All Saints Orthodox Church
Addition & Renovation

Bloomington, IN

As an important community beacon, the new All Saints Orthodox Church temple addition sits prominently along Fairfax Road just north of Church’s existing Family Center. The sloped site accommodates a two-story building with a walkout lower level. In keeping with Orthodox Church liturgical tradition, the temple is oriented on the site so its entry is at the west, and the altar and apse are at the east. A processional terrace rings the main floor of the new temple building. The lower-level entry faces north and connects with a new parking area and open green space. A new driveway links the upper and lower parking areas.

Liturgical orchestration underpins the design of the new temple addition. The building is a basilica form with an elongated cross floor plan. The sequence of spaces includes: a porch, narthex with baptistry, nave, transept with dome, north and south choir apses, a raised solea, iconostasis, altar, and end apse. Wrapping the altar and east apse are liturgical support spaces. A bell tower at the north end of the narthex contains a bookstore. The south end of the narthex opens to a foyer which connects to the existing Family Center.

The lower level accommodates an all-purpose open space with a performance platform, kitchen, conference areas, and support spaces.

The building exterior is composed of a mix of split face and smooth limestone. The use of limestone is appropriate for its durability and because the church property once served as a limestone quarry. Remnants of the quarry still exist on the site.