Bent Tree's interior worship space maintains a strong connection with the outdoors, which serves as an open invitation to enter. All images, Omniplan.
Omniplan Architects in Dallas describes its client, Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, Texas, as a vibrant church amid a suburban sea of concrete-laden developments and parking lots. For its latest project, the church sought to provide a sacred space where attendees would find respite and reflection—in an environment that evokes beauty and awe.
A courtyard of nature sits just beyond the clean-lined chapel on one side, while a curved limestone wall on the other serves as a gentle barrier from the adjacent parking lot.
The church also needed a space that fosters community for its rapidly growing Spanish-speaking congregation. Many of those in this congregation were accustomed to traditional spaces, making a megachurch type of design, feel, and experience intimidating.
Design approach
The church needed a new welcoming place where the sacred space was purposeful, the traditional elements embraced, and Spanish both spoken and celebrated, Omniplan reps report. The design of the building accomplishes this goal through the use of a warm, rich material palette, natural light, and a strong connection to the outdoors.
An interior wood slate ceiling signals warmth and peace, which is reinforced through the use of wood columns and scissor trusses.
To help achieve the project's goals, a curved stone wall shields the chapel from the large adjacent parking lot, while shaping the landscaped lawn in a manner that welcomes people in. Internal to the campus, a landscaped courtyard further creates quiet spaces for contemplation. Through this space, a series of expansive glass doors invite attendees into the chapel where respite is found.
Learn more about the project and site plans here.
