Buttress Architects | Tonbridge School Chapel

Following a devastating fire, a decision was made to rebuild the School Chapel out of the ruins of the old.
The whole of the roof, wall panelling and almost all of the fittings had been destroyed and the remaining floor and walls were eventually dismantled to prevent collapse.

The brief required a new seating capacity of 720 without breach of the original walls (the original chapel could only seat 450) and seating was also requested at the east end. In addition, the brief required the construction of a new Lady Chapel.
Externally the fire damaged building fabric needed significant repair, restoration and re-instalment of walls, new roof and slate coverings, rainwater goods, window openings and new leaded and glazed lights.

The building was the recipient of numerous local and national awards, craftsmanship and detailing awards, including the RIBA and Civic Trust awards; it was shortlisted for the Royal Fine Arts Commission of the Year.
Civic Trust Awards: Outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the environment
Tonbridge Civic Society Awards: Winner
RIBA South East Region: Winner of the Downland Design Award
RIBA National Award: Winner