St. Mary’s Church in Wivenhoe dates back to at least 1254.
The North and South aisles were built in the 14th century, making it Wivenhoe’s oldest standing building.
The 15th-century church tower features diagonal buttresses and Roman brick foundations.
After a fire in 1850, architect E.C. Hakewill rebuilt and enlarged the church.
The 1884 Colchester Earthquake caused further damage, necessitating additional restoration. St. Mary’s holds significant local and national historical importance.
St. Mary's Church recently completed its Transformation Project after nearly a decade of planning.
The project included constructing an annexe on the South side, providing a 45-seat room, modern toilet facilities, and a small kitchen.
Colchester-based architects Inkpen Downie designed the annexe to complement the church with high-quality materials, including three conservation rooflights from Stella.
Bakers of Danbury, specialists in historic and listed properties, expertly carried out the work, ensuring a blend of modern function and historical integrity.
Bakers commissioned Stella Rooflight to create three bespoke conservation rooflights.
Two larger units (1220mm x 1480mm) and one smaller unit (1220mm x 865mm) were made for the main annexe and new entrance hallway, respectively.
All rooflights were crafted from marine-grade 316 stainless steel and finished with a high-grade C5 marine powder coating.
This was crucial due to the church's proximity to the River Colne and the English Channel.
The rooflights featured toughened Bio-clean Natura self-clean and solar control glazing, finished internally with American Ash solid wood liners.
Stella provided Bakers with pre-formed lead flashing kits, custom-made for the slate roofing.
Historic England, planners, and conservation officers were impressed with how the new modern structure seamlessly blends with the historic building.
If you would like to receive a printed version of our brochure feel free to email us at info@stellarooflight.co.uk. A digital version is also available to download.
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