federico ochoa constructs rhomboidal chapel in argentina using domestic materials

architect federico ochoa has completed a chapel in argentina dedicated to saint jose gabriel del rosario brochero — a priest who suffered from leprosy throughout his life. known as ‘the gaucho priest’, father brochero died in 1914 at the age of 73 after contracting leprosy from one of his parishioners. the church is located in brochero’s hometown of córdoba.

all images by gonzalo viramonte

designed by local architect federico ochoa, the chapel emerges organically from the earth, rising dramatically. symbolically representing brochero’s ascension to the heavens, the rhomboidal form gradually ascends, before pointing towards the sky. meanwhile, the centralized distribution of the church’s interior references the last supper, and the act of gathering as one community.

the form of the chapel emerges organically from the earth

the predominant use of simple materials represents brochero’s humility, with the architect selecting brick, stone, and wood for the project’s interiors. the chapel is brightly and naturally lit by an opening in the ceiling, which remains out of sight. by night, the cross that sits atop the chapel’s steeple becomes illuminated, standing as a beacon for the community.

the rhomboidal form gradually ascends, pointing towards the sky

a cross sits atop the chapel’s steeple

natural light enters the structure from above

the predominant use of simple materials represents a sense of humility

brick, stone, and wood have been selected for the project’s interiors

the chapel is dedicated to saint jose gabriel del rosario brochero

the project is located in brochero’s hometown of córdoba

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project info:

name: capilla san josé g. brochero — chapel dedicated to father brochero
location: villa cura brochero, córdoba, argentina
author: federico ochoa
collaborators: ariane ochoa, emiko maekawa, adrian manavella
dates: 2015-2017
photography: gonzalo viramonte

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