How do you create calm in a space designed to welcome everyone? That was the question at the heart of this project.
I had the pleasure of being involved in the creation of a new building for the growing All Saints Church in Burwood, Christchurch, New Zealand, a project that beautifully balances purpose with place.
My role was as a client-side consultant, providing independent design review and guidance. From the outset, the church’s commitment to inclusivity shaped every decision. The brief we developed was to create a space that feels calm, welcoming, and low in sensory stimulation.
Acoustics quickly became a central concern. The goal was not just to reduce noise but to create an environment where everyone- particularly the elderly and those with neurodivergence, could feel at ease. We achieved this with strategically placed acoustic panels to soften background noise and green acoustic screens to form a subtle lobby within the main hall. This clever partitioning ensured that late arrivals or parents moving to the children’s room didn’t disturb the flow of the service.
Visually, the architecture draws deeply from its surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames views of the river and mountains beyond, while interior details echo these natural forms: carpet tiles trace the sinuous line of the river, and the light fittings take their cue from the woven eel traps of local Māori tradition.
In short, a space that proves inclusivity can be both beautiful and brilliantly functional.