Sunfields Methodist Church
bptw partnership has provided multi-disciplinary consultation, including architecture, visualisation, cost consultancy and employer’s agent services, for the redevelopment of the Sunfields Methodist Church in south east London; the first new Church to be built in Greenwich this century.
The design for the site has created a new prominent landmark building and a central venue for worship and events for the local Methodist community.
Laid out in cruxiform, the church is defined by a large west window and articulated with contemporary lancet windows. A striking feature of the church is the new west window. After an initial approach during construction, the church appointed glass artist Sarah Galloway to realise bptw’s original intentions to design and produce a modern interpretation of a stained glass window using etched and coloured glazing. The design draws on the name of the church, detailing a large colourful sun underneath fields and a river, while also drawing upon the text inscribed below the window that Jesus is the light of the world. The window truly comes to life at night where the intricate detailing positively radiates with colour and in sunlight the colours play delicately on the internal masonry surfaces.
In keeping with the traditional design of church buildings the integration of the roof structure and lighting are key features of the Sanctuary and other principal interior spaces. Daylight spills through the church creating a well lit, relaxed environment to worship in.
Fact file
Location: Blackheath, London
Client: Sunfields Methodist Church
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