Dezeen Magazine

10 churches that have found new interesting uses

From a medieval building turned into a community hall to an auditorium constructed from 150-year-old ruins, here's a look at 10 of the best church conversions to feature on Dezeen.


Auditorium in the Church of Saint Francis' Convent, Spain, by David Closes

Architect David Cross converted the remains of an 18th-century church in Catalonia to create this auditorium, which features jagged glazed stairwells.

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Replica House Studios, UK, by Surman Weston

Stained-glass panels divide the spaces of this former Victorian church in London's Islington, which now functions as a co-working office.

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Warwick Hall by Acanthus Clews Architects

Warwick Hall, UK, by Acanthus Clews Architects

Acanthus Clews Architects was briefed to create a sustainable future for this Grade-I listed building. The studio responded by removing previous 20th-century extensions and adding a new multifunctional space for the local community.

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Monique-Corriveau Library, Canada, by Dan Hanganu Architectes and Côté Leahy Cardas Architectes

First completed in 1964 by Canadian architect Jean-Marie Roy, the St Denys-du-Plateau Church was revamped to create a modern library. The tent-like structure is now complemented by a pair of glazed extensions and spiral staircases.

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Phase II, UK, by West Architecture

West Architecture transformed a Methodist Church in London's Islington to create this minimalist home, featuring a dormer extension but very little furniture.

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Tom Dixon furniture and lighting exhibition at The Church for Clerkenwell Design Week 2016

The Church, UK, by Tom Dixon

British designer Tom Dixon used some of his popular furniture and lighting products to create a temporary co-working space inside a church, as part of Clerkenwell Design Week 2016.

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The Waterdog, Belgium, by Klaarchitectuur

Architecture studio Klaarchitectuur turned to this 17th century chapel in Belgium when looking for the new office. The major renovation project involved completely replacing the roof, which now features a white box bursting through the side.

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The Quarry Theatre in Bedford by Foster Wilson Architects

The Quarry Theatre at St Luke, UK, by Foster Wilson Architects

Foster Wilson Architects oversaw the conversion of this heritage-listed church in Bedford into a 300-seat theatre. The auditorium, located in the centre of the chapel, was created by erecting a steel structure behind the existing walls.

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Shadow House, UK, by Jonathan Tuckey Design

London studio Jonathan Tuckey Design converted an old Wiltshire chapel in the creation of this four-bedroom house. He added a blackened timber extension, conceived as the building's shadow.

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Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen, Netherlands, by Merkx + Girod

Dutch architecture firm Merkx + Girod converted a Dominican church in Maastricht into this modern bookshop. So as not to interfere with the historic structure, they inserted a black steel structure to house the bookshelves.

Find out more about Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen ›