Sola Church | JAJA Architects

The Sola Church is intended to be the town’s new meeting place. It is the first of its kind in the town center and has a substantial presence in the urban area. It is located at the end of the main street. The church, designed for spiritual congregations and social gatherings, redefines the little town’s identity. The modern church and the existing town center coexist. The Nave extends directly from the main street, forming a church and town plaza. This gives the town a lively end to the main street and the church, an urban area that connects to its surroundings.

Sola Church ‘s Design Concept

The main gesture. The church’s Nave is positioned as a straight extension of the central street axis. The two buildings form a new plaza opposite the town hall, with a continuous green park as a backdrop. The church and the additional urban and recreational space reshape Sola’s identity.

The Nave is a church. The Nave is a symmetrical area that provides a serene and balanced feeling. The main Nave’s north wall is constructed with progressive filtering of northern light, creating depth and a distinct direction in the Nave. The diffused northern lights that fill the room’s height create a spiritual and beautiful ambiance. A large art sculpture by local artist Marie Buskov is erected behind the altar, giving the church its character and a spiritual atmosphere.

Natural illumination. The gabled roof is covered with louvered windows with stained glass, enabling ambient light to stream through and fill the sacred area. During the day, the light generates a vibrant color pallet on the aisle and the nave walls. This integrated decoration was also created in partnership with the artist Marie Buskov.

Facade. The church is built from a horizontal concrete base supporting two wood-clad building bodies. The nave, the most significant volume, presents a distinct face and front theme towards the center of Sola. During the day, the south aisle of the nave is designed as a somewhat translucent gable motif, providing depth and light play. The church will appear as a lighthouse in the evening, light from within, establishing a landmark in the expansion of ‘Solakrossen’ and ‘Rdhusvejen.’

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