Douai Abbey
Berkshire
Client
Douai Abbey
Architect
David Richmond and Partners
Overview
New guest facilities, including refectories, commercial kitchen and overnight accommodation, have been sensitively constructed at this working monastery in Berkshire. Existing outbuildings have been demolished to make way for the new structure, which has been carefully designed to mirror the character of its surroundings. Two separate refectories have been constructed – one for monks and one for guests – together with a new guest chapel, featuring a tall, timber-clad ceiling, vaulted into a skylight. The project was carried out using materials designed to be in keeping with a monastery, including hard wood and polished concrete. Externally, the garden area has been landscaped to offer a perfect area of reflection for guests who visit the monastery on retreat.
Value
£2.5m
Duration
60 weeks