St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Centre

The Parish Centre has added much needed event and gathering spaces to St. Thomas Aquinas Church and the larger Parish community. The design evokes historical religious precedents where church and refectory are organized around an outdoor cloister. The new addition responds to the existing church and surrounding neighborhood to strengthen streetscapes, respect the architecture of the church and create a new courtyard for outdoor events. A central atrium connects to the end of the existing transept and showcases the existing stone façade.  On the sanctuary side, the new doors integrate seamlessly into the existing millwork.

The daylit filled Atrium extends to the main wing of the addition where meeting rooms, kitchen, offices and support spaces are located. The simple approach and clarity of design are extended to the exterior expression that continues the use of masonry and copper within a minimalist modern composition.