Houghton Chapel & Multifaith Center

This project re-envisioned the historic Houghton Chapel lobby and basement space. Through simple, sensitive moves and a refined palette of materials (blackened steel, stone, and resin) we sought to harmonize with the existing building yet stand out as new. We surgically inserted a new elevator and stair core into the lobby, welcoming visitors into the chapel and downstairs. Below we created an illuminated “jewel box” worship space. To achieve this we floated laminated resin panels off the ground with continuous steel angles and suspended the tops delicately from the existing steel structure. The panels’ golden linen inner layer and integrated ceiling lighting cove achieve a diffuse holy glow.