Viikki Church, Helsinki, Finland. Architect: JKMM Architects, 2005. Exterior, with weathered aspen cladding, seen across parklan

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In commissioning a new church for Viikki, the Lutheran Church wanted a contemporary successor to the long tradition of Finnish timber churches. JKMM Architects responded with a remarkable design, evoking the stillness and nature of the surrounding forests: in the interior, through dense clustered columns and beams, and the striking Elämän puu (Tree of life) altarpiece in mahogany and silver; to the exterior, in weathered aspen shingles. Particular attention was paid to practicalities: in construction, prefabricated factory elements were used where possible, while interior spruce was treated with a lye wash, making it easy to maintain. JKMM won the Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award 2006 for Viikki Church.

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Photo credit: © David Borland-VIEW / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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