March 3, 2011 at 9:05 am

Converting a Church Into a Family Home

by twistedsifter

Saint Jakobus Church was originally built in 1870. Located in The Netherlands city of Utrecht, it stood abandoned for some time. When church ceremonies and operations ceased in 1991, it was used sparingly as a showroom for antique furniture and concerts and special events.

In 2007, Zecc Architects proposed a residential conversion to restore life back into this historical monument. City approval was granted, and the Resident Church XL was completed in 2009.

As a restoration, I find the project stunning. The exterior facade has been left untouched, along with all of the stained glass windows. The interior is simple, bright and elegant. Personally, I could never live in a church conversion, I don’t think I would ever feel fully comfortable. Doing anything deemed sinful within these hallowed walls just wouldn’t feel right. What about you? Could you live in a restored church?

RESIDENTIAL CHURCH XL – ZECC ARCHITECTS

Dimensions
Parcel (own ground) 670 sq m
Living area – 475 sq m (5,100 sq ft)
Front garden – 90 sq m (968 sq ft)
Back garden – 150 sq m (1,614 sq ft)

House
Living kitchen
Elevated living room floor
Hobby room/study
Study
Sleeping room/bathroom (incl. toilet)
Guestroom/ bathroom (incl. toilet)

Miscellaneous
The Church is registered as a municipal monument
Newly implemented architectural elements built under warranty
Isolated crawlspace
No previously existing cemetery
Full exterior painting done
Municipal subsidy confirmed for long-term external maintenance

FUTURE USE

The new and modern residential volume has been constructed in such a manner that it is completely detached from the existing church structure. This new detached structure is now regarded as a new ‘temporary’ construction within this historical monument. This volume can be demolished at any given time if the residential church is to change its function. The circulation of the residence flows through the temporary volume and connects the open front with the rear of the church where the church alter once stood. In the back the kitchen is arranged, whereby the kitchen block is standing on its own, the old church pews have been reused by Zecc to create the dining table.

– via YATZER.com