MAST was appointed to carry out a study for Lochwood Parish Church following a competitive interview process started in April 2006. In response to a brief set by Lochwood Parish Church in conjunction with the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland a study was carried out to review the entire church building and its site while addressing access and building fabric related issues.

Lochwood Parish Church was constructed in 1963 on a raised site bound by Lochend Road and Liff Place and was subject to an extension in the form of an impressive rendered circular sanctuary (The Round Church) that was subsequently closed in 1993 and finally demolished in May 1998. Evidence of this earlier construction remains in the form of an exterior concrete staircase however the site to the east remains derelict.

The ‘elevated’ form of the existing church is characterised by a simple staggered plan and section with mono pitches offering clerestory lighting to the main sanctuary. The building is raised above the surrounding street levels giving a sense of importance however this is countered by a hidden and unattractive main entrance via steps on Liff Place.

Working closely with a designated client group the study provided the congregation with a variety of different options for extending the church, overcoming accessibility issues and improving the presence of church within the community.