The Chapel at St Mary MacKillop College was relocation of an existing place of worship as part of the refurbishment to the administration building. Various locations around the college were considered from a standalone building to refurbishing classroom spaces. A small book storeroom of 35 m² was found in the library building and accepted by the client as a suitable venue.
Briefed to accommodate 25 people the main challenge in utilising such a small space was to reduce visual clutter whilst providing a comfortable environment. The pallet of materials is limited to timber stone and natural light. The plain white focal point is occupied by large wooden cross made from recycled hardwood situated in front of an existing window which is obscured by white translucent glass panels. The centre of the space is framed by a timber box, to signify a safe haven from the world. The box lightens from right to left with acoustic panels to one side, timber ceiling battens over and large timber posts in front of a new window. The 13 recycled timber posts represent Christ and the apostles with a rebate in the timber aligning with the cross. All windows to the space are deliberately obscured for privacy, reflection and focus.
Artwork was chosen by the college and integrated into the fit out by CCJ.


