Facts

Location  |  San Antonio TX

Year Completed  |  2011

Type of Project  |  New Construction

Services Performed  |  Full Architectural Services

Contractor |  Keller-Martin Construction

Photos  |  Chris Cooper

Thoughts

Perched atop the highest elevation in Bexar County, this landmark structure has earned the affectionate and enduring moniker “the church in the clouds” from its parishioners. The design of this expansive 1,000-seat worship facility was specifically engineered to blur the lines between the sacred interior and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Massive, north-facing windows in the Nave flood the sanctuary with soft, consistent daylight, creating an ethereal atmosphere that feels both open to the heavens and grounded in the landscape.

The building’s striking, dramatic stepped profile is a masterclass in functional aesthetics; it serves as a bold architectural statement while effectively shielding the interior from the harshness of direct, piercing sunlight. Every sightline was calculated with precise intentionality to ensure that the distractions of the modern world are left at the door. Through careful site orientation, parishioners seated in the Nave are treated to an unobstructed panorama where no cars or neighboring buildings are visible. Instead, the focus remains entirely on the undulating hills and the vibrant, painting-like quality of the Texas sunsets, fostering a deep sense of peace and reflection. To this day, this project remains one of our firm’s most cherished endeavors, representing a near-perfect synthesis of site, spirit, and structure.

Awards

Associated Builders and Contractors (San Antonio)  |  2004 Excellence in Construction Award 

Associated Builders and Contractors  |  2004 National Award of Excellence 

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association  |  2004 Golden Trowel Award

American Subcontractors Association  |  2003 Project of the Year (<$5 million)