O studio architects curving church of seed in china

O studio architects curving church of seed in china
image © iwan baan
all images courtesy of O studio architects

communicating the message of religious culture through its subtly play of light and shadow, the ‘church of seed’ by chinese firm O studio architects, follows the outline of a curving seed in the landscape. the building is located at iuofu mountain scenery district – one of the seven famous taoist mountains in china, and although there are various kinds of taoist and buddhist temples in the area, western religious elements haven’t previously existed. situated within beautiful natural landscape, the 280m2 development seeks to widen the spectrum of religious culture. this design captured by iwan baan provides not only a worship and meditation space for christians, but also a recreational and gathering place for the surrounding village people.

view showing the observation deck
image © iwan baan

the design concept is triggered by the form of a seed – a famous metaphorical element in traditional gospel stories. a curving structure marks the enclosing wall element that is then split into three parts with three entries: the one facing the south east has a cross shape opening, introducing morning sun into the interior; and the west facing wall is solid, blocking the afternoon sun, while the one to the north is thickened to accommodate the toilet facility.

church of seed south-east view
image © iwan baan

the stepping roof terrace allows diffuse northern daylight into the interior and provides a dramatic headroom increment from the main entrance towards the worshiping space. visitors can walk along the roof, arriving at the observation deck to enjoy the distant views over the mountains and water. church of seed has a raw, natural and non-decorative material language. the main structure is constructed by in-situ concrete with bamboo formworks. the bamboo texture left on the concrete surface reduces the massiveness of concrete wall and harmonizes with the surrounding trees and green landscape. plus the transparent windows and doors, and the handmade bamboo furniture by local farmers, the presence of the church is humble and close to village life.

exterior perspectives
image © iwan baan

although a seed is the starting point of this design, the church does not intend to literally illustrate its image. the abstract form is conveyed through the play of light, shadow, material and texture – the building sits comfortably within its natural environment and pays respect to the local culture. 

stepping roof terrace interior view
image © fai au

staircase to stepping roof terrace
image © iwan baan

cross shape opening exterior view
image © fai au

cross shape opening interior view
image © fai au

interior workship hall
image © iwan baan

interior views
image © iwan baan

interior bamboo chairs
image © fai au

plan

north-south section

architectural model and 3D study

project info:

architects: O studio architects
location: huizhou, guangdong, china
project year: 2011
award(s): 2012 perspective awards – certificate of excellence; 2011 hkia annual award for projects outside hong kong – medal of the year; 2011 world architecture community award – winner; 2011 hkia annual award, merit award of project outside hong kong – short-listed
photographs: fai au, iwan baan
project area: 280.0 sqm
site area: 1,200 sqm 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

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