Build Energy recently had the pleasure of helping contractor and project managers LamburnGeekie Ltd and architects Spirit Architecture Limited with this fascinating new home in Oxford.
The building originally began its life as a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel Mission Room, constructed in 1873. Over the 20th century, it served a wide range of purposes—including as an ice cream workshop, a removal company base, and later, a classroom for A-level students. The project commenced with securing planning permission to convert the building for residential use and to make structural changes. The existing shell was retained, while the gable ends were carefully reconstructed to resemble the presumed original form of the chapel, ensuring the new home harmonized with the historic terrace streetscape. While much of the original structure had been altered or lost, subtle features such as the arched chapel windows survived and were thoughtfully echoed in the new façade design.
Internally, the layout features a bedroom on each floor, flanking a spacious, open-plan living area at the heart of the home. Garden access was achieved by modifying the boundary of the adjacent property, which the developer acquired for this purpose.
Further structural investigation revealed that the original walls were too slender to support an open layout and, like many Victorian buildings, lacked proper foundations. To address this, a steel frame was installed within the existing shell to reinforce the structure.
The new internal framework was insulated to high-performance standards. Combined with the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system (MVHR), and photovoltaic panels – the result is a highly energy-efficient home that respects its heritage while embracing modern sustainability.
Build Energy were delighted to help the team with:
