Carlisle Cathedral in Cumbria, founded as an Augustinian priory and a cathedral from 1133, has seen many uses: a dining hall (Fratry), kitchen, worship space, arsenal, Civil War storeroom, chapter house, brewery, granary, barn, and library. This project revitalises the Fratry with a new pavilion, café, and meeting point, creating a reflective public space at the cathedral precinct’s heart. The pavilion sits northwest of the Fratry, on the former west range of the original priory cloister, destroyed during the Reformation. Previously a dead, windswept thoroughfare, the pavilion and its green fringe define a new space, positioned 90 degrees to the Fratry, aiming to evoke the cloister’s contemplative atmosphere that inspired its design.

The elevations of the pavilion are inspired by Gothic arches found across the cathedral precinct, particularly the western window of the Fratry. The dropped arch profile fans out to a simple rectilinear leading edge, which has a refinement reminiscent of the Perpendicular Gothic tracery found in the east window of the cathedral. The resolution of the curved and perpendicular forms creates a subtle play of light and shadow across the sandstone elevations.

The design balances high-tech innovation (CNC-cut stone, 3D and 2D modelling) with low-tech solutions (specialist hand carving) to enhance the historic precinct and create a pleasant space to dwell. The solidity of the pavilion’s stonework and contrasting transparency of the glazed bays formed by the arches provide visitors clear views to the cathedral and the surrounding listed buildings. The new welcome area and public café forms a dedicated space for the clergy to greet visitors, and enables the cathedral to engage with more people in new ways and transform its teaching and learning activities.

Entry to the Fratry itself is through a new lightweight, fully-glazed, bronze structure, accessed via stairs or lift at the southern end of the pavilion. The slender triangular stantions and diagrid ceiling were designed in collaboration with engineers Structure Workshop and inspired by the stone ceiling motifs in the Fratry pulpit.

The Fratry project also marks the opening of the existing hall to all for the first time – to visit the library and attend events. Spatially, both the Fratry hall and undercroft have been de-cluttered by removing partitions and barriers which subdivided the spaces. The refurbished undercroft has been opened up to enable views down its full length so that the space may be used for teaching and learning activities with local schools and communities.