French Protestant Church, Soho

The responsive service and high standard of craftsmanship offered by stainless steel specialist, GEC Anderson has led to the manufacturer repeating the success of a previous collaboration with a design practice renowned for its expertise in historic buildings: creating a commercial style kitchen within a very confined space in the undercroft to London’s French Protestant Church. 

Although it was established in London by Royal Charter five centuries ago in 1550, the French Protestant Church’s current home in Soho Square was designed by Sir Aston Webb and was completed in 1893. The current contract came about partly as the result of an aspiration for improved facilities, able to cater for larger numbers of people and a pressing need to replace the sub-structure’s failing tanking system. Caroe Architecture Ltd. was duly appointed as the lead consultant while Coniston Ltd. was the main contractor for the work.

Having worked with GEC Anderson on previous projects such as The Old Deanery in the City of London, Caroe Architecture was confident in seeking the company’s advice on the possibilities for the refit in the very confined space of the barrel-vaulted crypt. GEC responded by conducting a detailed site survey, followed by a ‘templating’, supply and installation contract. 

The Project Architect, Alanah Honey, commented: “Not only was the existing, domestic scale kitchen beneath the French Protestant Church not meeting its full needs, but the failure of the old waterproofing measures required the walls to be taken right back to bare brickwork for repair.

From previously just providing tea and coffee, the client wanted to move to more of a commercial scale installation, but unfortunately there wasn’t the space or the extract capacity for a full commercial facility, we therefore went for the highest specification we could, calling on the services of GEC Anderson on the basis of our past experience of working with the company.” 

“The fit-out has gone very well with GEC installing all of its stainless steel drawer units, shelves and work-surfaces as well as providing a detailed specification for the church to purchase all the appliances direct, to help keep within budget. We are delighted to have been appointed to York Minster this year, having been nominated as Inspecting Architects to a number of other Cathedrals and major churches over the last 10 years. So our work is expanding significantly beyond London and Cambridge – also involving National Trust properties as well as the Oxbridge Colleges – so there is the likelihood for further cooperation with GEC.”  

Benedicte Fougier, the President of the Consistory stated, “On the advice of our architects, Caroe Architecture Ltd., we contracted GEC Anderson to design and build a kitchen in our quirky, grade 2* historical building which was no small feat given the many architectural constraints. GEC Anderson has been terrific, coming up with creative ideas and delivering exactly what we needed and more. They have been extremely professional and personable throughout, very engaged with us through constant communication and adjusting their design until the last minute to take into account our needs”.

Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering - the company’s custom engineered solutions have been selected for some of the country’s top sports, entertainment and leisure destinations.