Canterbury Cathedral Organ Loft
Canterbury, United Kingdom 2016–2020
Client: The Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral UNESCO World Heritage Site
The new organ loft at Canterbury Cathedral provides an elevated place in the central part of the Cathedral for the organist to sit at their console and play, in a position close to the choir and within clear sight of the choirmaster. The new loft stands in the North Quire, in the oldest part of the building, between two stone columns, and is separated from the choir by a stone screen that dates from the twelfth century.
The timber box for the organist is raised up on a light steel framework, which distributes the load of the structure evenly onto the old stone floor. The light frame gives the structure a visual transparency where it stands in front of the stone tracery of the choir screen. The new loft was part of a larger project, coordinated by the cathedral architect, to improve the performance and arrangement of the cathedral organ.
The Cathedral itself is like a city; it is made up of architectures at many different scales, from the vast enveloping vault of the Nave, to the smaller Chapels and Porches, and the mini buildings of the Pulpits and Tombs. The Gothic style of its architecture, with its vigorous internal logic, is distinctive for its ability to absorb asymmetry, additions, and the differences that arise as a building is extended over centuries. The design of the new loft engages with this spirit. It is conceived as an independent little building with a vertical proportion, a tight asymmetrical arrangement of its parts, and a delicacy in its making, which can take its place amongst the many other delicate architectures of the Cathedral.
![Images 1](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/uua6e6yL3F-d_232x116.jpg)
![Images 2](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/72-VNKW8nHOR_232x116.jpg)
![Images 3](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/WUGxIo4Pl2yx_232x116.jpg)
![Images 4](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/LnKXdPXAJIZd_232x116.jpg)
![Images 5](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/lysqvzIVj6PC_232x116.jpg)
![Images 6](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/lBApvJf2zcxP_232x116.jpg)
![Images 7](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/jeB9H9gX59ab_232x116.jpg)
![Images 8](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/4pXHGsF3tIwS_232x116.jpg)
Drawings
![Drawings 1](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/jzmEuWidyFcB_232x116.jpg)
Cathedral reflected ceiling plan
![Drawings 2](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/GOxubDO3ZvfS_232x116.jpg)
Plan
![Drawings 3](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/xDrlvg28hbi__232x116.jpg)
Cross section
![Drawings 4](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/qo6SxN6lNwjw_232x116.jpg)
Section detail
![Drawings 5](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/aEY_ATJEjUGV_232x116.jpg)
Section
![Drawings 6](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/TAQq6oBR_tVp_232x116.jpg)
Section
![Drawings 7](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/u5VC8wysPMLx_232x116.jpg)
North Quire Aisle level detail plan
![Drawings 8](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/rDXC3QwI2-lE_232x116.jpg)
Platform level detail plan
![Drawings 9](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/xyTylx3bMXWd_232x116.jpg)
North, west and east elevations
![Drawings 10](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/IXIOjVu96aOa_232x116.jpg)
South elevation and section
Model
![Model 1](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/Y7dCRsBEnGKc_232x116.jpg)
![Model 2](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/TgAs2dZIJyos_232x116.jpg)
![Model 3](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/canterbury-cathedral-organ-loft/hYhkXr5osXvC_232x116.jpg)
Related news
Writing
A Conversation with Adam Caruso
Adam Caruso was interviewed for OASE Journal's edition on modernity. Emailing with the issue's editors, Tom Avermaete and Hans Teerds, he discusses the nuances of what it means to be 'modern' and how to engage with a cities architectural codes and conventions while adding to its definition of history.
Credits
Location
Canterbury, United Kingdom
Date
2016–2020
Client
The Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral
Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Construction cost
£150,000
Caruso St John Architects
Adam Caruso, Peter St John, Rod Heyes
Project architect
Will Pirkis
Structural engineers
Price & Myers LLP, The Morton Partnership LLP (cathedral engineers)
Services engineer
Ritchie & Daffin Ltd.
Main contractor
Millimetre Ltd.
Photography
Hélène Binet
Cathedral ceiling plan
Liam Wright
Related projects
![St Gallen Cathedral Chancel](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/st-gallen-cathederal-chancel/7HKZbHBPRZLR_1280x1280.jpg)
St Gallen Cathedral Chancel
St Gallen, Switzerland
2011–2013
![Düngerbau](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/dungerbau/mvuTZXHCqDLJ_1280x1280.jpg)
Düngerbau
Uetikon am See, Switzerland
2022–present
![Riverside Project, Magdalen College](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/magdalen-college/GMSuCYTpdvhk_1280x1280.jpg)
Riverside Project, Magdalen College
Oxford, United Kingdom
![Royale Belge](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/royale-belge/BtGeLIbqXDa7_1280x1280.jpg)
Royale Belge
Brussels, Belgium
2019 – 2023
![Darwin College](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/darwin-college/99hvABzcllG2_1280x1280.jpg)
Darwin College
Cambridge, United Kingdom
2018–present
![Warehouse, Wiedikon](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/warehouse-weidikon/RKtHsJZVM7Ex_1280x1280.jpg)
Warehouse, Wiedikon
Zurich, Switzerland
2019–2021
![Deutsche Werkstätten Campus](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/dwh/meZpccor7EXf_1280x1280.jpg)
Deutsche Werkstätten Campus
Hellerau, Dresden, Germany
2019–2021
![Gladstone's Library](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/gladstones-library-hawarden-uk/AXSjtXo1XD5a_1280x1280.jpg)
Gladstone's Library
Hawarden, United Kingdom
2018–2020
![Peterloo Memorial](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/peterloo-memorial-manchester-uk/nJKIF_PTIwJk_1280x1280.jpg)
Peterloo Memorial
In collaboration with Jeremy Deller
Manchester, United Kingdom
2018–2019
![Museum for a Roman Villa](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/roman-villa-museum-pully-ch/-GPt8E4OydOp_1280x1280.jpg)
Museum for a Roman Villa
Pully, Switzerland
2017
![United Kingdom Holocaust Memorial](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/uk-holocaust-memorial/kY0G5ZscZuec_1280x1280.jpg)
United Kingdom Holocaust Memorial
In collaboration with Marcus Taylor and Rachel Whiteread
London, United Kingdom
2016–2017
![Kvadrat Softcells Atelier](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/kvadrat-soft-cells-studio/CoOf0syDd9Vy_1280x1280.jpg)
Kvadrat Softcells Atelier
Copenhagen, Denmark
2016–2017
![Schulhaus, Neuhausen](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/schulhaus-neuhausen/IrqezbGW9tUo_1280x1280.jpg)
Schulhaus, Neuhausen
Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland
2015–2020
![House in the Mountains](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/house-mountains-tschiertschen/owftH-V6QF20_1280x1280.jpg)
House in the Mountains
Tschiertschen, Switzerland
2015–2017
![Görtz Palais](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/gortz-palais/uXqfnHHlO9ST_1280x1280.jpg)
Görtz Palais
Hamburg, Germany
2017–2022
![Stockholm City Library](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/stockholm-city-library-se/NLWsfsz0W2RD_1280x1280.jpg)
Stockholm City Library
Stockholm, Sweden
2014–2019
![Hospitalfield Arts](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/hospitalfield-arts-arbroath-uk/cZbx57W2zze-_1280x1280.jpg)
Hospitalfield Arts
Arbroath, United Kingdom
2013 – present
![Heong Gallery, Downing College](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/heong-gallery-downing-college/J3kI8c2BGfQQ_1280x1280.jpg)
Heong Gallery, Downing College
Cambridge, United Kingdom
2013–2016
![Ozeanium, Basel Zoo](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/ozeanium/YQwFXAlJfY0__1280x1280.jpg)
Ozeanium, Basel Zoo
Basel, Switzerland
2012
![Liverpool Philharmonic Hall](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/thumbnails/OcpfQ_BsD0su_1280x1280.jpg)
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Liverpool, United Kingdom
2012–2015
![Swiss Life Arena](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/swiss-life-arena/uN2pFea0USIP_1280x1280.jpg)
Swiss Life Arena
Zurich, Switzerland
2012–2022
![Bremer Landesbank Headquarters](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/bremer-landesbank/q8tttMwDlJNS_1280x1280.jpg)
Bremer Landesbank Headquarters
Bremen, Germany
2011–2016
![Blain Southern Gallery](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/blain-southern-gallery/MgdxpLGP2rjE_1280x1280.jpg)
Blain Southern Gallery
London, United Kingdom
2010–2013
![Lycée Hôtelier de Lille](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/lycee-hotelier-de-lille/1JdUbz_jtOf-_1280x1280.jpg)
Lycée Hôtelier de Lille
Lille, France
2011–2016
![Musée Cantonal des Beaux‑Arts Lausanne](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/lausanne-musee-cantonal-des-beaux-arts/eQVoSJMD2mQn_1280x1280.jpg)
Musée Cantonal des Beaux‑Arts Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
2011
![House for an Artist](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/house-artist/O5NoVhrFBEdt_1280x1280.jpg)
House for an Artist
Berlin, Germany
2010–2013
![Sir John Soane's Museum](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/sir-john-soanes-museum/2k4fJeybJAKC_1280x1280.jpg)
Sir John Soane's Museum
London, United Kingdom
2009–2012
![Veemgebouw](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/strijp-s/pMDN2XIRP77__1280x1280.jpg)
Veemgebouw
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
2007–2022
![Nagelhaus](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/thumbnails/h8qim4lpNUHi_1280x1280.jpg)
Nagelhaus
In collaboration with Thomas Demand
Zurich, Switzerland
2007–2010
![Dining Hall, Downing College](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/downing-college/hEwvx1oRJal0_1280x1280.jpg)
Dining Hall, Downing College
Cambridge, United Kingdom
2005–2009
![Tate Britain](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/transforming-tate-britain/al7SBxhDvhKW_1280x1280.jpg)
Tate Britain
London, United Kingdom
2007–2013
![Chiswick House Café](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/chiswick-house-cafe/PpF1T7bKWl7U_1280x1280.jpg)
Chiswick House Café
London, United Kingdom
2006–2010
![Arts Council England National Offices](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/arts-council-england-national-offices/nsewHXuEDmVG_1280x1280.jpg)
Arts Council England National Offices
London, United Kingdom
2006–2008
![Newport Street Gallery](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/newport-street-gallery/8DTC-55eHBHo_1280x1280.jpg)
Newport Street Gallery
London, United Kingdom
2004–2015
![V&A Museum of Childhood](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/thumbnails/54onCT2ZxwMa_1280x1280.jpg)
V&A Museum of Childhood
London, United Kingdom
2002–2007
![Spike Island](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/spike-island-artists-studios/sADXBzlLnS3K_1280x1280.jpg)
Spike Island
Bristol, United Kingdom
2003–2006
![Hallfield School](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/hallfield-school/6jiEnKQ045Wm_1280x1280.jpg)
Hallfield School
London, United Kingdom
2001–2005
![Barbican Concert Hall](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/barbican-concert-hall/1W39xIvEjYKu_1280x1280.jpg)
Barbican Concert Hall
London, United Kingdom
2000–2001
![Kalmar Stortoget](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/kalmar-stortorget/vZT9csCFqLqO_1280x1280.jpg)
Kalmar Stortoget
In Collaboration with Eva Löfdahl
Kalmar, Sweden
1999–2003
![Studio House, North London](https://carusostjohn.com/media/images/projects/studio-house/xB548tx8aoSh_1280x1280.jpg)