Acton Ostry Architects Inc.

Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church

Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects

VANCOUVER CHINESE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

Acton Ostry Architects

LOCATION
Canada

CATEGORY
Churches

AREA
32.0 ft2

YEAR
2008

Text description provided by architect.

The Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church draws a congregation of the faithful from across the Greater Vancouver Region.

Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects

The Church is much more than a place of worship for the people; it is also a home for the community.

Situated on a corner lot within a busy urban neighbourhood, the Church serves as a beckoning landmark in a low-rise landscape of undistinguished, single-family dwellings.

The transitional sequence from an uninspiring external context to an internal one of communion and contemplation was a guiding principal for the design. Four, masonry buttress elements define the site and anchor the spaces of the building around a quiet central courtyard. The courtyard is a place for restful reflection and social activity.

Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects

The sanctuary is the spiritual heart of the religious house and community. The adjacent baptistery is a soaring double-height space that articulates its unique purpose and spiritual function. Ancillary flexible spaces and multipurpose rooms for educational and non-religious activities are organized around the movement of the sun.

Sunday school classrooms are oriented to receive the gentle morning rays, while the tall western façade shields the courtyard from the harsh afternoon light to ensure the outdoor space remains a sanctum at all times.

Youth activity spaces, such as the “Awana” multi-purpose room are situated adjacent to the sanctuary.

Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects

The layout reinforces the peaceful experience throughout the facility, as well as providing a sense of separation from the secular.


Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Courtesy of acton ostry architects


Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Section 01
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Section 02


Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Plan 01
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Plan 02
Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Church
Axonometric Concept

Acton Ostry Architects Inc.
T +1 604 7393344 F +1 604 7393355
Acton Ostry Architects Inc.
111 E 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1R8, Canada