Stroud Chapel

Stroud Chapel is a new building constructed using Cross Laminated Timber Panels (CLT) and glulam on a reinforced concrete piled substructure. The timber structure is exposed internally as a feature of the chapel space and uses an innovative ‘folded plate’ technique reminiscent of stone vaulting in historic cathedrals. From the long arch that forms between the furthest ends of the building, the predominantly compressive forces are transmitted through the rib stiffened roof shell.

The client’s brief required us to address symmetry, lighting and ‘movement’ along an east-west axis; the ceiling is to be highest over the altar steps and should then reduce over the altar, where the space is lit predominantly by candles rather than daylight; and the internal walls and roof should be, paradoxically, calm but ‘lively’.

Sacred medieval and renaissance architecture has been described as frozen music, attributed to the underlying geometry and proportional systems within the fabric as well as the concept of the internal space being akin to the sound box of a cello or violin. The acoustic performance of the chapel was of paramount importance for the client, both in terms of music and spoken word. The folded plate forms work particularly well in this regard and there was a close working relationship with our acoustic consultants who were able to successfully model the complex geometry and to contribute to the overall form design.

Bespoke analysis techniques were developed by C&T for this project, using Finite Element software to quantify the orthotropic stiffness inherent in the two-way spanning CLT panel and composite action with the glulam rib stiffeners.  

Client: Christian Community Stroud
Architect: Nicolas Pople