Featured Project: Wesley College
![](https://www.alicia-b.com/DemoRiver/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wesley-Chapel4d.jpg)
When the Wesley College chapel was destroyed in a fire, I was contracted by Cox Architects to solve a tricky design problem during the rebuilding process. The new glass window was reflecting the sun too strongly and casting a glaring hot spot. My brief was to design a decal that would soften and diffuse the light.
The outcome was an abstract stained glass pattern, which became the focal point of the chapel. The gradation of colour leads the eyes upwards to the soaring ceiling, while the subtle flame motif hints at its rebirth from the previous building’s ashes.
![](https://www.alicia-b.com/DemoRiver/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wesley-Chapel2e-1.jpg)
![](https://www.alicia-b.com/DemoRiver/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wesley-Chapel3-copy.jpg)
![](https://www.alicia-b.com/DemoRiver/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wesley-Chapel3.jpg)
The final design
The existing window schematic (right) had several design constraints, including supporting beams and vertical bars. Instead of disguising these elements, I incorporated them to create the featured cross motif.
![](https://www.alicia-b.com/DemoRiver/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wesley-Door3.jpg)
Continuing my work with Cox Architects at Wesley College, my next brief was the design of a feature door for the library, otherwise known as ‘The Orchard’.
The door needed to function as a screen, without giving the impression of a barrier. I engineered a perforated dot design, which was then ‘punched’ through metal to create a half-tone effect. Each dot had to meet very specific requirements to ensure the stability of the metal, while still maintaining clarity of the design.
![](https://www.alicia-b.com/DemoRiver/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wesley-Door1b-1.jpg)
![](https://www.alicia-b.com/DemoRiver/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wesley-Door4b.jpg)
![](https://www.alicia-b.com/DemoRiver/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wesley-Door4g.jpg)