St Mark’s Church

The brief was clear from the outset: every intervention should feel distinct with a balance between contemporary interventions and the building’s historic features. Our goal was to design contemporary updates which would integrate into the historic fabric, celebrating the building’s character rather than competing with it.

Working in close collaboration with the client group we defined the project’s core aims:

• A conservation approach to the external fabric, reducing long-term external maintenance demands

• Upgrade the building’s thermal performance to increase comfort, eliminate draughts and reduce running costs in line with the Episcopal Church’s Climate Net Zero Strategy

• Address areas of deterioration caused by historic water ingress

• Improve accessibility and functionality for the congregation and wider community in tandem with Lee Boyd

Much of the project centred on areas where age and weather had left their strongest mark. Deterioration around the round side windows led us to develop improved weathering details to prevent recurring cill rot. We also discovered that the Chancel roof slates had reached the end of their lifespan, prompting an upgrade and replacement of the roof coverings.

Inside, further challenges were revealed. The stained glass leadwork had slumped to the point of failure, requiring complete restoration. When we removed the lining papers from the traditional lath-and-plaster ceiling, we uncovered far greater variation in its condition than expected.

Each of these discoveries informed a careful, conservation-led strategy – one that respected the building’s construction while introducing thoughtful improvements to ensure longevity.

Through detailed discussions with the client, we identified two intertwined conservation priorities:
1) Repairing and upgrading the building fabric, and
2) Improving environmental performance without compromising heritage value.

Internally, most issues stemmed from historical moisture movement. We addressed these by reintroducing traditional, non-cementitious materials, which allowed the building to breathe while eliminating draughts and improving thermal comfort. This approach supports long-term resilience, helping the church naturally regulate moisture and maintain a warm, dry environment.

To enhance energy performance, we installed insulation in the Nave roof space, repaired and glazed windows, and introduced discreet secondary glazing behind the listed stained-glass units. These targeted upgrades provide significant comfort improvements while preserving the church’s architectural integrity.

The interior design evolved from a combination of paint-scrapings, archival research, and discussions with the Church.

Working alongside the interior architect, we chose limewash finishes for the plaster surfaces to maintain breathability to keep areas protected from moisture, and introduced a bold colour for the joinery – strategically applied to guide visitors from the entrance towards the Nave and chapel beyond, bringing warmth and highlighting the heritage detailing.

The restoration of St Mark’s has revived one of Portobello’s most treasured historic buildings. Essential repairs and discreet upgrades now sit harmoniously within the original architecture, improving comfort, accessibility and environmental performance while preserving the Church’s unique identity.

Externally, our interventions refined existing traditional details, subtly enhancing durability. Internally, the refreshed spatial experience celebrates the Neo-Classical architecture while embracing a contemporary sensitivity. The result is a warm, characterful environment where historic features are uplifted through a careful colour palette and material choices.

The renewed interior has transformed how the spaces feel and function. What was once a building showing its age is now a reinvigorated community landmark, ready to serve for generations to come.

Sophia, the Church Rector, said: “[St Mark’s] needed the maintenance and the conservation work to make sure that it could continue as a beautiful building for Portobello for the next generation. We wanted to make this church more flexible, more accessible, and more welcoming to every group that came in…it was wonderful to work with Edward and Alan to make this dream come true.”