Ching Kwong Methodist Church
This project was a gift; passed on from an ‘elder’ architectural firm with more pressing work commitments. The brief was handed over with initial schematics of the church building – the structure was to be sited behind the present church building with its own under croft car parking, a seating capacity of 1500 people in an auditorium format. And then there were the aesthetic requirements put forward helpfully by the church committee; sketches and pictures to illustrate their new church with arches and steeples.
We were interested in relating to its location on the industrial fringe of Kuching and searched for a modern interpretation of a church building. We took the clients on a study tour of WOHA’s St Mary’s of the Angels in Singapore. Eventually, the client accepted a design that was modern and new to their current vocabulary in Sarawak.
The configuration of the building is a result of two physical requirements – the first was to create an auditorium like space internally; while the second was to maximise allowable site coverage. These requirements coincided to reinforce the building’s final form which at first glance appears sombre and aloof. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the building is trying to reveal itself through its cantilevered walls and carefully placed slot windows and skylights. The site is adjacent to a busy trunk road making it necessary to shield the interior against noise and dust.
The ground floor is mostly for car parking with a small section for the drop off and entrance lobby. Twin flights of stairs lead to the main entrance level which is supported by a gallery that serves as pre-function space and informal gathering space. This space has views into the sanctuary with limited views to the outside; naturally lit via side lights and skylights.
The humble exterior architecture is carefully choreographed to contrast with the sensory experience of entering the ‘sanctuary’ whose warm and personable interior accentuated by the sweeping arch of the mezzanine floor. The entire internal space is indirectly lit with natural light – bathing the interiors through roof skylights and side lights behind the altar.
The material and colour palette of the interiors were kept simple – using gypsum board, timber strips, and plywood to craft the interiors. The use of ‘common’ off-the-shelf materials such as plywood and gypsum board were a topic of contention with our client, who had intended for the interiors to be ‘glazed’ with richer furnishings.
The simple and honest timber construction of the pews resulted from numerous mock-ups and discussions with the client. This process was repeated many times for other design elements, which helped to modulate their mindset - to convey a message of frugality and sensibility to pursue simple design solutions that reflect the true nature of the materials used.
This building won an Honorary Mention in the PAM Awards 2006 under the Public and Civic Buildings category.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : Design Network Architects
Client : The Secretary of The Trustees of The Methodist Church in Sarawak
Project Location : Kuching | Sarawak
Year : 2005 -
C&S Engineer : Perunding Perkasa
M&E Engineer : CH Engineering
Contractor : Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd
Design Team : Hwong How Hing | Arlene Chew | Wee Hii Min
Photography : Lau Ming Ngi | Arlene Chew -
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