studio octopi were approached by Central London Church to undertake a feasibility study for refurbishing a 1970’s synagogue. With church services taking place at the weekend, during the week the building will be used as a multi-purpose community venue.

With the theme of universality in mind, the project concept focuses on the power of natural light to elevate the senses and create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The design hinges upon a series of studies that measured the play of sunlight through the building throughout the course of the day and seasons.

Two additional roof lights are inserted alongside the existing roof lights that run the length of the auditorium and a series of curved baffles are arrayed across the ceiling to deflect and diffuse light evenly around the room. The baffles are shaped with an elongated teardrop profile that varies the quality of deflected light: some patches are hard edged and crisp while others are diffused washes of warm sunlight.

The play of light throughout the building and the undulation of the vaulted ceiling evoke the image of parting clouds: movement is conjured, the roof seems to shift, unlocking and opening upwards to the sky.


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