faith in form
St. Kenneth Church
In celebration of St. Kenneth’s 50 years serving the Plymouth community, a major expansion and renovation was undertaken to create a welcoming, accessible spiritual home for parishioners and future generations. Two new entry wings embrace parishioners like open arms, offering a modern yet respectful evolution of the church’s iconic architecture. By expanding the sanctuary, gathering areas, and amenities, this project reflects the church’s mission of fellowship and faith, while reinforcing its long-standing presence in the community.
vision
The design vision centered on expressing faith through form, honoring the original architecture while providing a more open and inclusive space for worship. As the strongest form, the sanctuary guided the design with a consious effort made to support the feature and not compete. By extending the church’s existing geometry, the renovation creates a unified architectural language that feels both familiar and renewed. Every gesture, from the slanted walls that guide visitors inward to the expanded sanctuary, reinforces the idea of gathering in community. The result is a coherent vision rooted in legacy, designed to grow with the parish.
detail
The sanctuary’s seating expanded from 600 to 900, using the original structure’s geometry to inform the new massing. Rather than competing with the existing forms, the design amplifies the sanctuary’s prominence. A warm timber and curtainwall system connects old and new volumes, enhancing transparency and flow. Additional program areas include a 300-person gathering space, multipurpose rooms, and upgraded restrooms.
secret
The original church featured two distinct peaks. As part of the expansion, a third peak was introduced at the main entrance. This iconic addition symbolically completes the Holy Trinity. Together, the three peaks form a sacred trifold identity for the church. Subtle but intentional, this design reinforces the project’s spiritual message while establishing a strong, welcoming presence in the community.
