OSLH - Old st Leonards Hall

Old St Leonard's Hall is a Victorian Sunday School that is now home to our practice, the home of two of our directors, and a shared neighbourhood space. 

When we bought the building, it had stood empty for more than fifteen years. The roof leaked, parts of the structure were failing, and planning permission had already been granted to retain only the façade and turn the building into flats. We saw something different: a building rich in craftsmanship, memory and embodied carbon, waiting for a new chapter. 

Before we started designing, we reopened the hall and invited local people back inside for the first time in over a decade. We heard stories of parties, playgroups and celebrations. Although not listed, the building was clearly loved. 

Those conversations shaped our approach. 

Our response was simple: remove what did not belong, repair what remained, and reveal the beauty of the original building. Historic roof trusses, parquet floors, timber windows and glazed screens were carefully restored, while new interventions are deliberately contemporary and quietly expressed. Original timber windows were repaired rather than replaced and upgraded with vacuum glazing. Photovoltaic slate tiles blend discreetly into the historic roof. New materials were chosen for their low environmental impact, including recycled paper cladding to the dormers and low-carbon plywood in place of plasterboard where possible. 

Working with an energy consultant, we adopted a fabric-first approach, reducing energy demand before introducing renewable energy systems. In its first year of operation, the building already benchmarked well against the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge operational energy targets. 

The project reimagines how buildings can be shared. Our architectural studio supports the ongoing community use of the hall, creating a model in which work, home and neighbourhood life sustain one another. Old St Leonard’s Hall hosts workshops, arts events and our monthly First Friday Society, where neighbours gather to share food, conversation and company. 

For us, retrofit is about more than reducing carbon. It is a way of keeping craftsmanship, heritage and community in active use. Old St Leonard's Hall is not simply the restoration of a building: it is the recovery of a place. 

A brick church with a steep peaked roof and a small tower on top, situated on a corner with a tree-lined background and a sidewalk in front.
A combination of architectural images: a detailed wooden model of a house with multiple rooms, a courtyard, and a figure standing next to it; and a photograph of a historic red brick building with a gabled roof, arched windows, and a small tower on a
Living room with large windows, a beige sofa, black couch with white pillows, wooden furniture, plants, artwork, and a keyboard.
Modern kitchen with a large island counter, fruit bowl, beige cabinets, and a window showing a car outside.
Modern kitchen and dining area with wooden cabinets, a breakfast bar with fruit, and a dining table with chairs near large windows allowing natural light.
Living room with pink walls, wooden shelving, artwork, and a fireplace. Large sliding glass door reveals an outdoor brick wall. Dog resting on a mat by the door.
A bedroom with a large wooden headboard featuring a semi-circular window design. The bed is made with a gray quilt and decorative pillows. To the left, a wooden desk with books and a radio, accompanied by a wooden chair. A small window with dark curt
A cozy room with wooden accents and furniture, including a small bed under a bunk bed, a guitar, and a chair. Toys and plush animals are on the beds and floor, with a cat sleeping on a blanket.
Architectural floor plan of a two-story house. The ground floor includes a studio, storage, guest bedroom, living room, dining area, kitchen, reading room, and a bathroom. The first floor features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and void spaces. Exteri
Architectural concept sketch of a sustainable community featuring modern dormers, solar tiles, a bell tower, green walls, timber structures, and various community spaces including a park and event space.
Empty room with wooden floors, white walls, and large windows with curtains. A row of chairs is arranged facing the windows, and a table with wooden chairs is in the foreground.
Two photos of a bright attic office with a sloped ceiling, large skylights, and a long desk with computer monitors, chairs, and office supplies.
Collage of images showing community gathering activities including people having a meal, group discussion, yoga class, a theatrical performance, and a dance performance, under the heading 'Community - Social Values'.
A detailed infographic depicting environmental data and energy performance metrics for a building project, including charts, tables, and labels about operational energy, carbon footprint, embodied carbon, and material performance.
People attending a workshop or event in a room with orange banners and tables, engaging in activities such as reading, writing, and discussing. The room has wooden floors and a high ceiling with decorative moldings.