CHAPEL FOR OUR LADY OF FÁTIMA
LOCATION:          Cayey, Puerto Rico
PROJECT AREA: 800 SF
PROJECT YEAR: 2016
AWARDS:
2017 - The American Architecture Award for 2017 Chicago Anthenaeum
2016 - AIA Honor Awards - PR Chapter
Honorable Mention - Unbuilt Project
DESCRIPTION:
Faith and spirituality inspired two siblings to revere Our Lady of Fátima by commissioning the design of a small chapel at their countryside retreat in the hilly region of Jájome in Cayey, Puerto Rico. The gravel paved driveway acts as a sensory filter, where cool breezes rustle the trees, giving its visitors a hushed welcome, immediately setting the stage for a quiet retreat and the start of a very personal introspective experience. Surrounded by old oak trees, the chapel is located on a hillside just off the driveway midway between the entry gate and the house. Good accessibility without the need for stairs or extensive ramps was of keen interest to the clients, for this reason, the chapel was located just far enough to create a sense of privacy without the feeling of complete isolation.