International studio (30.1906/1907(1907))

The King s Sanatorium and its Chapel



THE KING’S SANATORIUM, MIDHURST
that in the bedrooms having rounded corners and
the wardrobe a rounded top, with a view to avoid-
ing the gathering or deposit of dust.
One of the most interesting features in con-
nection with an exceedingly interesting building
is the open-air chapel. The
problem before the archi-
tect was to provide a place
for Divine Service which
should accommodate a
large number of worship-
pers of both sexes, which
should be open to the sun
and air, which should yet
protect those using it from
being unduly exposed to
these, and which, finally,
should have a reverent and
dignified effect. This is
exactly one of those pro-
blems which the wise de-
signer recognises as so
essentially a modern one
that it cannot be, and,
indeed, should not be,
solved by dependence upon
tradition and bygone habits
of thought. Mr. Percy
Adams has approached it
with a courage, an inven-
tiveness, and a skill that

have produced a very suc-
cessful and charming
building. The V-shaped
plan (p. 308), that was the
outcome of the discussion
between himself and his
committee, gives oppor-
tunity for the arranging
of the two naves so as each
to command a largely
southern aspect, and yet to
allow for the separation of
the male from the female
patients. These southern
sides of the naves are, as
shown by the plan and the
view on p. 308, completely
open and are arranged as
a cloister or loggia. The
naves meet against a low
octagon tower, the internal
width of which is about
37 ft. The northern half
of this, i.e., the apex of the whole building, contains
the altar, pulpit and clergy seats (p. 309). The walls
are of Bath and the floors of York stone. A very
original and bold heating arrangement is intro-
duced, not only in this chapel, but in the dining-

ALTAR IN king's SANATORIUM CHAPEL, MIDHURST
DESIGNED BY H. PERCY ADAMS
EXECUTED BY THE GUILD OF HANDICRAFT

H. PERCY ADAMS, ARCHITECT

310