Lutheran Church of St. Andrew
Silver Springs, MD
58,000 SF New Construction
This Lutheran Church of St. Andrew BGW project was the winner of The LCEF Art & Architecture Award for Best Liturgical Architecture and a WFX Solomon Award for Best Church Architect. The Lutheran church initially began working with another architect and was facing a project that was vastly over budget. They discarded these previous architectural plans and began anew with Building God’s Way, who came into the project with the mission of cutting costs without sacrificing quality or ministry needs.
The focal point of the new facility is the 750-seat sanctuary, which was designed to reinforce the church’s focus on sacred space. The unique circular layout creates a sense of envelopment and the forms within the space reinforce this sacred focus. The worship platform is cradled by the surrounding functions for choir, baptistery and leadership seating. In all, the stage itself can host up to 70 during services. The worship space is cast against a 17’ tall carved cross which hangs above the platform. The consideration of acoustics and sight lines was of critical importance during the sanctuary design development.
The main floor of the building also features a large lobby / narthex that functions as a multi-purpose space for a wide range of events and activities, as well as nursery and office spaces. Phase 2 of the project included finishing the entire basement for youth ministry space and classrooms. The master plan also includes an outdoor playground space to accommodate the St. Andrews preschool and a ball field for youth and adults.
“BGW & Hammen Contracting have been forthright with us and worked long, hard hours to keep our project on track. They understand what it means to build a house for the Lord. They are not only doing a job but serving God in the process.” – Pastor Mark Hricko, Lutheran Church of St. Andrew
Winner of The LCEF Art & Architecture: Liturgical Architecture / Large and winner of 2008 WFX Solomon Award for Best Church Architect & Best Construction Management
Architect of record: Dan Cook, BGW Founder Emeritus
