SAEDNEWS: Fernando Menis’ Sacred Savior Church and Las Chumberas Social Center Named 2025 World Building of the Year
According to the Family Magazine service of SaedNews, the Sacred Savior Church and Las Chumberas Social Center, designed by renowned Spanish architect Fernando Menis, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 World Building of the Year. The project impressed the judges not only for its bold, raw concrete design but also for its strong focus on community needs.
Located on the overlooked and underdeveloped outskirts of La Laguna in Tenerife, Spain, the church and social center are part of a broader urban renewal initiative. The site has become particularly important for local residents, who previously lacked public gathering spaces. Since much of the project’s funding came from small-scale public donations, construction faced numerous delays and adjustments.
The building consists of four independent volumes built in phases. The first two volumes, housing the social center, were completed within two years, while the remaining three sections were finalized in 2021 after securing the final funding.
Sacred Savior Church, Las Chumberas
The church has drawn attention for its use of concrete as the primary material and its rough concrete finish, giving it a raw, industrial aesthetic. Inspired by Tenerife’s volcanic landscape, the church’s distinctive concrete surfaces are visually striking and ingeniously harness natural light. Narrow wall slits filled with metal and sculptural glass channel sunlight into the interior, creating a poetic interplay of light and shadow.
One of the project’s standout features is its masterful use of natural light. Paul Finch, program director of the World Architecture Festival, remarked, “Judges particularly praised how light shapes the quality and character of the interior spaces. This design creates a visual impact that enhances the tactile experience and the relationship between people and the space.” This approach gives the interior a tangible, sensory quality that enhances both aesthetic appeal and a sense of calm and cohesion for users.
The church’s thoughtful planning reflects a deep alignment with social and symbolic community needs. Serving not only as a religious and social hub but also as a symbol of renewal and transformation, Sacred Savior Church has become one of Tenerife’s architectural landmarks, harmoniously integrated with its surroundings.
The project was recognized at the World Architecture Festival in Miami Beach, alongside other winners in categories including Interior Design of the Year, Future Project of the Year, and Landscape of the Year.
Interior Design of the Year
The Fractal Worship Space, designed by INOCAD Architecture, was awarded Interior Design of the Year. Built within a hospital in Graz, Austria, it provides a serene environment for patients, staff, and visitors. The intricate design makes excellent use of natural light while prioritizing comfort and stress reduction.
Future Project of the Year
The Future Project of the Year award went to BIG for Bhutan’s Paro International Airport. Constructed with sustainable local wood and traditional Bhutanese wood carvings, the airport combines aesthetic beauty with practical features such as natural ventilation and indoor humidity control.
Landscape of the Year
The Landscape of the Year award was presented to Embracing Floods: Xinjiang River Ecological Corridor by Turenscape. Located in Shangrao, China, the project transformed a 102-hectare floodplain into an ecological and recreational space. It enhances flood resilience, restores native habitats, and provides public access through an elevated staircase network.
