St. Wilfrid Showstopping platform

Location St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church – Toronto
Status Completed
Service Partial Remodel
Sectors Commercial
Area 1,500 Sqft
Client RenoKrew

A restoration project with high visual impact, RZ Interiors worked alongside Renokrew contractors to deliver a stunning design for St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church in the North York neighbourhood.

The team were briefed to suggest new finishes for the existing stairs and altar platform that befitted a classic contemporary theme, to work perfectly with the current structure. This included new materials on either side of the altar which had to blend well with the other surfaces – not an easy task as the altar design was complex. Moreover, the existing handrails and banquette finishes did not balance well with the building structure or the intricate metal sculptures on the back wall of the altar.

Vital to the restoration was creating a focal point for the altar. Inspired by the initial site visit, the team noted the unusual trapezoid ceiling line and wanted to mirror the shape down below in the central altar platform.

A new floating staircase structure with 3.5” high nosing and 2” high Nero Marquina recessed reveals acts as a dramatic introduction to the altar beyond, and a bespoke handrail was created as a nod to the existing metal work on the back wall.

Adjacent to the main staircase, ornate metalwork was added to the linear handrails, a nod to the existing metalwork on the walls. Ensuring a seamless flow, the newly proposed floor finishes inspired the re-staining and re-upholstering the existing banquette seating.

From the beginning the team were mindful of the community budget at every stage whilst delivering on design excellence. The finished scheme is the epitome of architectural elegance, and importantly, the team.

From the beginning the team were mindful of the community budget at every stage whilst delivering on design excellence. The finished scheme is the epitome of architectural elegance, and importantly, the team.