Designing the largest church ever built in Ecuador
Successfully worked with Ecuadorian engineers and contractors that had never worked on a project of this magnitude to construct the largest church in the country on a very small and narrow site while utilizing the shell of an existing partially completed factory building.
The building features a contemporary portico, a colonnaded entrance and lobby to the main worship area, supported by regularly spaced columns. Coupled to the horizontal worship area is a future 10 story educational tower, of which 3 stories have been constructed. Street side of this tower has a dramatic blue curved tile wall with a cross. This wall extends over 70 feet upward while it anchors the building and welcomes all people to the church.
The congregation of Centro Cristiano was growing rapidly and in need of more space to provide worship, offices and classrooms. In addition, large gathering spaces were required along with the ability to provide daycare. The solution was a main level worship area with a balcony to seat a total of 3,450 people that utilizes poured in place concrete construction with steel roof trusses.
Ninos addition
Currently under construction is the phase two Children's Church (Ninos) addition. This features a new main entrance, music practice and production rooms, 6 children's church auditoriums that seat 175 each, as well as office and support spaces.
Towards the back of the site is the first phase of the complete new high school, Liceo Cristiano that was founded as a ministry of Centro Cristiano and houses 1,000 students. Learn more >
Project Scope
Phase one: Church 97,000 SF of new space. Sanctuary capacity 3,450 seats. Completed 2004.
Phase two: Children's church 60,000 SF of additional new space. Currently, two floors partially complete and in use. Two additional floors under construction to be completed 2020.