Location:              620 Rymal Rd. E, Hamilton

Program:               New Building

Total Area (GFA): 39,560 sf (3,677 sm)

This is the first church in 50 years built by the diocese of Hamilton Mountain. It is born out of the vibrancy of a growing congregation to accommodate the need for a larger facility. The church is purposefully located close to Rymal Road to establish and maintain an architectural streetscape.

ATA was commissioned as the prime consultant architect in May 2018 for the church on Hamilton Mountain in the City of Hamilton by the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation. The 3,657sm (39,560 sf) structure is sited on a 3.3 hectare (8 acre) property. The church stands 28.0m (92 ft) high and is divided into three parts: a natural limestone base, aluminum composite mid-band, and topped with a diamond tiled geometric roof. These elements are brought into the interior throughout and combined with natural oak to enhance the warm and meditative sanctuary. The project is centered within the site to create a focal point and strong visual presence within the community.

The site and the church are strategically connected to Hamilton public transit with transfer points directly and fully accessible to all church entrances. The site mindfully connects to municipal sidewalks throughout. Local schools are within walking distance to the project, allowing for carbon neutral travel.

From the closets where robes are hung, the kitchens, to meeting rooms, members of the church contributed to the decision-making process. This faith community engagement ensured that everything functions well and purposefully. The design is more than just a designer’s intent, it’s an outflowing of a large group of people giving input into the design process. The clarity and beauty of the interiors is the result of ATA’s emphasis on listening and responding in their design to the diversity of the surrounding faith community.

St Catherine of Siena will stand as a constant pillar of support throughout the lives of its congregation, offering solace and a sense of belonging. Yet the architectural form serves as more than a sanctuary; it is a mainspring of unity and nurturing solidarity.

Essentially, this community church transcends the conventional definition of a religious institution. It is a living, breathing entity that adapts to the pulse of the neighborhood, evolving into a vital hub of shared engagement where faith, fellowship, and spirit intertwine seamlessly.