NSW Building Design of the Year 2022: Dustin Leaney Innerchi Studios, Tallwoods Chapel of Light

WINNER

New South Wales Building Design of the Year 2022

Designer: Dustin Leaney, Innerchi Studios Location: Tallwoods Village Web: innerchi.net.au Builder: Waylyn Homes Energy Assessor: Edwards & Vickerman Consulting Engineers Photographer: Jeremy Rogers Photography

The Judges said

What an inspiring place to celebrate life from the cradle to grave, and in between. Light, bright and absolutely beautiful, this innovative design uses glass to harness light and energy from its surroundings, giving joy from all perspectives. When a product is a hero, and it is almost intended not to be seen, it deserves credit and congratulations.

Sustainability Considerations

The passive solar design and insulation minimises heating and cooling of the chapel and the large hydraulic doors and louvres to north and south maximise natural ventilation. Window frames and entry doors were sourced from sustainably certified forests and the recycled pews and pulpit were sourced from other churches. Natural ventilation and mechanical fans provide thermal comfort with air circulation and heating is provided through passive solar and well insulated walls.

Project Brief

The owners of the Tallwoods Village Golf Course wanted to enhance and support the local village community by providing a focal wedding chapel. Oriented on an east west axis the chapel displays a Porte cochere, bell tower, recycled pews and resin glass art by Alexandra Banks. Vertical proportions of glazing, referencing gothic chapels of light, incorporating contemporary construction methods were used to create a simple portal frame design and lightweight construction. Large panel hydraulic doors created seamless transition between interior and exterior on a site situated between two lakes with sweeping views. The timber frame was designed with minimal tolerances from ply templates mirroring the glass art and to transfer wind-loads as well as the weight of the glass into a steel frame connected to the portal.

Shaded in summer and good solar access in winter using passive design.