ST JOHN’S CHURCH
PROJECT INFORMATION
CLIENT: Parish of St. Johns
TYPE: Place of worship
STATUS: Completed project
COMPLETION: 2006-2026
ADDRESS: 24 Callaway st, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
“A 20 year journey navigating heritage and contemporary architecture.”
The addition to St. John's Anglican Church in Mthatha establishes a sensitive dialogue between heritage and contemporary architecture. Initiated in 2006 and completed in 2026, the project funded by the congregation of the Parish of St. Johns, entails the extension of an existing 400 seater church building which is 140 years old, with the new extension to sit and additional 600 people. The project which went through Heritage Approval processes, extends the historic church through a carefully considered intervention that respects the character of the original building while providing new spaces for worship, gathering and community engagement.
A distinctive façade of vertical fins defines the new addition, filtering daylight through coloured glazing that reinterprets the tradition of stained glass in a contemporary way. Throughout the day, shifting light and colour animate the interior, creating a calm and contemplative atmosphere that enriches the spiritual experience.
The new structure is expressed through a well-crafted facebrick façade, robust concrete and steel framework construction, allowing generous cantilevers and flexible internal spaces. Passive environmental strategies, including natural ventilation and controlled daylight, contribute to a comfortable and energy-efficient environment. Together, the new and existing buildings create a unified place of worship that honours the church's history while supporting its evolving role within the community.
This 20-year journey tested the robustness of the design process, including extensive communication and engagement with the Building Committee to ensure that the needs of the Parish of St. Johns are met.
