RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

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Originally built as a theater in the early twentieth century, this historical building will be transformed into a Russian Orthodox Church. The design celebrates the building’s elegant roof trusses, which were discovered when the old damaged ceiling was removed. Like branches of a majestic tree, the wood trusses stretch over the nave holding up the main shed roof and filtering natural light down into the space and the sanctuary. As the sun travels across the sky it creates an ever-changing composition of light and shadows. The shed roof and its wood beams are functional as well, extending beyond the building to shelter the outdoor patio from rain. Inside, the wood beams continue through to the main entrance where they form a wood ceiling canopy that beckons congregants and visitors into the church.

 

In addition to the nave and main sanctuary, the church will also have a chapel, a large fellowship space, classrooms, and an outdoor patio for after services events. Two mezzanines are tucked under the roof trusses, one for storage and the other for a church library accessed by an open stair from the fellowship space.