Chapel for Our Lady Fatima

Inspired by faith and spirituality, two siblings commissioned a small chapel to honor Our Lady of Fátima at their countryside retreat in the hilly Jájome region of Cayey. Nestled among old oak trees, the chapel is situated between the entry gate and the main house, providing both privacy and accessibility without the need for stairs or ramps. A small entry plaza featuring a reflecting pool and a concrete bench separates the chapel from the residence driveway, creating a tranquil space for quiet reflection before entering. The chapel, an exposed reinforced concrete and wood structure, rests on a recessed pedestal, creating the illusion of a “floating” volume within the forest.

A gentle ramp guides visitors to a platform, seamlessly transitioning from the natural surroundings into the sacred space. The altar, set against a Portuguese azulejo mural, faces east and is surrounded by glass sidelights that fill the area with natural light. To the left of the altar, a small baptismal font rests beneath a skylight, while a statue of the Virgin completes the sacred arrangement. The chapel’s ceiling features three clerestories dedicated to the Marto children—the shepherds who witnessed the apparition—allowing western light to filter in. The north and west walls consist of wood-sheathed steel gates that can be opened to the plaza for larger gatherings, ensuring the chapel’s adaptability while maintaining a connection to nature.