# Swelling Rooftop Churches The St. Barnabas Church in Sydney Has an Undulating Top Half By Jamie Danielle Munro | Published 2014-05-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-barnabas-church References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/st-barnabas-church-sydney-curving-form-fjmt/) & [fjmt.au](http://www.fjmt.com.au/) After being burned down in 2006, the St. Barnabas Church in Sydney was in need of a rebuild, so architecture firm Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp came to the rescue. The new design features a very white-washed look both inside and out, but perhaps the most stunning feature is [the roof](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-house-with-an-inverted-roof). This section rises and falls in various areas, staying away from a straight-across shape. In the congregation area daylight is able to shine through, and the higher roof makes the space look that much more open and spacious. Many of the forms inside the building are [curved too](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-house-1), avoiding right angles wherever possible. The new St. Barnabas Church is fit for worship thanks to the Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp firm. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/st-barnabas-church-sydney-curving-form-fjmt/), [fjmt.au](http://www.fjmt.com.au/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Undulating Architecture:** Architects are exploring unconventional designs with undulating roofs and curved forms. - **Daylight Optimization:** Architects are incorporating features to maximize use of sunlight and natural light sources. - **Non-traditional Places of Worship:** There is a growing trend in non-traditional designs of places of worship, creating new opportunities for architects and builders. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Architects can offer innovative designs and unconventional shapes that prioritize natural light and untraditional features. - **Construction:** Construction companies can explore new technologies and building materials to bring designs with unique shapes to life. - **Religious Organizations:** Religious organizations can tap into the growing trend of non-traditional places of worship to attract new members and create a unique experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-church.md) - [Reflection-Encouraging Cohesive Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hjvangen-church.md) - [Albanian Sleek Concrete Chuches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/narac-church.md) - [Hillside Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chapel-of-st-thrse-of-lisieux.md) - [Beautiful Forest-Enclosed Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-church-of-julong.md) - [Refurbished Welcoming Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-leonards-church.md) - [Denmark Suburban Modern Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treroner-church.md) - [Y-Shaped Community Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-crawford-architects.md) - [Upward-Pitched Roof Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oneill-mcvoy-architects.md)