𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas by Fernando Menis Arquitectura has been declared the World Building of the Year at the 2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF).

The ultimate accolade of World Building of the Year was announced as hundreds of architects from across the world convened at a grand finale Gala Dinner at Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida. The announcement follows the final day of WAF, in which prize winners across all 43 categories have been competing for the winning titles.

The Holy Redeemer Church of Las Chumberas catalyzes urban renewal in its neglected outskirts neighborhood, rising as a landmark in a fragmented built landscape. The site includes a church, community center, and a public square, providing a vital gathering space for the locals.

Funded through donations, the irregular flow of contributions determined its design with four independent volumes built in phases, the first two—housing the center— were completed within two years and have been operational since, while the remaining structures were finished 16 years later as funding allowed.

Inspired by the volcanic landscape, it features massive, rough forms, contrasting with the built surroundings. Narrow cracks between structures, filled with sculptural metal and glass, filter daylight to create a minimalist, spiritual interior.

Daylight is as a key architectural element, shaping an introverted, austere space that invites reflection. Without windows, the building is illuminated by the unglazed cross and zenithal light. Throughout the day, the shifting light highlights different areas, guiding users through their interior exploration.

Concrete, chosen for versatility, serves structure, form, texture, and acoustics. Locally produced, inexpensive, durable, and energy-efficient, the thick walls enhance its thermal inertia. Innovatively used for acoustics, chipped concrete mixed with volcanic stones absorbs sound and, alongside smooth or rough exposed concrete, achieves a sophisticated sound control, comparable to an opera house—ideal for spoken word and song.