Tucked away in the Oxfordshire countryside, somewhere you would not pass unless you knew it was there, is a striking elliptical tower.
In 2009, Niall McLaughlin architects won a RIBA competition to design a new chapel for Ripon Theological College in Oxfordshire. Their design takes a simple ellipltical space and uses timber beams to create a secondary, inner structure that surrounds the altar and pews to give the sense of a clearing in a forest. The pale wood ensures the space feels light and open, and the way they interlock at the top of the space creates intricate criss-cross patterns.
You can visit the chapel (on weekdays only) by contacting the college in advance to arrange access - they are happy to allow photography and are very friendly and helpful people. If you get the chance to visit, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it!
