Barry Wilson has a love for the marriage of aesthetic beauty and practical function that can be seen in all of his projects, from sacred sanctuaries to houses of service. Though much of the work of architects is technical – creating buildings and structures that last, serve practical purposes, meet necessary codes and standards – this does not diminish the beauty of the work that that they do. There is something distinctly wonderful about a piece of art that you live in, you work in, you worship in. By the way that they’re built and function, new buildings are able to change the way that we live. The portfolio of Barry Wilson Architecture is extensive and diverse, but each building displays the union of beauty and practicality.
Elizabeth Baptist Church
Sanctuary + Fellowship Hall in Monticello, Florida
This rural congregation needed additional capacity but was anxious not to destroy the character of their lovely, historic sanctuary. By taking the time to really understand the client’s needs we showed the church several layouts that increased capacity without increasing the building footprint – expanding within the existing building while preserving its simple beauty. With only interior renovations, the church was also saved the cost of exterior construction.
Their new fellowship hall is built next to the recently-renovated historic sanctuary, and it was important to make the designs harmonious. A courtyard space ties the two buildings together. The second project for this church, the new structure was built by Campers on a Mission, volunteers who travel around the country helping churches who might not otherwise be able to afford construction. Design for a gymnasium was added later.
First Baptist Church
Church Facility in Lamont, Florida
After their church burned down, this congregation needed an entirely new church facility – including a 250-seat sanctuary, a fellowship hall and education space. Special challenges included a very restricted site, much volunteer labor, and a congregation urgently needing a permanent home.
New Home Baptist Church
New Sanctuary + Renovation in Madison, Florida
This congregation wanted to build their new 200-seat sanctuary themselves as an act of service to their church. They just needed an architect who could work with them and design a building that could be constructed by laymen. Entering the new sanctuary, your eyes are drawn to the front platform and baptistery where skylights bathe the entire area in soft, natural light and emphasize the importance of the pulpit during worship.
First Baptist Church
Sanctuary Addition + Renovation in Lloyd, Florida
This church is located in an historic neighborhood and the design of their 300-seat sanctuary addition and renovation was scaled to complement their location. The sanctuary addition was built to allow expansion and conversion to a fellowship hall in the future as part of a five-phase masterplan.
Florida Baptist Children’s Home
Group Home Renovation in Tallahassee, Florida
This long-standing youth ministry has a campus with several group homes. However, the ministry needed to expand to provide additional lodging for residents and staff. This new group home provides bedroom suites for students opening off a central communal area, and a separate apartment for house parents. Raked masonry joints in the brickwork lend interest to the façade.
If you would like more information about getting your project started, explore the next steps or send us a message.