The ‘Church of Eaves’, a timber chapel in Japan

Tezuka Architects created a warm and peaceful space, made entirely of wood.

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The entire room in the church is wrapped in timber.

Titled the ‘Church of Eaves’, the chapel in Japan by Tezuka Architects is defined by its deep-set eaves that follow the perimeter of the building. The structure itself has been finished completely in wood to create a warm, welcoming and peaceful space of celebration and contemplation.

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The ‘Church of Eaves’, outside.

Natural light streams through the skylights from all four sides of the chapel to create a constantly changing setting depending on the time of day. Similar to many projects completed by Tezuka Architects, the chapel is poetic in the sense that the baptistery is carved out of the floor to reflect the low running river Jordan. The religious function is only perceived inside, while the exterior is composed of simple rectangular volumes also clad in wood.

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The ‘Church of Eaves’.

A set of folding doors located at the back enables the room to transform into one big space and allows the chapel to be flexible and adaptable to different events. The scheme is a hub for many social activities for the community and as a continuation of this, a room has been constructed for people who are seeking shelter.

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A baptism taking place.

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The folding doors enable the space to be adapted to other occasions.

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Natural light streams down from the dropped ceiling on four sides.

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The entrance into the ‘Church of Eaves’.

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The chapel at night.