First Christian Reformed Church

Shoreline, WA

A sense of community welcome was integral to this church addition. Generated by the client’s need for a larger narthex, the addition was conceived as a gracious entrance for the congregation. The fundamental design response was to create a long, linear narthex, perpendicular to the sanctuary. The western exposure of the narthex opens to a steel and wood canopy and landscaped plinth, making an extended space for gathering between the parking area and the existing sanctuary and new church offices.

“The form demonstrates volumetric success, a long, thin geometry versus a clean, painted triangle—severe and simple, artfully contrasted with comfort, beauty, and ease of congregation within.”—AIA Jury