A defining characteristic of good design is its ability to solve problems. Another is whether or not it’s aesthetically pleasing, and accomplishing both in the design of houses of worship is dependent on far more than drawings and vision. The foundation those elements lay must be complemented by finishes and fittings that also seek to solve problems and bring beauty—as well as a certain element of uniqueness. Church Designer has gathered some of the newest and most innovative products and providers that meet the basics while remaining flexible and customizable to achieve the perfect fit and finishing touch.
Problem: Identifying sustainable building materials that convey warmth.
Solution: Achieving warmth, simplicity, and structural soundness through use of natural elements.
Vermont Timber Works’ Handcrafted Beams
All of Vermont Timber Works’ frames are handcrafted to meet exact project requirements. Their work is represented in numerous churches, chapels, cathedrals, and monasteries and showcases the versatility but universal warmth of timber in design. Vermont Timber Works’ portfolio reportedly includes churches seeking a modern design with the rustic complement of rough-hewn beams, as well as more traditional churches desiring to replicate long-established sacred structures’ timber trusses. All of its timber is cut using solar power and the company takes pride in using the technology of today in junction with craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations. They work primarily in Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, white pine and oak, but source and craft from other species. They also offer a variety of stains and textures.
Problem: Locating handcrafted sacred pieces worthy of a reverent environment.
Solution: Finding a reputable artisan source for new or replica artwork and restoration services.
Ferdinand Stuflesser Custom Carvings
Since 1875, the Stuflesser family has applied its talent and craft to the creation of beautiful hand-carved altars and other sacred pieces. A majority of the company’s work is focused in replicas of high altars made of wood, marble or bronze, and liturgical restorations of damaged woodwork and sculpture. However, they are highly sought for custom wood-carved or marble altars, lecterns and pulpits, and other interior church furnishings; bronze-cast and marble sculptures and statuaries; and more detailed Ecclesiastical pieces. Since all of Stuflesser’s work is custom, any detail or wish can be executed, the company reports, guaranteeing a unique piece. Stuflesser’s bronze pieces are also of note since bronze is ideal for casting artwork. The liquefied metal flows into all crevices of a mold, reproducing every detail of even the most delicately modeled sculpture, according to the company.
Problem: Finding a way to safety contain and hide AVL gear and cables in the worship space.
Solution: Facilitating the technology of worship in an optimal location without detracting from a worship space’s aesthetics.
HSA Inc.’s Rolltop Desks, Racks and Podiums
While a centrally located control booth is best for the technical side of worship, it poses some security and design problems. HSA rolltop desk and rack systems address both of these areas, the company reports. Customizable rolltops and racks bring together the user-operational electronic component part of the system design into an ergonomically appropriate arrangement that provides protection against dust, dirt and abuse. They also secure and camouflage the expensive and critically adjusted and programmed front-of-house system while organizing the assortment of mixing consoles, computers, monitors and cables into a neat and beautiful addition to the church’s worship space.
Problem: Getting congregants seated comfortably, with the least amount of distraction to worship, while saving precious space.
Solution: Identifying a flexible, efficient and comfortable worship seating solution.
Series Seating’s Model K-Chair
The Model K-Chair answers the problem of restricted passage between rows of conventional stackable seats. Latecomers often prefer to be seated when the congregation is standing for worship. But with pews and conventional stack chairs it is difficult to access the empty seats within the row because the space between the rows is almost totally blocked by standing congregants, Series reports. The K-chair resolves this by allowing congregants to step backward into the chair frame, allowing access to the empty seats within the row. This has direct impact on the value of the chair itself, since that value must be estimated not only in terms of how many chairs you can get into the room, but also in terms of the percentage of seats that can be reasonably accessed and filled. If a $5-million dollar room, for example, seats 1,000 people, even 20 vacant seats represents a $100,000 loss in value of the room, according to representatives from Series.
K-Chair can stack up to 25 chairs high compared to the typical industry standard of eight chairs, allowing it to store in approximately one-third the space of conventional stack chairs. K-Chair features an upholstered back and seat, which along with the self-lifting seat action, puts it in a class all its own among high density stackers. On the technology side the K-Chair incorporates the most advanced ergonomic information and technology to date, Series reports. A proprietary manufacturing process begins with a pliable ErgoFlex foundation in the seat, which is enveloped in high-density cold-molded foam, a combination that will not allow the occupant to “hit bottom." The result is a seat that regulates temperature, enhances circulation, reduces muscle tension, and distributes weight evenly.
Problem: Finding finishing hardware that meets the needs and aesthetics of a worship space.
Solution: Custom hardware that incorporates a church’s identity through craftsmanship and fine details.
First Impressions International’s Hardware Options
First Impressions International is versed in helping churches and their design professionals develop custom, one-of-a-kind pulls, handles, knobs, kickplates, and numerous other finishing hardware. Example pieces include cast logotypes and sculpted objects, such as crosses, that communicate the church’s identity. First Impressions is able to fabricate just about anything and offers a variety of materials, including wood, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, acrylic, and titanium, as well as many custom finishes. They offer CAD drawing services and can produce small or large quantities of each custom piece.
Problem: Providing on-demand natural light, and darkness, in a design-friendly and easily operable way.
Solution: A remote-controlled motorized drapery option with no external wires or motor to mar interior space aesthetics.
QMotion Motorized Drapery Rods
The award-winning Motorized Drapery Rod collection from QMotion is the first of its kind in the market. It offers a combination of elegance and function especially useful in the church space. When the need to block out natural light arises, draperies may be closed via remote control quickly and silently. It’s unnoticeable to the eyes, too, as the wires and external motor have been removed and a battery-operated motor placed inside the hardware itself. The system is fully automated via the remote control, but also offers manual override with Touch Wand Activation. The Motorized Drapery Rod collection offers six beautiful finial options and six finishes, and is available in extended widths for larger window spans.
