ARCHITECT'S

Matti Sanaksenaho, the founder of Helsinki-based Sanaksenaho Architects, designed St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chapel as a steeply arching structure with a shiny copper exterior and a warm wooden interior. Located on one of the islands that makes up the sprawling Turku archipelago, the chapel functions as a space of contemplation for the patients and visitors of a neighbouring cancer-care centre, operated by the non-profit St Henry's church organisation. The design speaks with contrasts of shadow and light, copper and wood. "The copper cladding will be weathered green with time, so it will blend with the surrounding trees and nature” added the architect. Laminated pine was used for the curving ribs, giving extra strength to the structure. Strips of glazing wrap around the two ends of the building. At the far end wall, this glazing extends down to meet the ground. There are no other window openings. (© Deezen)

COLLECTION

DFW