CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. PETER, ST. PETER, MINNESOTA

After the destruction of their original facility in a tornado in the spring of 1998, the congregation began planning to relocate the facility in the country outside of St. Peter. Construction on this 68,000 square foot complex began in the spring of 1999. The facility incorporates an elementary and preschool for 200 children, three garden courtyards, a 1000-seat nave and a 100-seat chapel. The nave features suspended ceilings which form a 44-foot high vault using wood dividing strips supporting perforated metal panels that are acoustically transparent. The acoustic performance is achieved using the rectangular spaces of the enveloping attic which contains reflective and absorptive surfaces as required.