Meristem Chapel
Surrey, BC
Construction complete 2021
Sited within the A Rocha Brooksdale Environmental Centre, this small memorial chapel is nestled down on the banks of a river with beautiful views of the forest all around. Meristem refers to plant tissue that begins the growth of new cells and seedlings at the tip of roots and shoots. The name is symbolic of regeneration and renewal and connects to the chapel’s primary function of silent retreat.
The structure sits lightly on the land and makes use of an abandoned cistern as its foundation.
MOTIV built upon the formal design concept of architect Philip Hurrell and developed the structural system and detailing for the project. The structure is a simple nail-laminated moment frame, made using salvaged dimensional lumber. Gaps at the top of the interlocking timbers create 12 skylights along the ridge of the structure - allowing both the dappled forest light down into the space and views up into the forest canopy.
The structure is simple and honest, with the timber exposed as the final interior finish. The exterior is clad with cedar shingles, drawing from the material palette of the historic farm buildings on the property, and weathering like the bark of the forest that surrounds it.
Photos by Luc di Pietro