The 2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF) has named Fernando Menis' Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas in La Laguna, Spain, the World Building of the Year.

Hundreds of architects from all over the world gathered at a grand finale Gala Dinner at Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida on 14 November to receive the ultimate awards of World Building of the Year supported by GROHE, World Interior of the Year, Future Project of the Year, and Landscape of the Year.

Image © Simona Rota

The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Center of Las Chumberas by Fernando Menis in La Laguna, Spain, was awarded World Building of the Year.

Rising as a landmark in a disjointed architectural landscape, the Holy Redeemer Church of Las Chumberas stimulates urban renewal in its abandoned peripheral area. 

A church, community center, and public square are all located on the property, giving the inhabitants a crucial place to congregate.

Image © Hisao Suzuki

The design was dictated by the erratic flow of donations. Four separate volumes were constructed in stages; the first two, which housed the center, were finished in two years and have been in use ever since, while the remaining structures were completed sixteen years later as funds permitted.

The project contrasts with the constructed surrounds with its enormous, rugged forms, which are inspired by the volcanic landscape. Daylight is filtered via tiny spaces between buildings that are filled with glass and sculpted metal to create a simple, spiritual interior.

Image © Hisao Suzuki

One important architectural feature is daylight, which creates an austere, secluded area that encourages introspection. The unglazed cross and zenithal light provide the building's illumination in the absence of windows. Users are guided through their internal investigation by the shifting light, which illuminates various regions throughout the day.

Concrete, chosen for versatility, provides structure, form, texture, and acoustics. Its thick walls increase its thermal inertia and make it locally made, affordable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient. 

Chipped concrete combined with volcanic stones is a novel acoustic technique that absorbs sound and, when combined with smooth or rough exposed concrete, creates an opera-like sound control that is perfect for spoken word and vocal performances.

Image © Hisao Suzuki

"Winning is a great gift, not only for me but also the church neighbourhood, who will now be recognised beyond Tenerife," said Fernando Menis, Founder of Fernando Menis Architecture.

"Over the last three days in Miami, I have had the opportunity to travel to a new place, connect with friends, and be part of the global architecture community," Menis added.

"The judges particularly admired the intensity of the architecture and the way light has been used to shape the quality and character of the interiors, enhancing the tactile nature of the surfaces," said Paul Finch, Programme Director of the World Architecture Festival.

"The building manages to masterfully accommodate symbolic and everyday needs of the community of which the architect is a part. The project has become a fine addition to the architecture of Tenerife," Finch added.

Image © Hisao Suzuki

Site plan

Gound floor plan

Section

The winner was selected by a Super Jury chaired by Mohsen Mostafavi, Alexander and Victoria Wiley Professor of Design and Distinguished Service Professor at Harvard University. It included: Laurinda Spear, Founding Principal, Arquitectonica; Ma Yansong, Founder and Principal Partner, MAD Architects, and Sir Peter Cook, Director and architect, Peter Cook Studio Crablab.

The top image in the article © Roland Halbe.

All drawings © Fernando Menis.

> via WAF 

church Fernando Menis WAF World Building Of The Year Award