The Covington Chapel - AIA Chesapeake Bay Merit Award

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"When First Baptist Church in Covington, Louisiana recently built a $40M expansion, it lacked an intimate chapel. The client, an artist and member of the church, sought to create that space for the benefit of her church and community. She envisioned a special event venue with a classic, quaint Southern flair intended to be used for weddings, funerals, and small conferences. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,""]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The site for the Chapel is adjacent to the church and populated with highly regulated specimen Live Oak trees in varying conditions, requiring a sensitivity in planning the property. Located in the center of the site is the oldest and largest Live Oak tree on the property, and the decision was made to feature this tree in the design. Working carefully to preserve the specimen trees and minimize the impact of the new buildings, the Chapel and the Social Hall buildings were arranged flanking the tree, forming a landscaped garden plaza between them. Entry to the garden is through an arbor on axis with the feature tree. Preservation of the feature tree meant that the grade could not be altered within the tree\u2019s extensive dripline, which led to an intense effort to maintain accessibility across the site."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,""]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The garden plaza was designed to feel like a prayer garden that includes native plantings and soft water features to create a soothing visual and auditory meditative experience. Although the garden is sized for a dinner reception of three hundred, it maintains an intimate feel through smaller scale details and texture."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,""]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The Chapel building is a traditional axial 300-seat Sanctuary, entered under a true bell tower and through custom-milled and hand-carved walnut doors. The gable-form wood trusses set a classic tone and create rhythm in the space, while accented with contemporary details. At the chancel, a custom designed stained-glass window features a design inspired by the Live Oak trees on site. The building exudes craftsmanship and architectural details, paying tribute to early construction methods by using natural wood and aged materials. While the building reflects a traditional charm, it includes the latest in audio, video, and lighting technology all discreetly designed. The result is a warm and inviting space, filled with natural light, fitting for a variety of modern events."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,""]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The Social Hall building was designed to be complimentary to the Chapel, continuing the established design language, yet smaller in scale. It includes an indoor reception hall, and support spaces for events."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,""]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The Chapel project, a remarkable collaboration of the architect, artisans, craftsmen, and landscape architect working together with the builder for an artist client, is all the more notable as the architect was never able to visit the Louisiana site in person during construction due to pandemic quarantines. Using video and digital technology to keep the project moving required an enormous added effort by all parties. It reflects the finest in delivery of architectural services and strong client relationships. It is a timeless building that will only improve with age and as plantings mature."]]]]}