Jagera and Turrbul people
Queensland
Brisbane
Originally designed by Karl Langer, the Chapel, together with the Langer Library, establishes the campus heart of the College. Opened in 1968, it has long been a place for worship, music, gathering, and quiet reflection, used daily by generations of students, staff, and the wider community.
After damage from the 2021 floods, m3architecture worked with the school, church community, and heritage advisers to consider how best to care for the building. Through conversation and listening, a simple idea emerged: the Chapel already worked. It needed to remain a place of worship first, while continuing to support performance and gathering.
With this clarity in mind, the work focused on careful repair and renewal. This understanding shaped decisions about scope and change, allowing the building to remain largely as Karl Langer intended. It continues to provide a common experience for the College across past, present, and future generations.
The conservation works undertaken by m3architecture for the St Peters chapel is an exemplary modern heritage project that respects the ingenuity of the original architect, Karl Langer. An extended research and briefing process, in collaboration with the school, affirmed a shared understanding of the architectural and cultural value of the building. Working closely with traditional trades and materials to develop innovative solutions, m3architecture’s interventions are silent, allowing the continued occupation of the building to come to the fore. This project champions good custodianship, genuine collaboration and the valuing of modern heritage.
The 2021 floods caused significant damage to the meditation chapel and roof, making repairs urgent. At the same time, the Chapel faced increasing pressure from a growing school and church community, with competing demands for worship, performance and gathering. Through workshops with the architect, we stepped back and agreed that the Chapel must remain a place of worship first, while still supporting gathering and performance. This decision shaped the entire project, leading to a careful, practical approach focused on essential repairs and targeted upgrades, allowing the Chapel to continue serving the community into the future.
Jonathan Goh, Design Architect
Jaydn Bowe, Project Architect
Miriam Kurzai, Graduate of Architecture
Michael Miscamble, Graduate of Architecture
Hal Chandler, Student of Architecture
Ruth Woods Architect, Heritage Consultant
WSP, Acoustic Consultant
ACOR, Structural Engineer
JHA Engineers, Electrical Consultant
JHA Engineers, Hydraulic Consultant
JHA Engineers, Mechanical
Design Stage, AV Consultant
Knisco, Building Surveyor
Lat Studios Pty Ltd, Landscape Consultant
McMillan Heritage Plastering, Heritage Plasterer