Kelmarna Chapel banner

This project involved conversion of an existing Spanish Mission-style chapel to a three bedroom apartment. The chapel had been part of a monastery which had been demolished and replaced with townhouses. The chapel was to be demolished also, but a last minute rescue enabled the conversion to give it a new lease of life.

The main internal space, was a beautifully proportioned double height barrel-vaulted space with tall narrow coloured glass windows. This was developed as the main living area, containing kitchen/dining/living spaces, with two bedroom inserted at upper levels each and a lightweight steel stair and bridge traverses the space.

To the north, a separate garage and bedroom wing was added, creating an enclosed courtyard into which large pivoting glass doors open from the living areas.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Stephen Perry

Bossley Architects
Auckland

About the
Professional

Bossley Architects is a multidisciplinary Architecture and Interior Design practice based in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, creating architecture to lift the spirit. The practice is based on the belief that innovative yet practical design is essential for the production of good buildings and spaces, and that the best buildings spring from an open and enthusiastic collaboration between architect, client and consultants.

We have designed a wide range of projects including commercial, institutional and residential, and have amassed special expertise in the field of art galleries and museums, residential and the restaurant/entertainment sector.

Whilst being very much design focused, the practice has an overriding interest in the pragmatics and feasibility of construction. There is considerable hands-on building experience amongst the personnel, and buildings are carefully detailed with construction methods in mind.