Greenspace Architects were offered an opportunity to transform a deconsecrated chapel into “Somewhere that was both a home and a workplace, somewhere that both respected its original use and function, but somewhere which was also innovative and contemporary.” With the building set into a steep north-facing slope, getting light – particularly direct sunlight – into the 4m high interior was a major goal. With a continuous design conversation between us, the clients and the very adaptable and skilled builder, together we have achieved the clients’ aspiration of “doing something different”, by transforming the chapel into a spatial and material delight, augmenting the chapel’s historical character with bold contemporary additions. Having stripped the building back to its walls, a 6m section of the back wall was removed to open up the building to the south, then a new timber frame structure inserted to create an air tight envelope. Multiple roof lights and dormers bring light flooding into the highly-insulated interior, where a combined air source heat pump and woodburner heating system supplies underfloor heating throughout. Extensive use of oak joinery and LED lighting completes a fantastic interior.