Keep Exploring Architizer by Creating a Free Account or Logging in.

This feature is for industry professionals.  To unlock it, signup and then join or add your company. To unlock this feature,  signup and then submit your professional details.

Membership is Free.

LinkedIn Facebook Google
or
Already a Member? Sign in.
Add To Collection Add to Collection
Saint Bartholomews Chapel  

Saint Bartholomews Chapel

2, Mazzetti Road, Valley Center, CA, United States

View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection

Other Projects by Kevin deFreitas Architects, AIA

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Rowhomes on F

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Casa Familia

Saint Bartholomews Chapel

2, Mazzetti Road, Valley Center, CA, United States

Type
YEAR
2010
SIZE
5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft
BUDGET
$1M - 5M
Context  + History:  Located in the picturesque back country of San Diego Co. the very small historic St. Bartholomew’s Chapel was destroyed by a wildfire that ravaged the Rincon Indian reservation in late 2007.  Only the original adobe bell tower and original Mission bell survived, which would become the anchor element in the redesign planning. The needs of the current community changed significantly over the past 100 years.  The fire presented a “blank slate” opportunity to expand and update the facility primarily by doubling the seating capacity and adding a standalone multipurpose social hall which created and framed a third space; an outdoor prayer garden. 
Design Objectives: The new design was conceived to reverently knit together “past” and comfortable traditions, while acknowledging and offering something relevant to current and future generations.  Thus, emulating or recreating the past literally was not a project goal.  Native American as well as Catholic/Christian symbols and metaphors were referenced in every design element; plan, section, and elevation as a way to infuse meaning into the chapel on several layers.
Sustainability + LEED:  In an effort to reconnect with traditional Indian culture of living “lighter” on the land, the client specifically requested that the redesigned project incorporate a thoughtful complement of green materials, efficient technologies, and sustainable strategies.  Low tech high mass walls, oversized roof overhangs, skylights, protected operable and clerestory windows were combined with high tech products such as a thin film solar PV system, a tankless water heater, a computerized lighting control system, and high performance glazing and insulation.  The result, a building that consumes approximately 26% less power, and 35% less water than comparable structures.  The chapel is currently pursuing LEED certification at the Gold level.
Natural Materials: The Chapel utilizes a significant amount of site harvested building materials; the signature element being the massive rammed earth walls that flank the sanctuary, each nearly 60 feet long, 18 feet tall, and 2 feet thick.  Symbolically important, these beautifully textured and organic walls are literally molded from 120 tons of sacred reservation soil. Other earthy materials such as the 3 ton boulder that was crafted into the baptismal font and the 5” thick slabs of wood hewn from a Coastal Live Oak physically connect this congregation to the beauty of their natural surroundings, the significance of their ancestral home, and most importantly to the Spirit of their God in a very tangible and palpable way.

Product Spec Sheet

Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.

Collaborating Firms

Team