Valley Creek Church Expansion

Built to meet the needs of the growing congregation at Valley Creek Church, the expansion houses youth worship areas, a nursery and adult education classrooms. Fenestrations incorporated into the design allow for natural light to illuminate the two large double-volume worship areas, and the oversized circular windows allow the adult education and the youth areas (on the second floor) to take advantage of views and natural light, while the nursery is tucked under with smaller openings to shade and protect.

This 23,105-square-foot expansion complements the existing 41,586-square-foot facility in that it distinguishes the old from new with the use of innovative, cost-effective materials and techniques from Tilt-Up, and continues the exterior stone banding of the existing structure. Tilt-Up construction was used in lieu of a metal building structure (which was used for the original church) for its durability, strength, construction schedule advantages and cost.

Designed with a gentle curve, the structure provides spatial interest, while playful elevations with large geometric shapes draw the attention of the passer-by. In addition, reveals and recessed areas were used to express the curvature of the design and symbolic cross and to blend the original church to its new addition. The architect enhanced “highway presence” and community recognition, while incorporating religious symbolism by using a combination of concrete, stone, steel and glass materials.