Manresa House features in the SPAB Journal

Manresa House features in the Summer 2025 edition of the @SPAB Journal. Article written by project Associate Director Philip Etchells.

Working with The Society of Jesus, known as Jesuits, the project alters and extends an existing novitiate in Harborne, Birmingham.

Considered by the community as a ‘monastery in the city’, the reordered site reflects traditional monastic arrangements. The building consists of a series of wings radiating out from the retained villa, these wings act as a frame for the external landscaped areas and contain 24 bedrooms for guests, novices and senior community as well as dining room, kitchen, offices, meeting rooms, library and a new chapel.

“The relationship of new and old is a physical representation of religious continuity; the new reflects the increasing demand to take a sustainable approach and in so doing ensure the long-term viability of the community”