Worth Abbey

A Benedictine abbey from the 1970s has had a makeover, updating its interior to the 21st century while respecting history and tradition of craft.

The original structure was constructed by British architect Francis Pollen in 1974. The new design concept by Thomas Heatherwick has replaced the original freestanding and cluttered chairs with solid American walnut wood pieces, including benches, choir stalls, credence tables, server seats and confessional rooms.

‘Walnut was chosen for its darkness and subtlety and for the way that when it would be used in quantity on our project,’ Heatherwick says. ‘Its dusky colour would not be overbearing.’

In the circular central nave, the pieces were sized carefully as to not overpower the space, but work in harmony. Furnishings are solid with clean lines to compliment the radial interior; seating pews were created with kneelers, as the original furniture didn’t have this crucial element.

Photos courtesy American Hardwood Export Council.