The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas, designed by celebrated Canary Islands architect Fernando Menis, has been named the World Building of the Year at the 2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF). The project stood out not just for its sculptural beauty but for its remarkable social purpose, earning global recognition as a rare blend of spiritual architecture and community-oriented design.
A Monument Rooted in Community
Situated in La Laguna, Tenerife, the church rises from a neighborhood long underserved by public infrastructure. Instead of relying on large institutional funding, the project came to life through the small, irregular donations of local residents. Construction unfolded slowly and steadily, mirroring the perseverance of the community that built it. The final result is a space that works simultaneously as a place of worship, a cultural center, and a vital civic anchor.
The Poetry of Concrete and Light
The building’s design draws inspiration from the island’s volcanic terrain. Its massive concrete volumes carry a raw, textured finish that reflects Tenerife’s rugged geology. Slender, dramatic fissures cut through the structure, allowing daylight to filter in from above and between the walls. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, the interior glows with changing shadows and brightness, offering a quiet but powerful sense of spirituality. Instead of traditional windows, light enters through an unglazed cross and through the roof, emphasizing the idea of enlightenment emerging from within.
Architecture That Performs
Beyond its striking appearance, the building demonstrates impressive functional qualities. Menis combined concrete with volcanic stones to create excellent acoustic performance, making the space suitable for sermons, concerts, and community events. The thick concrete walls also help regulate temperature naturally, reducing energy reliance.
