Location: Hamilton, ON
Client: Trinity Lutheran Church
Final Construction Cost: $4,000,000
Architect of Record: Invizij Architects Inc
The Trinity Lutheran Church, located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, is undergoing a transformation to meet the needs of a rapidly growing neighborhood while uniting numerous congregations in one central location. With a strong focus on community, accessibility, sustainability, and visibility, the project aims to enhance the building’s energy performance, spatial relationships, and overall functionality.
At nearly 150 years old, Trinity Lutheran Church is a local landmark, currently under consideration for heritage designation. The addition of the Luther Haus in the late 1960s expanded the church’s capacity for administration and community spaces. As the church values its deep connection to the community, any design interventions are made with careful consideration of its historical context and respect for the surrounding area.
A new addition will provide a welcoming primary entrance, addressing the decline in church attendance across Canada by minimizing barriers to entry and encouraging greater engagement from both the congregation and the wider community. The design will allow unobstructed views into the building’s interior, showcasing ongoing faith initiatives and fostering curiosity for visitors and passersby alike.
The renovation also focuses on improving accessibility with barrier-free access to the sanctuary, church hall, and all three levels of Luther Haus. This ensures that the church remains inclusive for all. This thoughtful design enables the church to expand its outreach programs to all members of our society.
Landscaping and a green canopy will be added to the proposed addition to soften the visual impact from the second floor narthex, help reduce the heat island effect, and introduce much-needed greenery to the downtown area. Energy-efficient mechanical systems, low-lighting power design, and the use of locally sourced, low-emitting materials will help minimize the building’s operational energy costs, while improvements to the building envelope will increase its insulation and energy efficiency.
