To reimagine the space and improve the experience of using the existing cafe and its approach including to allow for level access, a reduced kitchen and to form a closer connection to the existing garden.

The brief was to provide an improved experience of arriving and using the cafe; to form a comfortable space that everyone could use with ease from the garden and the cloister, including a coffee and sandwich bar.

The existing Refectory dates from the 1960s and was an unusual concrete structure spanning over the 12th Century room, once forming part of the Bishops Palace, which is still used as a chapel. The existing approach to the refectory was poor. The space had become very tired with inappropriate interventions and steps into and out of the space at either end. The south facing single glazed windows meant it was too hot in summer and too cold in winter. The windows had been frosted due to the presence of the adjacent school, and so there were no views out. There was an overly large kitchen which was not used and there was no connection to the Cathedral Garden. 

We reimagined the space by raising the floor to allow for level access and introduced underfloor heating to improve comfort. The kitchen was relocated and reduced to both increase the number of people the space could accommodate and to allow for the wall to be opened up to the north, forming a new dramatic visual connection to the garden. We also reduced the number and size of windows to the south elevation and introduced new slimline double glazed windows to improved year round comfort. A new modern aesthetic was introduced internally, incorporating storage bench seating and timber clad walls. The existing 1960's structure was made highly visible with an exposed services installation.

Overall, the modest interventions we proposed have transformed the space to create an accessible, light and welcoming cafe for all to enjoy. The connection to the garden helps to shape this hidden gem, as an oasis of calm within the bustling city beyond.  

Project Roundup:

Client: Bristol Cathedral

Location: Bristol, UK

Project Team: Shu Architects, Box Twenty Consulting Engineers Ltd Skeletal Consulting Engineers Ltd, Avent Interiors, Unitary Engineering Services