Scalabrini, Brixton

The Scalabrini Fathers, a congregation of missionary priests, came to Brixton Road (LB Lambeth) in the 1960s. Initially serving the spiritual and practical needs of Italian migrants, this widened to include Filipino and Portuguese communities.  The condition of the Grade II listed building had declined to the extent that the hostel had to be closed. The presbytery, accommodating the priests, was also in disrepair.

Originally approached for replacement, the scheme shifted to a sensitive restoration and extension of the late-Georgian terrace. A mansard storey was added to the presbytery, echoing the hostel’s post-war roof. Brickwork was repointed with lime mortar, render repaired and repainted, and the timber sash windows carefully restored. New bespoke 
front doors replaced crude 1970s joinery, and corroding decorative metalwork was strengthened and renewed. Inside, each hostel and the priests’ room feature en-suite bathrooms.

To the rear, a contemporary extension of stock brick, lime mortar, and pre-cast details provides a glazed meeting room and flexible community space opening onto the courtyard. Unsightly plant equipment has been replaced with concealed systems behind timber louvres. A fluted stone column marks the acute angle of the community space, referencing both the building’s durability and Georgian heritage.