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Article from issue 1+2/2006 »Concrete Construction«

Church complex in Lousiana

documentation p. 46 - 50
Architect Trahan Architects | Trahan, Victor F. 'Trey' | Structural Engineer Schrenk & Peterson Consulting Engineers |

Drafts
1:50 Section Covered walkway/classroom
1:50 Section through chapel
1:750 Floor plan
1:750 Section

This new church complex accommodates functions previously spread out across church property. Single-storey structures containing classrooms and offices, linked by a covered walkway, are gathered around a central courtyard with chapel. The ground is lowered slightly around the chapel, to which access is provided by a broad raised ramp. All the solid surfaces in the entire complex, inside and out, are of exposed concrete, creating a visual continuum. Large vertical expanses of glass and carefully placed window strips make use of light as a design feature. In the chapel light filtered through angled shafts built into the solid walls (up to 2.70 m thick) enhances the meditative mood.