Exterior view of a small white church with a bell tower and red-tiled roof next to a road.

A small white church with a bell tower and a cross on top, featuring a red-tiled roof. The church is situated next to a road, with bollards lining the sidewalk. The sky is clear with a few clouds.

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Story

Restoration and extension of an 18th-century hermitage

The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, represents a sensitive architectural intervention that respects its historical roots while addressing modern liturgical requirements. The project involved the meticulous restoration of an 18th-century hermitage and the addition of a new nave. This dual approach ensures the preservation of the site's historical identity while introducing contemporary functionality.

The original hermitage, a significant example of rural religious architecture in the Canary Islands, was restored with minimal intervention. Traditional techniques were employed to recover its Mudéjar timber roof, and 20th-century modifications were removed to restore its typological clarity. The new extension is distinct yet harmonious, characterized by a continuous white envelope that respects the scale and prominence of the historic structure.

  • Restoration: Minimal intervention approach to preserve the hermitage's historical integrity.

  • Extension: A new nave that complements rather than competes with the original structure.

  • Materiality: Reuse of materials from a demolished concrete wall, integrating them into liturgical elements.

  • Light: A large skylight over the presbytery emphasizes natural light as a primary spatial element.

  • Spatial Transition: A deambulatory acts as a temporal and spatial threshold between old and new.

Location San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife
Architect Alejandro Beautell
Original Construction 18th Century
Restoration & Extension Contemporary

The project stands as a testament to the seamless integration of contemporary architecture within a historical context, ensuring continuity over time without compromising the site's heritage.

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: White plaster finish on the new extension.
  • Ceiling Finish: Wooden coffered ceiling with intricate geometric patterns.

Materials

  • Wood — Ceiling, benches, doors, and other interior elements.
  • Concrete — Altar, ambo, baptismal font, and structural elements.
  • Stone — Flooring and bench supports.

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: The new extension is constructed with a continuous white envelope and a skylight over the presbytery.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: white, wood tones, stone gray
  • Lighting: Natural light through skylight

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