# Timber-Lined Prayer Rooms Niall MacLaughlin Architects Refurbished a Dublin Priory's Prayer Room By Joey Haar | Published 2016-12-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/niall-maclaughlin-architects References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2016/12/05/niall-mclaughlin-architects-prayer-room-st-teresas-church-priory-dublin-ireland/) Niall MacLaughlin Architects, a Dublin firm, has recently refurbished a prayer room at a historic priory in Dublin, Ireland. The prayer room is in St. Teresa's Church and Priory, a religious edifice administered by a community of discalced Carmelite priests. The prayer room redesign features a uniform panelling of soft ash wood on the walls and ceiling as well as furniture made of the same wood. According to Niall MacLaughlin Architects, the goal was to create a space "as conducive to collective prayer and song as it is to private contemplation." Since St. Teresa's Church and Priory is a [centuries-old building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/provostry), the new prayer room had to be refurbished in such a way that it protected the existing walls -- hence the [wood panelling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Wooden Prayer Room Designs:** There is a growing trend in creating prayer rooms with uniform panelling of soft ash wood on the walls and ceiling, providing a serene and conducive environment for collective prayer and private contemplation. - **Historic Building Refurbishment:** The refurbishment of centuries-old buildings presents an opportunity to creatively integrate modern design elements, such as the use of timber-lined prayer rooms, while preserving the architectural heritage. - **Inclusive Sacred Spaces:** Designing prayer rooms that accommodate diverse religious practices and foster inclusivity in religious settings through thoughtful use of materials and layout. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Design:** Architects and designers play a key role in creating innovative and meaningful spaces for spiritual practices, such as prayer rooms, within the context of historic and traditional buildings. - **Construction:** The construction industry can contribute to the preservation and revitalization of historic buildings by incorporating modern design elements, like timber-lined prayer rooms, while respecting the structure's original form and integrity. - **Religious Institutions:** Religious institutions can enhance the worship experience and cater to a wider range of devotees by designing prayer rooms that promote tranquility, reflection, and inclusivity through the use of materials like timber. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Prayer Room Government Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/agata-kurzela.md) - [Multi-Faith Spiritual Temples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nondenominational-temple.md) - [Timber-Cladded Brick Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vavasour-house.md) - [Refurbished Welcoming Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-leonards-church.md) - [Angular Church Matte Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-church.md) - [Timber Monastery Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plum-village-buddhist.md) - [Sacred Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten.md) - [Minimal Timber Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenhouse.md) - [Eclectic Terraced Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/druid-grove-house.md)