Catholic Church in Colonia, Uruguay

February 01, 2011 Category: Public Buildings, Religion

The Catholic Church designed by Lambrechts-Bertinat Arquitectos is located in Colonia, Uruguay. This small Catholic Church is situated on the shores of the River Plate on the isolated Parant Beach. The stretches of white sand contrast sharply with the blood red waters of the River Plate making an ethereal quality in the light which is reflected in the colours of the church. The interior is light, wrapped up by these two folding-bracing walls holding a hull shaped roof, a hyperparaboloid, “floating above” that draws the views of the visitors.

This isolated sculptured church also respects the traditional constructions of the village in a congenial fashion. The only standing-out element, the cross/campanile, can be seen from the beach above the line of trees along the coast. The design was inspired by a nautical theme based on references from the inspirational story of a small XVIIth century carved wooden image of the Virgin Mary, made by Indigenous South Americans, brought to the country through the mighty South American rivers.

Catholic Church design by Lambrechts-Bertinat Arquitectos