From Chapel to Home: The Story of Horeb
Horeb Chapel is a project that truly captures the essence of heritage, craftsmanship and innovation.
The Brief: Crafting Horeb Chapel
The transformation of Horeb Chapel into a family dwelling presented an exhilarating challenge for us at Makers Mark Joinery. Entrusted with a 19th-century Welsh chapel, our clients envisioned a conversion that would preserve the historical essence while infusing the space with contemporary comfort and functionality. Our objective was clear: to seamlessly blend the chapel’s rich heritage with the practicalities of modern living, ensuring the end result was both charming and habitable.
The Story Behind the Design
In pursuit of this vision, we collaborated with architect Tim Colquhoun, whose expertise was instrumental in conceiving a design that paid homage to the chapel’s architectural lineage while embracing modernity. The design centred around a timber frame that respected the chapel’s original structure, subtly weaving together traditional craftsmanship with modern building techniques. This thoughtful approach yielded a living space that radiates warmth, character, and a sense of belonging, bridging the gap between past and present with elegance and coherence.
The Construction Process: Realising the Vision
Recognising the critical importance of symmetry in the roundhouse’s success, our team employed meticulous design and assembly techniques to achieve millimetre precision. This precision was essential in aligning the concentric circles of the ring beam, collar tie ring, and rooflight ring, where any deviation would be immediately noticeable. The construction process involved an innovative approach of building the structure in two halves within our workshop. This allowed for the pre-fabrication of soffit systems, including a cleverly concealed gutter, ensuring every aspect of the building was thoughtfully considered and executed with the utmost accuracy. Our commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability was evident in every detail, from the choice of materials to the construction techniques, culminating in a building that not only stands as a testament to bespoke joinery but also to the harmony between human ingenuity and the natural world.
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