HAMPSHIRE architects have been shortlisted for a competition to design a national Christian monument.

Snug Architects, based in Totton and formerly in Winchester, has won through to the final five of a competition that attracted 133 entries from 20 countries.

Their ambitious entry is a simple twisting arch to be situated in the English countryside.

Snug director Paul Bulkeley said the design is beautiful, simple and dynamic.

He said: "Our entry seeks to create a place where believers can gather to pray. More than that, we have sought to create a living wall, alive with the prayers of those who will visit the structure and those whose prayers are tweeted, triggering a multitude of lights that transform the wall into a physical embodiment of the life in the modern Church."

Mr Bulkeley said the concept is for a wall made of one million bricks, donated from across the regions. He said together they form a powerful reminder of our unity, one in Christ, forming a single continuous surface without end.

"At the centre is space for many thousands to gather and, we believe, become host to great gatherings of the faithful," said Mr Bulkeley.

Snug are now based in Rumbridge Street, Totton, and until last year were previously on Andover Road, Winchester.

The shortlisted designs were announced this week at an event at the House of Commons.

Steve Brine, Winchester MP, who attended the launch of the project, said: “Saying you want to build a wall these days can very easily be taken the wrong way which is why I am so thrilled to back this wholly positive project.

"Christians all over the world know about the power of prayer but I love the idea of cataloguing one million of them answered and couldn’t be more pleased a firm of local architects are shortlisted. I wish them every success.”

The next step is for The Wall team to secure a prominent site, and develop its ideas with the winner due to be announced in early 2018.

The Wall project is due to visit Winchester later this year.