(Iwan Baan)

© Iwan Baan

种子教堂位于中国七大名山之一的罗浮山风景名胜区。虽然这个地区有各种各样的道观和佛教寺庙，但还没有发现西方的宗教元素。除了发展私人住宅外，该项目的客户还打算为周围的村民建造一座小教堂，以扩大宗教文化的范围。这座教堂不仅为基督徒提供了一个敬拜和冥想的空间，也为周围的村民提供了一个娱乐和聚会的场所。宗教文化的信息通过在这个建筑中的光和影子的发挥微妙地传达。

Church of Seed is located at Luofu Mountain Scenery District - one of the seven famous Taoist Mountains in China. Although there are various kinds of Taoist and Buddhist temples in this district, western religious element has not yet been found. Besides developing private houses, the client in this project intends to develop a small church for the surrounding village people in order to widen the spectrum of religious culture. This church provides not only a worship and meditation space for Christians, but also a recreational and gathering place for the surrounding village people. The message of religious culture is communicated subtly through the play of light and shadow in this architecture.

种子教堂位于罗浮山美丽的风景之中，占地面积280平方米，可容纳60人。设计理念是由种子的形式触发的，种子是福音故事中一个著名的隐喻元素。一条曲线跟随种子的轮廓并标记包围壁元素。

Situated within the beautiful landscape of Luofu Mountain, Church of Seed has an area of 280m2 and can accommodate 60 people. The design concept is triggered by the form of a seed - a famous metaphorical element in the Gospel stories. A curve line follows the outline of a seed and marks the enclosing wall element. 

然后将曲线分成三个部分，在曲线墙裂开处形成三个入口：东南面墙有一个十字形开口，将晨光引入室内；西面墙实心，挡住下午的阳光；北面墙加厚，以容纳厕所设施。踏板屋顶露台允许分散的北方日光进入室内，并提供了一个戏剧性的头部空间增量(3-12米)从主要入口到崇拜的空间。游客可以走到台阶上的露台，到达观景台，欣赏远眺的山水画。

The curve is then split into three parts, and three entries are formed at where the curve wall splits: the south east facing wall has a cross shape opening which introduces morning sun into the interior; the west facing wall is solid and blocking the afternoon sun; the north facing wall is thicken to accommodate toilet facility. The stepping roof terrace allows diffuse northern daylight into the interior and provides a dramatic headroom increment (3 – 12 meters) from the main entrance towards the worshiping space. Visitors can walk up to the stepping roof terrace, arrive at the observation deck and enjoy the distant view of mountain and water.

种子教堂有一种原始的、自然的、无装饰的材料语言.主体结构采用竹模板现浇混凝土施工.现浇混凝土施工对当地建设者来说，经济上是合理的，也是切实可行的.混凝土表面留下的竹子质地降低了混凝土墙的体积，与周围的树木和绿色景观相协调。加上透明的门窗，以及当地农民手工制作的竹制家具，教堂的存在既简陋又贴近乡村生活。

Church of Seed has a raw, natural and non-decorative material language. The main structure is constructed by in-situ concrete with bamboo formworks. In-situ concrete construction is economically sound and practical for local builders. The bamboo texture left on the concrete surface reduces the massiveness of concrete wall and harmonizes with the surrounding trees and green landscape. Plus the transparent windows and doors, and the handmade bamboo furniture by local farmers, the presence of the church is humble and close to village life.

(Iwan Baan)

© Iwan Baan

虽然种子是这个设计的起点，但教会并不打算直接展示它的形象。教堂的抽象形式和空间是通过光、影、物质和纹理的发挥来传达的。这不是一件纯粹颂扬雕塑形式的建筑，而是一座尊重自然环境和当地文化的建筑。

Although a seed is the starting point of this design, the church does not intend to literally illustrate its image. The abstract form and space of the church is conveyed through the play of light, shadow, material and texture. This is not a piece of architecture which purely celebrates its sculptural form, but a building which respects the natural environment and local culture.