Picture this: a stunning church that erupts from the earth like a dormant volcano, blending raw power with serene spirituality—and it's just been crowned the World Building of the Year for 2025! This isn't your typical house of worship; it's a masterpiece by architect Fernando Menis that challenges our ideas about sacred spaces. But here's where it gets controversial: is minimalist design in a religious context too stark, or does it perfectly capture the essence of faith? Stick around as we dive into the details of The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas, and you might find yourself questioning what 'spiritual' architecture really means.
The image above showcases the 2025 World Building of the Year recipient, The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas, crafted by Fernando Menis. (Credit: © Simona Rota)
Another view of the award-winning The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas by Fernando Menis. (Credit: © Roland Halbe)
What makes this project stand out is its unique funding story—entirely supported by community donations. Because contributions trickled in unpredictably, the design evolved in stages, resulting in four separate, interconnected volumes. The initial two sections, forming the heart of the complex, wrapped up in just two years and have been in active use ever since. The final structures? They took a full 16 years to complete, showing how patience and community spirit can shape a lasting legacy.
The inspiration draws from a volcanic terrain, giving the building its dramatic, rugged silhouette that stands in bold relief against the surrounding urban environment. Thin fissures between the volumes, adorned with artistic metal and glass elements, act as natural light filters, crafting an interior that's all about minimalism and introspection. For beginners in architecture, think of it as nature's raw power meeting human creativity—those cracks aren't just gaps; they're gateways that transform sunlight into a meditative experience.
This photo captures the 2025 World Building of the Year winner, The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas, designed by Fernando Menis. (Credit: © Hisao Suzuki)
Light plays a starring role here, sculpting a simple yet profound space that encourages deep thought. Without any traditional windows, the illumination comes from a central, cross-shaped opening overhead. As the sun moves across the sky, the light shifts dynamically, spotlighting different parts of the interior throughout the day—almost like a living shadow play that reminds us of the passage of time.
And this is the part most people miss: the clever use of light isn't just about aesthetics; it's a subtle nod to spiritual symbolism, inviting worshippers to reflect on life's fleeting moments. But could this austerity feel isolating to some? That's a point worth debating—does such minimalism enhance devotion or detract from the warmth of community gatherings?
Another angle on the 2025 World Building of the Year awardee, The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas by Fernando Menis. (Credit: © Hisao Suzuki)
Concrete takes center stage as the material of choice, prized for its incredible versatility—it handles structural support, shapes the form, provides texture, and even controls sound. In this case, the mix includes chipped concrete blended with volcanic rocks, which absorb noise effectively. Paired with exposed concrete that's either silky smooth or delightfully rough, the result is acoustic quality on par with a grand opera house. Plus, it's all sourced locally, keeping costs low, ensuring longevity, and boosting energy efficiency—perfect for sustainable building practices. For those new to these concepts, imagine concrete as a chameleon: it's sturdy like a mountain yet adaptable enough to create echoing halls or hushed sanctuaries.
Yet another perspective on the 2025 World Building of the Year honoree, The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas, by Fernando Menis. (Credit: © Hisao Suzuki)
Fernando Menis, the visionary behind it, shared his joy: 'Securing this win is an incredible honor, not just for me, but for the entire neighborhood around the church, which will now gain recognition far beyond Tenerife.' During his time in Miami for the event, he explored new horizons, reconnected with old friends, and immersed himself in the vibrant world of global architecture.
A final glimpse at the 2025 World Building of the Year champion, The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas, by Fernando Menis. (Credit: © Hisao Suzuki)
Paul Finch, the Program Director of WAF, praised it highly: 'The judges were captivated by the building's intense architectural presence and the masterful manipulation of light to define the interiors' ambiance and textures. It brilliantly balances symbolic significance with practical community needs, and the architect, who is part of that community, has added a true gem to Tenerife's architectural landscape.'
Keep an eye out for tomorrow's reveal of the World Interior of the Year winner!
Video provided by Fernando Menis
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Architecture at Zero Competition 2026
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Concrete Pavilion
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What do you think—does this volcanic-inspired design redefine modern spirituality, or does it sacrifice tradition for stark beauty? Is minimalist architecture in sacred spaces a bold innovation or a risky departure from comforting norms? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take and spark a lively discussion!
