Corporate

Commercial

Cultural

Religious

Residential

Hospitality

Industrial

Sport/Recreation

Green Buildings

Urban Design

Interior Design

The architectural massing of the church complex is dominated by the high roof structure. This strong form is softened by the adjacent lower architectural volumes including the rectory in  a series of interconnected lower roofs which dilutes the main roof massing and re-establish a proportional relationship with the adjacent residential district. The whole exterior design is based on a cascading series of intersecting and interconnected roofs with a high sculptured effect reminiscent of clustered Christian villages, imbued in the cityscape with a strong sense of community.

The façade of the complex, although dominant, is well set back from the street.  The view to the church along its main vehicular access is filtered through a double row of deciduous trees and a landscaped median along the boulevard.  The church’s heralding bell tower very visible at a distance acts as a landmark to the greater community.

 

St. Claire

R.C. Church

 

Vaughan, Ontario

Portfolio

This building is the largest Catholic Church facility in the Greater Toronto area.  The church assembly area has a seating capacity of over 1,200, with additional standing space for 300 people and a large sanctuary, flanked by a parish hall on one side and church offices with two-storey rectory on the other.  Its architectural design reflects the aspiration of the church community with architectural features typical of traditional European churches.  This was accomplished by combining a ‘clear-span’ assembly area with theatre style seating, with a “Basilica” type, cross shaped exterior volume, accentuated by a commanding façade, a large portico and a prominent bell tower visible from the surrounding community.