Holy Living: Churches Turned Into Homes

Abigail Sawyer | 10 Apr 2013 | Trends

 

Wisconsin Church turned home

Image via Houzz

We shared this 19th century Wisconsin church on Facebook a few weeks ago. Architect Kurt Melander rescued this dilapidated Lutheran church and transformed into a modern home complete with a painting studio inside of the oculus window.

Painting studio inside church oculus

Image via Houzz

Homes with ecclesiastical roots are sweeping the architecture world. Innovative designers are finding ways to retain the history of the house of worship while creating a modern and functional living space. Here are a few of our favorite churches turned into homes from around the world.

 

Anglican Church Turned Sleek Contemporary Home

Anglican Church turned sleek Contemporary home

Image via Freshome

This 1892 Anglican Church in Melbourne, Australia was transformed into an open living space with with gorgeous decor elements and a swimming pool surrounded with crystal clear glass walls.

Some elements of the original church were retained, like the outer facade, arcades, and rounded windows.

 

Modern Loft Tops off Victorian Church

Loft in Victorian church

Image via Freshome

The interiors of the apartment in this Notting Hill Baptist Church completely defy their Victorian facade.

Modern Loft in Victorian Church

Image via Freshome

Many original windows were kept intact to allow light to flow this stark white space. Pink and purple accents were employed to add color and dynamically contrast with the walls.

We’re crazy about the incredible windows in this space. The sleek look mixed with Gothic shapes brings a timelessness to the overall look.

 

Old Meets New In This Renovated Church Relic

Renovated Church

Image via Design Milk

Although it’s not a living space, this reimagined Sant Fransesc Convent is still incredibly inspiring. Catalan architect, David Closes turned the former church into an auditorium and multifunctional events space.

Renovated Church

Image via Design Milk

The rough exterior was retained with modern glass and steel build outs mixed in. Closes allowed this space to become a cultural gathering space again for the community of Santpedor, Spain, just as it was centuries before.

 

Providence Chapel Becomes Home For London Theater Designer

Chapel turned family home

Image via Remodelista

Unlike the more stark spaces we’ve seen above, homeowner Niki Turner, tried to retain the stillness warmth and calm of the shaker influences in this converted space. Providence Chapel is located near Bath, England and is now a wonderful family home with lots of room for entertaining.

Chapel turned Family home

Image via Remodelista

The original choir loft now functions as a tucked away office that can be reached by a winding staircase.

 

Are You Ready to Stage A Divine Intervention?

Join us on Facebook to tell us what you think about these spaces, or drop us a line in the comments below. Do these drastic remodels add to the historical value or take away from the perfect preservation?

  • About Author

    Abigail Sawyer is the Manager of Social Media Marketing for Blinds.com. She's a home improvement junkie who is currently restoring a 1972 cottage with the help of her husband and goldendoodle, Biscuit. Walking in the footsteps of Martha Stewart, she’s happiest when she’s crafting or whipping up a new recipe; although nothing beats curling up with a good book and some Girl Scout Cookies. Follow her on twitter + instagram at @whatabigailsaw