The exterior interventions are modest yet transformative. The windows are enlarged to bring in more daylight, and new signage and lighting enhance visibility and evening use. Carefully selected materials match or complement the existing fabric, preserving the building’s distinctive Art Deco character. 

At ground level, the building is reconfigured into a more open, flexible layout centred around a welcoming reception café, two multi-use halls, and enhanced support spaces including a new kitchen, crèche, and Sunday School rooms. Full-height glazing along the front façade brings transparency and life to the building, creating clear views from Harpenden Common and strengthening its civic presence.

Above, a new mezzanine over the Main Hall expands capacity, enabling larger gatherings and events while supporting a growing congregation. The first floor is also reworked and modestly extended to provide new office and meeting spaces, giving staff and volunteers the facilities they need to thrive.

The redesigned reception creates a welcoming first impression. The existing low ceiling is replaced with a sloped one, opening up the space and enhancing natural light via a linear skylight at its peak. Exposed joists add texture and interest while accommodating acoustic treatments, ensuring a comfortable environment for post-service gatherings in the café and lobby. 

As part of the design process, physical 3D printed models were created to test scale, proportion, and spatial relationships. These tangible models allowed How About That to explore how different elements such as ceiling heights, joinery, and openings combined with the daylight interact in three dimensions.