New addition to replace portable buildings and create multi-purpose gymnasium.
Houston— St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church Addition — In March, Studio RED Architects began the design of a multi-purpose building for the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church campus. The design, led by Studio RED founding partner Trung Doan, will provide much needed facilities for the church’s and school’s needs. Studio RED architects Trung Doan and Alex Nguyen worked closely with St. Clare Pastor Fr. Vincent Nguyen and the Building Committee to create a plan that met their expanding needs.
As an extension of the church, it was important that the addition complemented existing facilities. With this in mind, Studio RED created a design with multi-functional spaces which will allow the church to use the area for many ministries at the parish.
“Understanding a ministry’s specific DNA is the key to successful design,” said Trung Doan. “Studying the use of a group’s existing facilities helps us to handcraft the design of their facilities to fit that ministry’s own unique needs. St Clare wanted a truly flexible multiuse space.”
A primary goal of the project was to provide space for classes that are currently being held in a series of portable buildings. However, the need to have the addition be multi-purpose in nature was an overwhelming desire of the church. The 28,000 square foot facility meets this need with multi-purpose classrooms, a multi-purpose gymnasium, restrooms, storage areas and an exterior narthex for the existing 5,050 square foot courtyard. The design also features an indoor/outdoor fireplace and utilizes canopies over exterior gathering spaces in order to utilize more of the area for St. Clare’s ministry.
“With the use of movable partitions, room reducing techniques to change square footage sizes, and flexibility in lighting, we feel we have achieved the desired result,” noted Doan. “We also are designing a pretty unique resource center that will double their existing library, computer lab and youth activity room.”
St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church Phase II Completion
Construction of the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church multi-purpose Addition is expected to conclude in January of 2015.
About Studio RED
Studio RED Architects is a Houston-based architectural firm with a reputation for design and excellence in entertainment, commercial and worship facilities. Notable projects include worship centers such as Lakewood Church, performing arts centers such as the Texas Southmost College Music Education Building, and renovation projects such as the LEED award-winning City of Houston Permitting Center.
