The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection

Award for Religious Architecture, New Facilities

Cunningham Quill Architects PLLC

Alexandria, VA

The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection transformed its context with new environmental site features and the co-location design of a new church and a 100% affordable housing building. It was previously located at the top of a hill, disconnected from the adjacent boulevard by a steeply sloped incline covered with invasive plant species. A new grand site stair connects congregants, residents, pedestrians and cyclists from the boulevard below to a series of connected community gathering spaces, courtyards, and play and relaxing spaces adjacent to the church and the affordable housing. Drought-resistant non-invasive native plantings on a series of hillside terraces replace the previous invasive species. Permeable asphalt, reinforced turf geofabric porous paving and green roof planted areas now replace previous extensive areas of impervious paving and hardscape.

The organizational framework of the church is designed around two primary cross axes, the lower height north-south narthex lobby axis and the higher east-west parish hall-sanctuary nave axis. The one-story administrative office and support spaces surround the two larger raised volumes of the east-west axis. The sanctuary nave volume engages the incline of the hillside at the top of the slope. The church tower captures morning and evening light. The parish hall incorporates a slightly inclined raised roof form creating an invigorating, open environment for discussion and reflection. Glass folding partitions at the intersection of the nave and parish hall and narthex open to connect both spaces, allowing for larger gatherings on special occasions. Despite a limited budget, a new dynamic church full of light was created, reenergizing an established parish.

Jury Comments

This church sends a message about a parish partnering with affordable housing. The theme is prayer united with good works. It is a magnificent effort of making a small piece of the composition a sanctuary amid the housing complex. The church is balanced in its small scale. This project of joining housing with worship is a model for the future.

Project Team Members

Lee Quill, FAIA
Marielle Asenjo
Erica Aronson, AIA
Jared Heming, AIA
Robin McGrew, AIA

Project Consultants

Ehlert Bryan Consulting Structural Engineers, structural engineers
Interface Engineering, Inc., mechanical, electrical, & plumbing engineers
MCLA Architectural Lighting Design, lighting design
ARUP, acoustical engineers
Allen Russ Photography, LLC, photography
Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, landscape architecture
Walter L. Phillips, Inc., civil engineers
Land, Carroll & Blair, PC, land use attorney
Thomas Kerns, FAIA, sacred space advisor