ARCHITECTURE + HERITAGE

CLIENT: WILBRAHAM ROAD TRUST

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SECTOR: COMMUNITY

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SERVICES: ARCHITECTURE + HERITAGE + INTERIOR DESIGN

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CONTRACTOR: HIGHAM CONSTRUCTION

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AWARDS: MANCHESTER SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS DESIGN AWARD

WILBRAHAM ROAD SYNAGOGUE

This twentieth century neo-byzantine synagogue designed by Joseph Sunlight features an impressive double height space, reinforced concrete dome and ornate tower. To secure its long-term future the building needed to be adapted and remodelled, not only to serve an existing and transient student congregation, but to provide supplementary meeting and study space. Atelier MB added a new additional internal floor which is carried on independent structure. A modern and minimalist intervention, this addition is reversible without damage to the existing historic fabric. Considered design allows for close views of the vaults and dome, whilst a light-filled flexible events space has been created above the retained synagogue. Winner of a Manchester Society of Architects Design Award.