little kingshill baptist church
Project
Little Kingshill Baptist Church
Main Contractor
Ed House
Architect
n/a
Market Sector
Social
Little Kingshill Baptist Church
Little Kingshill Baptist Church embarked on an ambitious journey to transform their old hall into a vibrant community hub, overcoming decades of planning hurdles and Covid-related delays. The project was driven by a shared vision: to create a space that would foster community connections, support local activities, and provide a welcoming environment for all.
The original hall had long been inadequate, and during the Covid lockdown, the need for a new facility became even more apparent. A pop-up coffee shop in the old hall proved immensely popular, galvanizing support for a new building. Despite challenges, including limited initial funding and tight planning timelines, the church pressed forward, designing a staged build plan that would ultimately bring their vision to life.
A Modern and Sustainable Vision
Working with a local architect, the church envisioned a dual-purpose facility featuring:
• A café space to host community coffee mornings.
• A larger hall to accommodate a variety of activities, from fitness classes to children’s parties.
Environmental sustainability was a priority, with features such as solar panels, an air source heat pump, and high insulation levels. The materials were carefully chosen to complement the church’s rural setting, with dark red bricks, flint panels, and a zinc roof that combined durability with visual appeal.
Acoustic Excellence with Ecophon Panels
During the construction phase, the church recognised the importance of sound management. Poor acoustics can hinder the functionality of community spaces, and they sought a solution that would ensure comfort without compromising the minimalist, serene design.
Ecophon Solo™ Triangle and Ecophon Solo™ Rectangle panels in Fresh Clover were selected for their exceptional acoustic properties and aesthetic harmony with the space. These panels addressed the challenges posed by the hall’s high ceilings and open layout, enhancing sound clarity during a variety of activities, from lively coffee mornings to tranquil yoga sessions.
Key benefits of the panels included:
• High sound absorption (Class A), reducing ambient noise.
• Eco-friendly credentials, including 100% recyclability.
• Design flexibility, with options for vertical and horizontal installation.
The feedback from the church was overwhelmingly positive. ED House, a key figure in the project, shared:
“We were advised during the build that we should install sound-reducing technologies to ensure that the main spaces were comfortable to use. So many new buildings have problems with too much sound being generated by general conversations. This has proved invaluable because many people have commented on how effective our sound reduction panels have been. We selected a local company, The Intelligent Collective, to install acoustic panels from Ecophon. They proved to be an excellent supplier, and the panels were installed on time, on budget, and to the highest standard. The installation engineers were very helpful and efficient.”
A Thriving Community Hub
Since its completion in August 2024, the new building has exceeded expectations. The café’s footfall has doubled, and the main hall is in high demand, hosting fitness classes, yoga, craft workshops, and more. Church-operated initiatives, such as warm-space lunches and toddler groups, have seen increased attendance, further solidifying the building’s role as a community cornerstone.
Since its completion in August 2024, the new building has exceeded expectations. The café’s footfall has doubled, and the main hall is in high demand, hosting fitness classes, yoga, craft workshops, and more. Church-operated initiatives, such as warm-space lunches and toddler groups, have seen increased attendance, further solidifying the building’s role as a community cornerstone.