Green Roofs in Church Design

The purpose of a green roof was originally to provide insulation from the cold; this early example is from Hof, Iceland [via wikimedia].

A 1998 example by architect Björn Dahrén for a church in Aligsas, Sweden is similar:  a simple sod that insulates a building constructed from trees on the church's own property. Note the bracing required to support the weight of the green roof. [photos by hansn, via flickr]

Modern green roofs typically feature an assortment of plants rather than just sod; this 'rooftop wellness garden' was installed by teenagers with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice at St. Joan of Arc Church in the South Bronx.  [via urbanee]

The first green roof to also be certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation was installed by the Christian Reformed Church National Headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  To qualify as a habitat required over 20 different plant varieties, perching structures, a variety of soil depths and gravel swaths to appeal to a diversity of bird and insect species.  [via advancedgreenroof]

A new addition to Frank Lloyd Wright's First Unitarian Church in Madison, Wisconsin was given a sweeping  7,000 square foot green roof to complement the angular copper roof of the original building.  'LiveRoof' modules, which come complete with full grown, locally cultivated plants, were used for immediate effect and lower initial maintenance. [source]

Painting Over the Doors

Large, graphic exterior paint jobs are nothing new in contemporary design.  But the way this project by domesticarchitecture paints over the doors, not just the walls, is useful for both showing the name of your church AND highlighting a nondescript entrance.  A good sign company can make this work over glass doors as well.

Study in Contrasts in Iceland

The aesthetic strength of this church building comes from the contrast between the rough, rustic quality of the dark cladding and the refined elegance of the bright-white trim. This would be a striking choice of finish materials for a small church, without resorting to anything unusually expensive.

By Angela Drury, via materialicious.

Dairy House by Charlotte Skeen Catling

My home church's property was formerly farmland, including a dairy.

This design, another one of the Bombay Sapphire prize winners, makes me think of the genius of that place...it is an extension onto a stone dairy converted into a house. Located in Somerset England, but its alternation of glass and rough oak seems to belong even more to the log cabins of the American frontier.

Here is a design that combines modern materials and an innovative approach with historical forms appropriate to the site. Ahhhh.

How is this inspirational for a church design? If it fits the genius of your place, as an entry, small adjunct building (office, chapel) or connecting device between buildings.

Lots more pictures, and construction information, are available at dezeen.