Commendation for Interior Architecture – Stella Maris Church by Denton Corker Marshall Jakarta

Commendation for Interior Architecture – Stella Maris Church by Denton Corker Marshall Jakarta

An oval plan and complex section makes this otherwise conventional 1,600 seat nave and side aisle church quite compelling in form. Liturgically traditional in configuration, the interior has a very contemporary spatial reading. The striking, simple palette of two local materials: (farmed) Javanese teak and Andesite Stone complement the spatial reading/form.

The teak pews and stone floor provide a solid base for the light and airy teak wood slats that give form to the curvaceous layers of light and airy volume of the nave. The slats filter the harsh tropical light to provide a soft illumination during the day and at night provide equally soft warm reflected light from the perimeter cove.

The Jury was impressed by the restraint and simplicity of the material selection and detailing to reveal the full dynamic qualities of the plan and section while the monochromatic interior offers an appropriate backdrop for the church’s liturgical needs.