The project
Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church is 60-year-old church building that has had two A&A renovations to date. Originally a 2-storey church with a pitch roof and a main sanctuary on L2, the church was transformed into a 4-storey building with an additional L4 main sanctuary built above the existing L2 sanctuary during its first renovation some 30 years ago.
In 2018, the church underwent a second A&A with Treehaus Architects. Both sanctuaries were retained, key interior spaces were refreshed, and a new basement structure with additional rooms were added to the front and rear of the building.
Our approach
Layered Conservation
We took a layered conservation approach for the L2 sanctuary through retaining the existing pitch beams, but elevating the ceiling height to the bottom of L4 sanctuary and creating a new double volume space. The original round pendant lights from the original building were reintroduced, and the old L4 sanctuary ceiling design was abstracted and replicated for the new L2 sanctuary. Existing pews, altars, lecterns are refurbished and the roof batten which once held the roof tiles of the L2 Sanctuary were converted to accentuate the pitch beams as a nod to the first church from 60 years ago. As the new L2 sanctuary will be primarily used by the elderly congregation, these various elements from the original building will give the churchgoers a renewed nostalgic experience of the various stages of the church combined in one.
Layered Renewal
L3 Sanctuary retains its existing pitch structure but the internals are fully gutted. The church is looking to use the space for the youth and young adults, a rejuvenation of the sanctuary space. Treehaus’ approach to the design takes cue to “breaking” the pitch, and remoulding the space using parametric design, simulating the waves of water, we design an undulating ceiling which maximises the ceiling while breaking from the old form. The result is a “in the cloud” like experience when first entering and the the space can take on multiple personalities through the use of lights.
Layered Transformation 1
The mini chapel is a transformable space, during a small service, it can be split into 2 separate mini chapels with their own frontage, but when required, the space can be opened up. The focus on the cross is accentuated by the ceiling curve that bring the light in from seemingly the sky above.
Layered Transformation 2
The act of baptism involves a rebirth, a transformation of one’s being, to be reborn in Christ again. This experience is accentuated by 2 tall blocks of granite that for a moment frame a tree. While walking up the steps, one is deprived from the surrounding while they prepare themselves mentally to enter the pool. The pastor will then submerge the individual into the pool, and in that act, a fenestration from the pool side will allow water displaced by the Christian to be made visual as a mini Water Fall for the witnesses to witness.