
Beloved sushi restaurant Sōgo Roll Bar comes to Highland Park
The sushi hangout begins a new chapter in its second location, becoming the perfect spot for a quick grab-and-go or a relaxed tasting experience in east LA
-
Japanese designer Shinichiro Ogata's latest venture is a modern riff on the traditions of his home country
As he launches Saboe, a series of new tearooms and shops across Japan, we delve into Shinichiro Ogata's creative vision, mirrored throughout the spaces and objects, rituals and moments of his projects
-
The inimitable Norman Foster: our guide to the visionary architect, shaping the future
Norman Foster has shaped today's London and global architecture like no other in his field; explore his work through our ultimate guide to this most impactful contemporary architect
-
Kengo Kuma’s ‘Paper Clouds’ in London is a ‘poem’ celebrating washi paper in construction
‘Paper Clouds’, an installation by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a poetic design that furthers research into the use of washi paper in construction
-
Foster + Partners to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II
For the Queen Elizabeth II memorial, Foster + Partners designs proposal includes a new bridge, gates, gardens and figurative sculptures in St James’ Park
-
Wolves Lane Centre brings greenery, growing and grass roots together
Wolves Lane Centre, a new, green community hub in north London by Material Cultures and Studio Gil, brings to the fore natural materials and a spirit of togetherness
-
This ingenious London office expansion was built in an on-site workshop
New Wave London and Thomas-McBrien Architects make a splash with this glulam extension built in the very studio it sought to transform. Here's how they did it
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on life
Thanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being reborn as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
Lego and Serpentine celebrate World Play Day with a new pavilion
Lego and Serpentine have just unveiled their Play Pavilion; a colourful new structure in Kensington Gardens in London and a gesture that celebrates World Play Day (11 June)
-
Inside Abbey Road's refresh: touring the legendary studio's new interior
Abbey Road gets an interior refresh by Threefold Architects, bringing the legendary London recording studio in tune with the 21st century