simpson and brown architects complete the chapel of st albert the great

‘chapel of st albert the great’ by simpson and brown architects, edinburgh, scotland
image © chris humphreys

located in the garden of george square, edinburgh, the chapel of st albert the great by local practice simpson and brown architects offers a new ample space for the university chaplaincy and friary for the order of preachers, the dominican order. the design and material choice serve to connect the chapel to its surroundings while holding a strong presence along the frequented walkway in which its located. two parallel masonry clay-block walls are clad in sandstone and punctured with various angled apertures that emphasize the thickness of the enclosure and accept natural light within the structure. four corten columns branch off into the elevated curved canopy of thin oak slats that create a light shelf over the peripheral walls and diffuse the skylights in the roof while allowing for ventilation. 

masonry walls add a new natural texture to the existing palette
image © chris humphreys

entrance
image © chris humphreys

thin oak slats line the underside of the roof
image © chris humphreys

entrance
image © chris humphreys

view towards the altar
image © chris humphreys

altar
image © chris humphreys

detail of the sandstone walls and angled windows
image © chris humphreys

elevation
image © simpson and brown architects