The project was born from the study of the liturgical Christian space evolution and from an attentive look and comprehension of the complex morphology of the intervention site. A base built by a granite wall extends from the surroundings, sustaining the temple.
© Alexander Bogorodskiy
A courtyard separates functionally the Main Hall from the Church, like an exterior antechamber which inspires the users to silence and recollection. At the courtyard stands out the sky, the sound of the magnolia leaves swept by the wind and the running water. A glass door invites anyone who enters the courtyard to be part of the big Christian family.
© Alexander Bogorodskiy
Inside, presbytery and assembly rise up forward God through the large vertical clerestory which draws the passion of Christ on the walls with a light and shadow painting. The Mortuary Chappels open themselves for the old churchyard, conferring unity to the old street profile.
Project Info:
Architects: Vitor Leal Barros Architecture
Area: 28148.0 ft²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Alexander Bogorodskiy
Architect In Charge: Vítor Leal Barros
Project Team: Pedro Fernandes, Ana Bastos Vieira, Caio Chamma, Dominika Skrývalová
Clients: Paróquia de Freamunde
Engineering: Sopsec, Logacústica, Louproj – Nuno Silva Eng.º, Filipe Ferreira, Orlando Sousa, Marco Oliveira
Consultants: Jofebar, Indelague
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.