St Matthew
Bethnal Green, Greater London
St Matthew's Bethnal Green is considered a church of outstanding special interest.
The church itself is a double height volume, with a stepped section that creates discrete side aisles. The ceiling is defined by diagonal ribs of in situ concrete, referencing the tradition of vaulted church ceiling.
The building replaces a 1950s structure with severe maintenance issues and accessibility challenges. The new community spaces borrow daylight and volume through overlapping sections to generate generous, light flooded spaces despite a complex brief and tight site. They enable the church (directly and in partnership with others) to continue their tradition of serving the community, where they support a wide range of groups including the homeless, trafficked women, disadvantaged youth and interfaith work.