positioned in the vast and scenic landscape of queensland, australia, sits the latest work from wilson architects titled ‘kooroomba chapel’. the project, which was conceived for kooroomba vineyard & lavender farm, is designed as an events space for special occasions. situated against an impressive mountain backdrop, the small, timber frame building intends to explore the natural setting and provide a strong sense of place to visitors who come to the picturesque site. 

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz (also main image)

 

 

the form of the building is easily recognisable as a place of worship and is described as wilson architects as being ‘non-denominational’. elements such as the bell tower, the nave and the alter all make reference to chapels found in queensland, however, the design takes leave from this traditional idea of religious architecture by deconstructing it. to evoke the idea of a ruin left abandoned in the landscape, the architect exposes the four walls of the chapel, blurring the line between the indoor and outdoor environment.

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz

 

 

the timber structural frame of the building is left unclad, exposing visitors to the scenic landscape that surrounds them and allowing greenery to grow up and take over the volume. upon entering, guests will align with a large ‘window’ frame that provides a view out to one of the mountain peaks in the distance. for weddings, couples will stand on the small platform at the alter with this incredible view, and to celebrate, the bell in the translucent tower will ring out across the australian outback. 

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz

 

 

covering a total area of 1291.67 ft2 (120 m2), this subtle intervention makes a striking image on the landscape. designed to evoke the notion of an ancient ruin, the chapel provides the perfect setting for a special event as the architecture embraces, and quite literally exposes visitors to, the natural environment. 

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © daniel tsang

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz

 

video © alex chomicz

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz

wilson architects deconstructs kooroomba chapel to frame mountain views in australia

image © alex chomicz

 

 

project info:

 

project name: kooroomba chapel

location: kooroomba vineyard & lavender farm, 168 f m bells road, mount alford, queensland, australia

completion date: 2018

gross built area: 1291.67 ft2 (120 m2)

architect: wilson architects

architectural team: hamilton wilson, tom sealy

client: kooroomba vineyard and lavendar farm

engineering team: kelvin crofton & associates

landscape team: wilson landscape architects

 

consultants:

contractor: kowald builders

geotechnical: east coast geotechnical

building certifiers: GMA certification group

 

photography: alex chomicz, daniel tsang

video: alex chomicz