Fernando Menis’ Innovative Spanish Church Design Wins 2024 Frate Sole Prize for Sacred Architecture

Spanish architect Fernando Menis has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Frate Sole International Prize for Sacred Architecture, as reported by World Architects.

This honor recognizes his innovative design of the Holy Redeemer Church in Las Chumberas, Tenerife, Spain. The prize, awarded every four years, includes a monetary reward of 15,000 euros, and has previously been given to renowned architects such as Tadao Ando, Alvaro Siza, and Richard Meier.

The Frate Sole Foundation, which organizes the award, stated, "The International Prize for Sacred Architecture has been active for 30 years and addresses designers who have realized a church in the last decade within the framework of Christian denominations."

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Fernando Menis' Holy Redeemer Church

The Holy Redeemer Church, a project that spanned over fifteen years, has become a symbol of the Las Chumberas community. It was funded through donations from parishioners, neighbors, and local businesses. The church was conceived as a space that would not only serve religious purposes but also foster social interaction and urban renewal, according to Menis's portfolio.

According to ArchDaily, the complex, which includes a community center and a public plaza, was built in phases, allowing it to serve the community from an early stage.

Menis's design is inspired by the volcanic geology of Tenerife, using natural light, concrete, and local stone to create a space that is both functional and beautiful. The church's construction techniques also reflect Menis's commitment to sustainability, with materials sourced locally to reduce environmental impact.

At the same time, the design features exceptional acoustics and energy efficiency, contributing to its international recognition.

Holy Redeemer Church's Other Awards

In addition to the Frate Sole Prize, the Holy Redeemer Church has received several other accolades, including the Honor Award from the 2021 Faith & Form/ID International Awards for Religious Architecture & Art and a special mention in the Architectural Review - MIPIM Award for Future Projects 2020.

The architectural significance of the church has also earned it a place in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, as noted by Menis Portfolio.