# Barn-Inspired Chapels The Elspeet Church is Constructed From Local Wood Materials By Jana Pijak | Published 2012-06-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elspeet-church References: [frameweb](http://www.frameweb.com/news/elspeet-church) & [faro.nl](http://www.faro.nl/) Located in the heart of the Dutch village, Elspeet Church is a [small Mennonite religious center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-leonards-church) that stay true to its culture through its sustainable and traditionally executed design. Hugo de Clercq of FARO Architecten firm reflects on the past with his team's [barn-inspired building concept](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twisted-house1). The wood-constructed church is based on the idea of hidden worship practised by Mennonites in the past when their people lacked the permission to gather and pray in public. [Disguised as a common barn](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clinton-corners), the Elspeet Church is a modern take on a traditional architectural ideals strongly associated with the Mennonite culture. The countryside structure lacks any excessive ornamentation but instead highlights age-old building techniques that reveal its linear structural elements made from local wood materials. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Architecture:** Opportunity for architects and designers to create buildings that reflect sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. - **Cultural Preservation:** Opportunity to design spaces that honor and preserve cultural traditions and heritage. - **Disguised Design:** Opportunity to create buildings that blend into their surroundings or adopt alternative disguises, challenging traditional expectations of architectural aesthetics. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Opportunity for the architecture industry to embrace sustainable practices and incorporate cultural elements into their designs. - **Construction:** Opportunity for the construction industry to utilize locally sourced materials and traditional building techniques to create structures that are both visually appealing and environmentally friendly. - **Heritage Preservation:** Opportunity for organizations and professionals dedicated to heritage preservation to collaborate with architects and designers to create spaces that honor cultural traditions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reflection-Encouraging Cohesive Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hjvangen-church.md) - [Unconventional Triangular Barnhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dutch-barnhouse.md) - [Rustic Vintage Transformed Barns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lukas-lenherr-architektur.md) - [Sacred Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten.md) - [Beautiful Forest-Enclosed Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-church-of-julong.md) - [Transformed Rural Timber Barns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fienile-n.md) - [Denmark Suburban Modern Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treroner-church.md) - [Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-church.md) - [Farm-Inspired Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-barn-1.md)