St Andrews
This hidden gem is quietly set back from the main road in the tiny Banks Peninsula village of Le Bons Bay.
The unassuming exterior form belies the craftsmanship within, where the spare construction of steel portal frames and pre-cast concrete wall units is directly expressed. In a nod to Basil Spence’s Coventry Cathedral (1950–1962), there are fully glazed spaces between the deep, angular form of the wall units; however, it isn’t until you turn your back to the ply-lined chancel that the sections of hand-painted glass animate the stark interior with colour.
Allan Mitchener’s sure design skill is matched in sculptor Tom Taylor’s furniture. Robustly modelled in exposed concrete, the lectern base and altar are balanced by the warmth and geometric play of the timber pulpit and pews.
