When you see a sign like this, you know something is up. In this case, it is the construction of the addition to Ascension Lutheran church in Brookings, South Dakota. Mary stopped by this past weekend to check on progress.

For reference, the dark red, wood-sided portion of the building is the existing church. This strong form challenged us as designers. The new form is intended to compliment the existing, creating a new identity for the church without detracting from or overpowering the existing form.

This is the primary entry into the remodeled structure. The existing worship space will be transformed into the new gathering space, the hub of the facility.

The new worship space will be airy and open, with an internal sense of lightness.

The existing form was not the only challenge. This shot shows the careful coordination required by the existing wood beams and foundations.

We will post more images as construction continues!

Click here for previous posts on this project.