Buttress Architects | St Botolph’s Boston

The Church of St Botolph, or “the stump” as it is affectionately called, is one of the largest parish churches in England, and boasts the country’s tallest church tower at 272m. The Grade I listed is without a doubt one of the most significant buildings in the small market town of Boston; its tower rising dramatically above the surrounding flat fenlands.

Buttress has worked with the church on a number of restoration and development projects, including the design of award-winning visitor facilities, shop and café. After an in-depth feasibility study, the facilities were agreed to be designed to sit within the church building rather than as an external extension.

Designed as small stand-alone structures; the café is located at the base of the great west tower and a combined shop, vestry and office just off the north aisle.
The kitchen facility was designed so that when in use it is open to the main body of space within the church, but can be folded away and secured when extra space is needed for larger ceremonies. Both structures have vertical limed oak cladding chosen to sit comfortably within the design of the church. Within the grand space of this impressive building, the attractive new facilities have been well received as a new addition to the church architecture.
Manchester Society of Architects Awards 2013: Winner of the Community Award