The client's goal was to create a more open and inviting place of worship. The church's layout was a reflection of the times. It was built in the 1950s to replace the original neoclassical structure destroyed during World War II. Its flat roof made the church look like an industrial building.

 

         An extensive three-phase remodelling project to create a more integrated and balanced space was undertaken. Phase I involved removing the fixed partition from the worship area to create one large space, adding glazed acoustic doors, and creating an accessible mezzanine to increase the space's flexibility. Phase II involved redesigning the landscaping. This entailed removing the walls, railings, gates, flowerbeds, and lawns and leveling out the surfaces with block and slab paving to form a level approach with and from the edge of the public footpath. A Methodist Orb was placed in the center of the footpath to create a sense of welcome, peace, and belonging. Phase III involved removing the defensive solid oak doors from the structure to create visual connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

 

         The more appealing look and friendlier atmosphere as well as transparency from the street created an open landscape. These features combined with the internal flexibility that the mezzanines and acoustic glazed doors produced increased the number of visitors to the church.