Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 30
Referencing Spence’s original design and materials
Historic England mandated that all new construction
should be deferential to the 1962 building fabric, and this
design principle dictated the form of the extension:
between new and existing building fabric on 5 of 6 sides
of the new extension. All abutments were resolved to
achieve modern building standards, which demanded
tremendous precision in design, detailing and setting out.
The original Spence-designed composition of the north
and south facades is extended into the new building via a
three-sided Cantifix rooflight which provides natural light
to the multipurpose room and frames views of the Chapel
of Unity, St Michael’s spire and also the monumental
nave rising above.
Basil Spence used a palette of high-quality natural
materials for the post-war reconstruction of Coventry
Cathedral which directly inspired A&RMÉ’s selections.
Rose-coloured Hollington sandstone to the external walls
of the New Cathedral reference St Michael’s Ruins.
Accordingly, the cladding of the new extension had to
resonate with the Hollington sandstone but appear more
ephemeral and lightweight. A&RMÉ specified sheet
copper and perforated copper alloy panels, and collaborated with Darrell Warren of Warren & Neale R&C ltd
on the bespoke detailing to the facades.
Above, North elevation, new extension above Spence facade
Referencing the original Westmorland slate cladding to
the satellite Chapels of Unity and Christ the Servant,
textured precast concrete panels clad the new lift shaft
(by Lazenby Ltd). Elegant bronze-framed double-glazed
windows and external doors were handmade and installed
by Architectural Bronze Casements.
Within the interior, the reconstructed reveals to the
re-presented Swedish Windows were finished with a fine
polished plaster by Viero UK to relate materially, but
contrast texturally to the original heavily textured plaster
finish to the interior walls to the New Cathedral. The
almost black polished concrete floor (Lazenby) was
selected to relate visually but contrast materially with the
original Kellymount limestone to the Cathedral floor.
Above, South facade, copper cladding by Warren & Neale
Above, trestaurant and south terrace, circa 1962
Above, restaurant and south terrace, 2023
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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