Church of the Holy Comforter

The Church of the Holy Comforter describes itself as a center for wellness and spirituality. The new ministry center provides space for the church to expand their community service missions — including a feeding ministry, hypothermia prevention shelter, and an array of community programs. The design was reduced to only the most necessary elements to be rigorously cost-effective, allowing the church to focus limited funds on their important community work.

The new addition extends out from the existing narthex, creating a central courtyard between the new ministry center and the existing sanctuary. The floor plan is a 57’ square containing a large gathering space with four classrooms below. This main volume is set 18’ from the existing building to distinguish the form and create space for the commercial kitchen and utility rooms.

The design incorporates biophilic principles. Minimal effectively-placed windows wash the space with natural light and provide framed views to the surrounding woodlands and meditation labyrinth. Natural wood details create a coherent interior space imbued with religious symbolism. The careful use of glass leaves the majority of the walls opaque with high R-values and continuous-insulation. The exterior of the ministry center was detailed to have a distinct identity, while remaining deferential to the primary worship space. The gable expression and smooth cream-colored brick offer a fresh modern update that ties together the varied architecture of the existing campus. The compact design allows the majority of the site to be preserved as woodlands, serving as a visual and environmental asset for the surrounding neighborhood.