Addition & Renovation
Alfonso Architects
Tampa Covenant Church
Tampa, Florida
Photo: Al Hurley
The program included a new freestanding church building comprised of a worship sanctuary, administrative offices, and classrooms for an existing congregation of 450. In addition, the project required the renovation of two existing single level buildings, one from the 1960’s and one from the 1990’s, and a complete site redesign including parking, lighting and landscaping.
To establish an intimate church campus Alfonso Architects designed a new exterior courtyard to act as a catalyst for community interaction, and as the physical nexus joining new and existing buildings.
Photo: Al Hurley
Integrative natural elements were used to manifest the congregation's theological sensitivities in terms of physicality of the space. The Fibonacci sequence of natural proportions was the underlying basis for the chancel area. The careful positioning of elements (chapel, walls, cross, and "red scoop") also harmonize with the ever widening spiral design.
Photo: Al Hurley
Photo: Al Hurley
Photo: Al Hurley
The many architectural features of the project were derived from theological precedence while reflecting quantities of numerical biblical importance (i.e. 3 olive trees, 12 office windows, 14 pendant lights, 7 candle boxes, etc).
Photo: Al Hurley
The fourteen chandeliers represent the fourteen biblical stations of the cross. Additionally, each chandelier is etched with an individual set of rings that when laid over a melodic score, notate the first fourteen pitches of the scared hymn "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded."
Photo: Al Hurley
The carbon steel candle box has seven compartments representing the six days of creation and the seventh day of rest.
Photo: Al Hurley
Alberto Alfonso designed the hand etched stucco engraving, located in the passage under the bell tower structure, that welcomes parishioners to the sanctuary.
Photo: Al Hurley
Photo: Al Hurley
Photo: Al Hurley
Natural light, evidenced by the use of skylights and candlelight, as well as the focused use of wood and stone contribute to the important communion of human beings and their natural environment.
Sketch courtesy Alfonso Architects
Sketch
Drawing courtesy Alfonso Architects
Site Plan
Drawing courtesy Alfonso Architects
First Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy Alfonso Architects
Second Floor Plan
Model photo courtesy Alfonso Architects
Model
Total area: 25,000 square feet
Completed: 2010
Client: Tampa Covenant Church
Architects: Alfonso Architects
Lead Designer: Alberto Alfonso
Co-Designer: Angel del Monte
Construction Manager: John Jazesf
General Contractor: J.B.D Construction, Inc
December 13, 2010
