Ascension Church Canopy
- Project type
- Entry Canopy Design
- Size
- 675 SF
Overview
A Welcoming and Timeless Entryway for Ascension Church
The Ascension Church Canopy in Charlotte, NC, redefines the church's entrance with a warm and structurally expressive design. Spanning 675 square feet, the canopy integrates seamlessly with the existing brick architecture while introducing a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic. The exposed timber structure, reinforced with steel brackets, creates a striking visual contrast, balancing modern craftsmanship with traditional elements.
Beyond aesthetics, the canopy enhances functionality by providing a sheltered, inviting space for visitors. Thoughtfully positioned lighting accentuates the wood's natural tones and ensures visibility and security during evening hours. The structure serves as both a welcoming gesture and an architectural statement, reinforcing the church's role as a community hub. The project reflects our approach to church renovation and expansion: improving an existing building with a carefully crafted addition that changes how people arrive.
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Project Details
A New Entry Canopy for Ascension Lutheran Church in Charlotte
Ascension Lutheran Church asked Ossa Studio to design a new entry canopy and outdoor improvements at its campus in Charlotte. The project is the second phase of improvements for the church and focuses on how people arrive and gather outside.
The canopy is a freestanding addition to the existing brick church, set beside the entry doors and the brick tower with its cross. The site is in a pedestrian overlay zoning district, so the work also went through City of Charlotte site permitting.
Heavy Timber Frame with Exposed Steel Connections
The canopy is framed in Douglas fir heavy timber with a clear coat finish, treated for fire retardance, with 10x12 posts and tongue and groove wood decking. Hot-dipped galvanized steel plates and bolts connect the timber and are painted dark bronze to match existing elements on the church.
The roof is a white single-ply TPO membrane with an off-white metal fascia and dark bronze downspouts. Ceiling downlights and in-ground uplights aligned with the posts light the underside of the wood roof in the evening. Steeple lighting is part of the same electrical design.
Courtyard, Fire Pit Plaza and Site Lighting
Around the canopy, the project adds a courtyard with a small patio and fire pit, brick seat walls and brick pavers, and concrete sidewalks with accessible entrances. Foundation landscaping was renovated and low-voltage site lighting was added, with bollards, path lights and landscape uplighting. A new monument sign was also part of the site improvements. The work covers about 0.20 acres in total.
Church Architecture in Charlotte, From Design to Construction
Ossa Studio provided design development, construction documents, permitting and construction administration, including a building code review under the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code. We coordinated the structural, civil and landscape, and electrical and fire protection engineers with Choate Construction. Learn more about our architecture services in Charlotte.
Client testimonial
When Ascension set out to identify an architect to assist with our canopy addition, it was essential to find a firm that would not only listen attentively to our goals but also demonstrate a deep respect for our budget constraints. The Ossa team proved to be exceptionally thorough in their approach, presenting a range of options with distinct aesthetic qualities for our consideration. Their detailed renderings truly brought each concept to life, enabling our congregation to confidently and unanimously select the option that best resonated with our vision.
The Ossa team subsequently collaborated closely with our general contractor to execute the desired design with precision, while demonstrating commendable foresight in sourcing materials that were both readily available and cost-effective wherever possible.
Ultimately, our congregation takes great pride in the finished canopy, which serves as a gracious and welcoming landmark for our members and visitors alike, whether attending worship services each Sunday or participating in the many other activities we host throughout the week.
Project Facts
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
- Project type
- New entry canopy and exterior improvements for an existing church
- Project area
- About 0.20 acres: canopy, courtyard and plaza
- Structure
- Douglas fir heavy timber frame with galvanized steel connections painted dark bronze
- Scope
- Design development through construction administration
At a glance
- Architecture
- Ossa Studio
- General contractor
- Choate Construction
- Structural engineering
- Bennett & Pless
- Civil engineering and landscape architecture
- Bloc Design
- Electrical and fire protection engineering
- Engitecture
