{"id":135309,"date":"2025-10-21T04:41:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T04:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/135309\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T04:41:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T04:41:24","slug":"bull-osullivan-architecture-perches-tiny-aluminium-chapel-on-hillside","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/135309\/","title":{"rendered":"Bull O’Sullivan Architecture perches tiny aluminium chapel on hillside"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Zealand studio Bull O’Sullivan Architecture has perched a compact aluminium-clad chapel<\/a> on a hillside overlooking the Lyttelton Harbour near Christchurch<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Borrowing its name from a French Carmelite nun, The Chapel of St Th\u00e9r\u00e8se of Lisieux is housed within a 17-square-metre triangular volume that nods to the Holy Trinity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bull O’Sullivan Architecture<\/a> said it built the chapel as a “gift to the people of Christchurch” and to serve as a place of “worship, reflection and architectural engagement”.<\/p>\n

\"ViewBull O’Sullivan Architecture has created a chapel on a hillside near Christchurch<\/p>\n

“In today’s society, a lot of people don’t want to go to church, but they appreciate a small spiritual place they can venture by themselves,” project architect Michael O’Sullivan told Dezeen.<\/p>\n

“This is such a space \u2013 it may be a place for worship and prayer, contemplation, or simply for showing gratitude,” he added.<\/p>\n

“The triangular shape is a play on the Trinity \u2013 the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”<\/p>\n

\"ExteriorThe chapel’s triangular volume overlooks a nearby harbour<\/p>\n

Externally, The Chapel of St Th\u00e9r\u00e8se of Lisieux is defined by its truncated triangular volume.<\/p>\n

It is raised on wooden stilts, concealed at the base by the aluminium sheets that cloak the exterior.<\/p>\n

\"AluminiumAluminium sheets cloak the exterior<\/p>\n

Continuing the triangular motif is a deep-set aluminium door, finished with a cross-shaped metal handle.<\/p>\n

It is accessed by a set of steps that lead across the sloped site and sheltered by an entryway complete with grilled flooring and a small wooden bench.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Open<\/p>\n

Stone pillars enclose Open Chapel in Germany by Christoph Hesse Architects\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

Inside, Bull O’Sullivan Architecture opted for a warmer material palette, with locally sourced timber used to line the walls and floor.<\/p>\n

A carved sculpture of Jesus on a cross was made from reclaimed wood by local artist Johnny Hauraki<\/a> and forms the centrepiece of the chapel’s minimalist interior.<\/p>\n

\"ViewA triangular door leads into the chapel<\/p>\n

Behind the sculpture, a window overlooking the harbour draws light into the space, alongside the translucent roof panels that create a red-toned glow across the interior.<\/p>\n

Smaller details include a built-in shelf and a wooden kneeler chair designed by woodworker Glenn Whatmough.<\/p>\n

\"InteriorLocally-sourced timber lines the interior<\/p>\n

Bull O’Sullivan Architecture is a New Zealand studio founded by Andrew Bull and Michael O’Sullivan, with offices in Auckland and Christchurch.<\/p>\n

Other places of worship recently featured on Dezeen include Open Chapel by Christopher Hesse Architects<\/a>, which is enclosed by sandstone pillars\u00a0and Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel by RCNKSK, <\/a>which features a blend of “medieval craftsmanship” and contemporary design.<\/p>\n

The photography is by Mary Gaudin<\/a>.<\/p>\n