Kingston Christian Reformed Church

This project introduces a contemporary addition to an existing 20th Century heritage-listed church, expanding its role as a place of worship, to gather and support. The new works accommodate office spaces, kitchen facilities, a café, and play areas, designed to serve both congregation and the broader neighbourhood. At its core, the project seeks to create an inviting and approachable environment in keeping with the church mission of community outreach.

Process

A deeply consultative and collaborative process underpinned the project, with ongoing engagement with both the client and the wider church community. The design approach was curious and investigative, carefully balancing individual aspirations with the collective good. Working within a strict budget (supported by the generosity of the community) required clarity, efficiency, and thoughtful decision-making. Functionality was prioritised throughout, ensuring that staff offices, meeting rooms, and shared spaces support daily use, with staff positioned alongside the building’s primary areas of activity to foster connection and presence.

Impact

The completed project establishes a transparent and welcoming environment that supports a broad range of community uses. Spaces such as the quiet lounge near the street entrance offer moments for reflection, conversation, and pastoral care, while the café, outdoor deck, and play areas encourage informal gathering and family interaction. Together, the old and new create a cohesive whole - balancing enclosure with openness - to form a place that is inclusive, active, and deeply connected.

Place

The design carefully balances the solid, enduring presence of the existing brick church with a light and contemporary addition. A palette of raw and natural materials, including timber and brick, creates continuity, while glazed and steel structural elements introduce transparency, openness and light. The new entry is defined by a sequence of spaces providing a dignified and accessible approach via landscaped ramps and stairs. Sun-filled spaces extend from the auditorium and café on to a sheltered courtyard and deck, maintaining visual connections to an enclosed playground, embedding the building within everyday community life.

Client Testimonial

“…1+2 understanding has resulted in engaging design solutions that have considered community, warmth, lighting, welcome and functionality of the space. It is clear they have understood that this is a community project, rather than a commercial one. They are aware that it is funded by the generosity of our community. As a result, they have regularly reviewed anticipated costs and have sought to work to budgets, adapt designs, simplify construction and engage community members who have expertise in these areas.

I have really appreciated the regular and clear communication I have had with 1+2 architecture. They have Oked us through the different stages of the project, consulted about design decisions, worked with council, particularly on our heritage requirements and at all stages been willing to take our input and feedback into account.”

Paul Kupke, Leader of the Masterplan Committee