Real Life Sango Church
Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
Real Life Sango serves as a vibrant community hub, offering impactful weekly worship services and actively engaging with and supporting the community throughout the week.
Awards Year | 2025
Project Statement
Real Life Sango needed a permanent facility after several years of rapid growth. Acknowledging the need for a space to foster connection and engagement, they aimed to create a building that would serve both their congregation and the wider community.
A key objective was to ensure the facility could be used throughout the week by local residents, influencing many design decisions. The result is an adaptable, functional, and beautiful space that benefits both church members and the surrounding community.
Given that most of the facility’s funding came from donations, maximizing the budget was essential. This was achieved by preserving much of the existing site—like grading and vegetation—which also benefited the local ecosystem. Using simple building materials and finishes allowed for flexibility in accommodating various events.
The understated finishes highlight the architectural features, with exposed elements and strategically placed windows that invite natural light into the interior. Warm wood tones create a comforting contrast to the clean aesthetic, enabling the church to incorporate its branding and adapt to the community’s needs.
Designed to grow with the community, this facility is poised to make a lasting impact. In just a few months since its opening, the church has already experienced significant growth. Its adaptability and sustainability ensure it serves both the church and the wider community, promoting connection and support for years to come. This space will foster growth and engagement for all who utilize it.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
Real Life Sango focuses on all ten principles of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. For clarity and emphasis, these principles are organized into three categories that reflect both the Owner’s priorities and the realities of project delivery:
1. Primary Goals – Integration, Equitable Communities, Change and Well-Being These principles align directly with the Owner’s primary vision for the project. They represent the foundational objectives: delivering a facility that is deeply integrated with its community, economically responsible, and equitable in access and opportunity.
2. Secondary Goals – Resources and Economy These emerged through the design and discovery process, interwoven with both the primary and tertiary goals. Together, they reflect the project team’s commitment to adaptability, human-centered design, and continuous learning as the project evolved.
3. Tertiary Goals – Water, Energy, and Ecosystems and Discovery While sometimes shaped by budget constraints or program priorities, these goals remain critical touchpoints throughout the process. Even at their most basic implementation, they directly reinforce the overarching aspirations of sustainability, resilience, and long-term stewardship.
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This layered approach demonstrates that each principle — whether primary, secondary, or tertiary — contributes to a holistic vision. Even where program or budget influenced outcomes, the team remained committed to striving for excellence in all ten principles. Additional information is found in the Image narratives:
**Integration:** Images 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09
**Water:** Images 02, 06
**Resources:** Images 04, 05, 06, 08
**Economy:** Images 01, 02, 05, 09
**Equitable Communities:** Images 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09
**Change:** Images 01, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
**Energy:** Images 05, 06
**Ecosystems:** Images 01, 02
**Well-being:** Images 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 07, 08
**Discovery:** Images 02, 09
LEED/Green Certifications
Price/sq. ft. if provided
$288
Photo Captions
**Photo 01:** Approach to the building from the main entrance drive.
# **Image 02**
**Photo 01:** Timeline graphic _(top)_
**Photo 02:** Site Plan _(bottom)_
# **Image 03**
**Photo 01:** Floor Plan
# **Image 04**
**Photo 01** _(starting top left and moving clockwise)_: View as you approach the building from the main entrance drive, showcasing the logo and church slogan.
**Photo 02:** A view from the interior through the sectional door.
**Photo 03:** Southern view of the exterior, highlighting the public gathering spaces.
**Photo 04:** Fire pits utilized by church members for small gatherings.
**Photo 05:** Exterior elevation. _(bottom)_
# **Image 05**
**Photo 01** _(starting top left and moving clockwise)_: View emphasizing the main entrance and exterior gathering spaces.
Photo 02: View of the main entrance.
**Photo 03:** Church members on their way to the entrance.
**Photo 04:** View of the covered patio on the north side of the building.
**Photo 05:** View of the building's north side, featuring a fenced playground and a covered patio.
**Photo 06:** Exterior Elevation _(bottom)_
# **Image 06**
**Photos 01** _(starting top left and moving clockwise)_: View of the foyer showcasing the fireplace and café.
**Photo 02:** Church members socializing in the foyer.
**Photo 03:** View from the foyer featuring the adjacent meeting spaces.
**Photo 04:** View from the main entrance displaying the café and ceiling features.
**Photo 05:** Church youth utilizing one of the meeting spaces.
**Photo 06:** View of the foyer highlighting the various seating arrangements.
**Photo 07:** Building Section _(bottom)_
# **Image 07**
**Photo 01** _(starting top left and moving clockwise)_: View of the auditorium showcasing the stage and backdrop.
**Photo 02:** Church members worshipping in the auditorium.
**Photo 03:** View of the auditorium displaying the windows bringing in natural light.
**Photo 04:** View of a restroom.
# **Image 08**
**Photo 01** _(starting top left and moving clockwise)_: Children worshipping in the multi-use space.
**Photo 02:** View of the check-in hub showcasing the church branded light feature.
**Photo 03:** View of how the space is utilized as a fitness center throughout the week.
**Photo 04:** Children gathering in the multi-use space.
**Photo 05:** View of the multi-use space
**Photo 06:** Children worshipping in the multi-use space.
**Photo 07:** View of corridor from back entrance.
**Photo 08:** Building Section _(bottom)_
# **Image 09**
**Photo 01** _(starting top left and moving clockwise)_: 3D sketch of the foyer.
**Photo 02:** Rendering of the foyer.
**Photo 03:** 3D sketch of the exterior.
**Photo 04:** Rendering of the exterior.
