INUCE crowns julong mountain church in china with a sweeping ark-like nave

inuce tops stacked granite volumes with sweeping nave

The Julong Mountain Church in Quanzhou, China, by INUCE draws inspiration from biblical themes to inform architectural expressions. The resulting sacral building fosters an environment that invites both worshippers and visitors to connect on physical and spiritual levels, offering a beacon for a religious minority in a predominantly atheist and historically non-Christian setting. Atop the lower portion mirroring a terraced rock foundation rests the church’s sweeping nave, evoking the imagery of an abstracted ark. Within its walls, the sanctuary spectacularly opens up to the surrounding mountain scenery, establishing an archetypal space for worship which transcends denominational distinctions.

all images courtesy of INUCE

a sacral monument evoking biblical imagery

The Julong Mountain Church is thus conceived as an ark, floating above the world, anchored in the foundation of faith – an ancient idea. INUCE clad the lower portion in granite to resemble a terraced rock. It enables flexible subdivision, catering to secular needs. Atop rests the nave, adorned with GRC panels, evoking an abstracted ark. Its form steers clear of literality and gives a nuanced representation of the narrative. The sweeping entrance space is also marked with a custom made 37-piece carillon from a Tyrolean bell foundry.

The design elicits physical and spiritual engagement. At the top, visitors and worshippers are embraced by the Paradise – a medieval element demarcating a church’s asylum; it prepares for the entry into the belly of the ark. Contrary to what the metaphor suggests, the sanctuary is not unworldly: upon entering, one experiences complete exposure to the mountain. ‘Creation becomes part of liturgy, echoing the archetypal scene of congregation prior to all schism: Christ’s Sermon on the Mount,’ notes architect Dirk U. Moench.

the church’s lower portion mirrors a terraced rock foundation, crowned by the sweeping nave

julong mountain church symbolizes new beginnings

Julong is a new town off the 7-million-city of Quanzhou, which has increasingly been attracting people from across the entire country. Today, it is home to a minority of Protestants alongside believers from different denominations. For years they met in a shop front, though with services packed, they decided to build a church for 1000 attendees. Nestled at the foot of a green mountain, the chosen site allows to create a landmark for the entire town, symbolizing a new beginning. In search of an archetypal motif as a guiding light for the architectural design, INUCE drew upon quotes uttered by elders: ‘You are Peter, I will build my church on this rock,’ and ‘In Julong we are all foreign. We wish to be an ark for arrivers, their haven.’

the service hall as seen from the public mountain trail

the Paradise — a place of communal gathering and preparation to enter the sanctuary

capturing views of Julong New Town

the custom-mde GRC panel curtain wall as seen from within the Paradise

the biblically inspired architecture evokes the imagery of an abstracted ark

views of the mountain are embraced within the sanctuary

view from the pastor’s pulpit onto the rear of the service hall

access to the gallery floor and sound control booth

project info:

name: Julong Mountain Church
architecture: INUCE

lead architect: Dirk U. Moench

location: Quanzhou, China

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom