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St James's Church, Elstead
Sustainable heating upgrade
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Within the setting of the South Downs National Park, DBR Limited have delivered Phase 1 works at St James’ Church, Elstead, a Grade II* listed church with origins in the 12th century, founded by the Monks of Waverley Abbey. Shaped over centuries of alteration, it retains its defining medieval timber roof structure of king-posts and tie beams, standing as a continuous record of craft and use.
Client
Pcc of St James Church Elstead
Dates
June 2025
—
December 2025
Location
Elstead
Grade listing
Grade II*
Architects
Thomas Forde & Partners
Reworking the heart of the church
DBR Limited delivered a sensitive reordering to support the ‘Fit for the Future’ programme, focused on improving comfort, efficiency and long-term usability. The existing Victorian heating system was removed and replaced with a modern, low-carbon solution designed to deliver consistent heat throughout the nave, aisles and vestry, enabling greater use of the church by both congregation and wider community.
Digging into the past to build the future
To accommodate the new underfloor heating system, DBR carefully reduced internal floor levels by 200mm under archaeological supervision. A foam glass aggregate substrate was installed, chosen for its strength, thermal performance and immediate load-bearing capability. This enabled efficient programme delivery while working within the constraints of a highly sensitive historic structure.
Discoveries beneath our feet
As excavation progressed, significant archaeological finds were uncovered, including brick-vaulted tombs, lead caskets, memorial stones, and evidence of iron slag within the column footings linked to the local historic iron industry. DBR worked closely with archaeologists throughout, adapting construction sequencing where required. In sensitive areas, build-ups were carefully adjusted following thermal recalculations to ensure both preservation and performance were maintained.
Finishing details, future access
To complete Phase 1 and prepare for future works, DBR formed a new opening within the modern extension. The Bargate stone façade was carefully opened up, a Bath Stone surround installed by in-house stonemasons, and a bespoke glazed oak door designed, manufactured and fitted by DBR’s joinery team. The result is a discreet yet transformative intervention, completing a foundation for the next phase of the church’s ongoing evolution.
