Located at the junction of Westbourne Park Villas and Porchester Road in west London, Westbourne Park Baptist Church replaces an existing religious building that was outdated, poorly configured and lacked disabled access.
Designed by Allies & Morrison, the mixed-use development includes a family centre, children’s library, community hall and 32 affordable apartments.
The massing is designed to mediate between the taller structures of Porchester Road and the smaller-scale residential character of Westbourne Park Villas. A ‘campanile’ on the north eastern corner of the building provides a focal point, announcing the presence of the church to the wider community. Deep window reveals and strategically located brick recesses cast strong shadow lines across the facade.
Brick was chosen as the principal external material for its robustness, longevity and ability to fit seamlessly within the local context. A pale cream brick was specified to complement the surrounding stucco-fronted villas. Slight tonal variations add visual interest, while soft creases and edges give a hand-thrown appearance.
The facades employ 60mm coursing using 50mm bricks laid in a Flemish bond with flush pointing. Queens closers are set inboard for vertical alternating header/stretcher stacking at reveals. Pulled headers articulate the set-back top storey. Joints are slightly recessed in favour of brick module clarity.
