Wednesday
Jun152011
Heavenly light
Wed, 15 Jun 2011
Can't get enough of church conversions and this one is very special. A series of living spaces are positioned lightly within the historic building. Clean minimal lines allow the church's structure to shine. The light spilling in through the ornate stained glass windows splashes the sparse modern interiors with rich colours. Furnishings are almost monastic but be sure they are luxurious at the same time. The soaring ceilings, the stonework, the open space! Imagine cranking up the stereo in a place like this. Heavenly bliss. And just when you think you have entered the heavenly light the flesh is pampered in a daring, dark overindulgence of a bathroom. Sinful? Church conversion in Utrecht by Dutch architectural firm Zecc.
Reader Comments (17)
Wow, great house! I usually don't like that transformations from church to familly home but this turned out great!
Wow, that's a bit too much for me - looks like it can't decide if it's a house or a church. If I lived there, I'd feel like I had to creep around and say a few Hail Marys (even though I'm not Catholic!)
How amazing is that first shot where the stained glass is reflecting on the white walls? Breathtaking!
One of the best conversions yet. Fabulous.
It is beautiful in a slightly too 'churchy' way. And that's a problem. Too guilt-inducing :) It makes you feel as if a lightning would strike you on the spot if you crank up the stereo :)
I think it's absolutly awesome!!!!. I'm a former catholic and I think it's silly to get worked up about it being a church. It's just a building!
i find church conversions very fascinating..this one is no exception!! the chandelier in the bathroom is amazing..though i would add small round light bulbs to make it perfect!! have a lovely day! xx meenal
Church conversions are always so interesting. Best feature in my book would have to be those sky lights.
Isn't this something - I love the play of light through the stained glass, and the skylights are brilliant, must be added. I wonder if the organ is in working order? and is there a crypt?!
These are breathtaking! Wow!
Really love the transformation but don't think I could live there myself. Just doesn't feel homely.
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church spaces are beautiful - and if it's converted beautifully into a house, I think it's much more dignifying than to let it fall apart in decay instead! beautiful conversion - gorgeous spaces. and that light! amazing.
this is incredible ---- one of my dream structures to turn into a home. so well done!
I must say up front that I am not a fan of church conversions and this one doesn't work at all for me. If I walked in here as a visitor I wouldn't know where to sit, stand etc , it's unwelcoming and awkward.
Think I'd just make a sign of the cross and exit :)
The stained glass in the kitchen is over the top incredible! What a gorgeous way to feature that detail!
This is my dream house. SIGH.
Thanx for all the comments and compliments! These clients bought an ever bigger church after they sold this one.
Check out
http://www.zecc.nl/Projecten/Herbestemming_wonen_werken/project/23?Language=en&projectSection=1&photo=5&projectId=23