Inside the amazing £650k floating church on a barge in Hackney with a campervan-style pop-up roof

When picturing a church, the first thing that comes to mind is a stone clock tower and stained glass windows.

But this award-winning church has brought Christianity into the gentrified era in true East London fashion.

Genesis Floating Church was the brainchild of Hackney-based architects Denizen Works, designed for the Diocese of London.

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Their £650k project moored on the River Lee Navigation at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park doubles as a community centre.

Why put a church on a boat though? Reverend Dave Pilkington said: “Basically, you’re not allowed to have any religious buildings in the Olympic Park.

Reverend Dave Pilkington inside Genesis

“The Church of England wanted a presence in every community – and they didn’t have one in Hackney Wick. So someone in my diocese suggested we just get a boat. It’s a lot cheaper than spending five million quid on a church.”

The role of the Floating Church is not, as Rev Pilkington emphasises, to convert a Bohemian community but instead provide a space for people to come and talk while exploring ideas about spirituality.

The camper van-style accordion roof – said to be inspired by an organ – helped the vessel win a 2021 Royal Institute of British Architects award.

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The campervan-style roof

Andrew Ingham, director at Denizem Works, told My London: “The award is a tribute to the dedication of the whole project team and the vision and support of our client, the Diocese of London.”

Although Genesis is predominantly used by Reverent Pilkington as a place of worship, it also houses parent and toddler groups, pilates classes and art classes, as well as lunch and supper clubs, live music, and counselling sessions.

It will remain for three to five years before reaching other canal side communities.

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Visitors board the vessel midship. On one side of the entrance is the main assembly space, with a kitchen, office and toilet all with a minimalist plywood and green linoleum floor interior.

The space under the kinetic roof is designed to take a capacity of 40 people seated and up to 60 passengers when stationary.

Andrew said: “The project itself is a unique and innovative addition to the London waterways and is designed as a space where all are welcome, regardless of faith.

“We’re proud of the positive impact the boat is creating and are looking forward to seeing how the team at Genesis continue to develop their programme of events to serve the local community.”

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