Chapel conversion by SB Architects. Bright, modern interior of an old church with a corridor leading to a seating area, purple armchairs, and a large crucifix hanging on a stone wall at the front.

A conversion experience

FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF MARY OFFICES 

A conversion of a mid-century Chapel into a contemporary office space and conference facility for the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) brings together the past, present and future.

The project celebrates the origins of the FMM through the restoration of the chapel structure, the reuse of the original stained glass, highlighting the original sandstone and incorporating a permanent exhibition that displays images, artefacts and historic films from their archive.

The office spaces are 'human-scale' insertions within the larger Chapel sanctuary that create a contrast with the conference rooms that embrace the dynamic 2 storey volume. The conference facilities remain grounded with flexible single storey breakout spaces and reading areas. The fitout includes state of the art technology to create an interactive, forward thinking venue and work space. 

Chapel conversion by SB Architects. Modern interior with colorful stained glass panels converted to a room divider, circular ceiling lights, and a bright, airy atmosphere.
Interior of a brightly lit Chapel conversion by SB Architects. Original religious statues have been relocated to the foyer, framed artwork, purple couches, and wooden accents and a reflective gold wallpaper feature wall.
A modern, brightly lit conference area with round tables, pastel chairs, tall stained-glass windows, circular ceiling lights, and religious artwork on the walls. Chapel conversion by SB Architects.
Modern interior of a Chapel conversion by SB Architects, with colorful re-purposed stained glass panels built into white walls, featuring a row of high windows with original stained glass windows, wall-mounted lights, glass door, and carpet flooring.
Bright corridor in a modern Chapel conversion by SB Architects, with purple armchairs, side tables, and large windows letting in natural light.
A purple upholstered armchair in front of a white wall, with a colorful new stained glass window featuring abstract cross and wave patterns.
Exhibit display in a Chapel conversion by SB Architects, with informational posters and photographs on the walls, a curved informational panel with a picture of Hélène de Chappotin, and a purple upholstered bench along the wall.
A woman with orange hair sitting on a cushioned bench in a exhibit space, reading a book. The wall behind her has textured stone panels with engraved designs. In the foreground, there is a curved informational display with text and images. The left wall has vertical informational panels and a small screen or projection.
A map of Australia with labels of the states and territories, a display case with a book, and a wall exhibit about the Francescan Mission and Mary in Australia.
A church with brick walls, a cross on the front, and a steeple, surrounded by well-maintained bushes and trees, with a statue of a woman and child in the foreground, under a clear blue sky.

Photography Credit: Jarrod Bryant Photography