Ny Våler Church

Location: Norway
Client: Våler Kirkelige Fellesråd
Year: 2012
Value: £4.4 million

The design for the new Valer Church is inspired by the tradition of Stave churches – a synthesis of the hierarchical assembly of composite forms including the Church Hall, the Bell Tower and the Cloister. The new church will stand as a powerful symbol for the church and the community. The bell tower has a similar height to the spire of the former church, will be visible from afar and ring joyously to call the community together for ceremonies, important events, celebrations and worship.

A tapering avenue extends from Valgutua ( and car park beyond) to a forecourt embracing the existing Chapel entrance to the south, the entrance to the Chapel of Rest to the north and in the centre the new Church entrance. The Chapel of Rest stands at the head of an ancilliary wing which is attached to the north side of the Church Hall and nestles in the edge of Sjursen Park.