AZL Architects designed a garden Chapel in Wanjin Garden, a Nanjing park that's often used to host formal events and religious services.
The design features vertical timber lines and an inverted roof that forms a distinctive V-Shaped silhouette. Dark shingles dramatize the already-theatrical roof, which features sharp points in both directions. The facade underneath is comprised of white walls, glimpsed between a peek-a-boo wooden skin. The architects refer to the double-layered facade as a "religious spatial experience," wording which certainly corresponds to the chapel's function.
To keep the focus on the natural surroundings, the architects chose to not to dye the wooden strips that make up the exterior -- a decision which ultimately amplifies the chapel's organic feel.
Organic Garden Chapels
The Nanjing Wanjing Garden Chapel Features a Butterfly Roof
Trend Themes
1. Organic Garden Chapels - An emerging trend in architecture that incorporates natural elements and eco-friendliness while providing a space for religious and formal events.
2. Vertical Timber Lines - A design trend that utilizes the vertical lines of wood to create texture and drama in architectural structures.
3. Inverted Roof Design - An innovative roof design that adds a unique and dramatic silhouette to buildings while providing aesthetic appeal and natural lighting opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Industry professionals can incorporate organic materials and inverted roof designs into their projects for a unique and eco-friendly approach.
2. Event and Religious Services - By incorporating organic design elements into event and religious service spaces, this can create a more tranquil and natural environment for attendees.
3. Sustainable Building Materials - There is an opportunity for the sustainable building materials industry to provide more eco-friendly products to help facilitate the trend towards organic garden chapels and vertical timber line design.