Fraser Lands Church

A transformational addition and renovation to the Fraser Lands Church charts a new path forward, building upon previous expansion plans with an efficient, considered approach that layers flexibility, sustainability, and site connectivity.

The 16,000 square-foot addition allows the Church to extend its range of programs and events to accommodate the increasing number of families, children, and youth in the congregation. It includes a large multipurpose room, a centrally located kitchen, and flexible-use meeting spaces and classrooms.

The addition is built on top of an existing parkade that anticipated a fan-shaped future addition above. The fan shape did not allow for helpful space planning. The challenge was to design a new addition with efficient and welcoming spaces that would meet the congregation’s needs while working with the parkade’s existing structure.

The planning process involved thorough collaborative engagement with stakeholder groups and in-depth observation of existing operations.

The new addition overlooks an adjacent park, and the building’s massing is divided into two blocks to minimize its impact on the park. Windows and door openings are located to improve the visual connection between the park and the building.

The addition provides generous circulation spaces that facilitate Sunday programming and offer informal gathering spaces on quieter days. Three congregations (English, Cantonese, and Mandarin), totalling approximately 600 people, rotate through the sanctuary to other building areas. Durable materials that instill a sense of warmth were selected to respond to the multi-purpose functions of the new spaces.

Sustainability was a key focus. Passive cooling strategies developed for the gymnasium minimize the building’s cooling load, while highly efficient heating and cooling systems respond to environmental considerations and the limited availability of electrical power. Plans to mitigate demolition waste and reduce the impact on the existing building during construction were incorporated into the design process.

With the development of the River District in South Vancouver, the expanded Fraser Lands Church is poised to become an important community building serving the area.