# Refurbished Welcoming Churches John Puttick Associates Refurbishes the St Leonard's Church By Amy Duong | Published 2024-10-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-leonards-church References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/10/28/john-puttick-associates-st-leonards-church/) & [johnputtickassociates](https://www.johnputtickassociates.com/)  British design studio [John Puttick Associates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chestnut-plantation) has taken on the [renovation project to refurbish](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/provostry) the St Leonard's Church in Hove, East Sussex. The design stands at 4.5 meters tall made from [timber materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten) and extends to form an entrance porch inviting guests. It is updated to become a more family and community-oriented space and hosting activities while retaining its historic character. The studio director John Puttick shares with Dezeen, "There was a perception that the building looked 'closed' which the church team wanted to overcome. They were very keen to use the building in a more multi-functional way, to host more community-focused activities alongside worship. The new porch is deliberately designed to echo traditional forms and the geometry of the existing building, while its contemporary expression signals a new start and welcomes people in." Image Credit: Gareth Gardner ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 30% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Community-centric Church Renovations:** The focus on transforming churches into multi-functional spaces reflects a broader trend of religious buildings adapting to community needs. - **Modern Traditional Architecture:** Designs that integrate contemporary elements with traditional forms are becoming popular, creating spaces that respect historical aesthetics while embracing modern functionality. - **Sustainable Timber Construction:** Using timber materials in construction is gaining traction for its sustainability and aesthetic appeal, highlighting a shift towards eco-friendly building practices. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** The architecture industry is witnessing a blend of modern and traditional techniques to rejuvenate and repurpose historical structures. - **Construction:** Construction sectors are increasingly incorporating sustainable materials like timber to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly projects. - **Community Services:** There is a growing movement within community services to utilize upgraded religious buildings as multi-purpose venues for various local events and activities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-church.md) - [Angular Church Matte Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-church.md) - [Fluted Concrete-Added Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-marys-coptic-church.md) - [Reflection-Encouraging Cohesive Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hjvangen-church.md) - [Lambeth Palace Restorations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lambeth-palace-1.md) - [Refurbished London Victorian Townhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/br-house.md) - [Traditional Church-Inspired Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pew-stool.md) - [Barn-Turned Pottery Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwing-workshop.md) - [Brick Timber Garden Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chestnut-plantation.md)