Wells Parish Rooms
Wells, Norfolk
Purslows was asked to help the Catholic Church in Wells add something they’d long needed: a proper meeting space and some much-needed toilet facilities. The church and nearby presbytery are both Grade II listed, so we knew the new extension had to sit comfortably alongside the historic buildings without taking anything away from their character.
We designed a small but thoughtful addition that feels like it’s always been there. The roof features a split pitch with a lead-clad clerestory window to bring in plenty of natural light, and exposed glulam beams inside give the space warmth and texture. Outside, we used carefully detailed brick surrounds on the windows to echo the original stone mullions of the church - subtle details that help everything feel in sync.
Our role in the project
- Architectural Design
- Project Management
- Heritage & Conservation
- Principal Designer / CDM Consultant
Results
The finished extension gives the parish exactly what it needed - a light, welcoming room for meetings and events, and good facilities for everyone who uses the church. It’s a modest project on the surface, but one that really improves how the church serves its community, while treating the building’s heritage with care and respect.