Our Saviors Lutheran Church Worship Addition

Burbank, IL (AIA Design Award)    

The Congregation of this Church has steadily increased over the years with young families moving back into the parish. Thus, the need for doubling the seating capacity of the Church became evident.  The existing church was dark with small windows. There was a desire to open the space up and add light to the interior worship space.

The Church wanted to maintain the existing Church's wood beam / arch / decking construction. The congregation liked the warming character of the wood. Research was completed on the wood species of the arches, beams and deck by sending samples to be analyzed for strength and species. The arches and beams were then measured accurately and fabricated to match the existing configurations.

Expanded area for pre-service preparation was necessary, as well as an area for musicians and choir to rehearse before a service without disturbing the congregation. A sound resistant room was constructed behind the Chancel.

The Narthex was also expanded to allow for a larger area of fellowship after a service. The seats were removed and brought forward. By adding a wood beam/deck mezzanine above, additional educational space was created on the above mezzanine level.