Floating church
In February 2017, the architectural practice Denizen Works and boat-builders Turks, were awarded the commission from The Diocese of London to develop designs for a new floating church.
The bespoke floating hub is intended for London’s canal system, and will moor at key regeneration sites, to develop links with growing communities in the Mayor’s key Opportunity Areas.
Denizen’s brief was to provide a dramatic and transformative space within the confines of a canal barge. Their design was inspired by church organ bellows and VW camper van pop-up sleeping pods.
When navigating the waterways and passing beneath bridges, the boat will be compact and low-lying. When moored, the boat will be capable of expanding into an illuminated Chinese lantern-style beacon with ‘pop-out’ sculptural roof canopies. The largest of these canopies will provide a dramatic internal space for a range of uses, including conventional worship, and arts and cultural events.
Images and content courtesy of Denizen Works.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.