PROJECTS > Community > Our Lady of La Vang Catholic Church

Our Lady of La Vang Catholic Church

Client:
Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
Architect:
Map Architecture

The history of this long awaited community facility began in 1988, when The Archdiocese of Melbourne approved the purchase of the site. After several attempts, in 2018 a new chapter was added with FIMMA awarded the contract to build a new church for Our Lady of La Vang parish.

Designed by MAP Architecture, the building was required to accommodate over 2000 people, with the congregation capable of exanding further by opening up full height 180kg doors at the side elevations, making it one of the largest Catholic churches in Victoria.

The contemporary design of the building includes an impressive 15 meter high ridge line, 60-degree pitched roof and signifcant precast concrete panels at both ends of the structure, designed to represent the hands of Jesus welcoming visitors. Internally, a detailed acoustic ceiling follows the steep rake of the roof, full height stained-glass windows and large skylights allow an abundance of natural light in and an incredible 12 meter high cross supports a statue of Jesus which was created in and travelled from Indonesia. The stained glass depicts the history of the migration of the Vietnamese people and the boats that took them on their journey. 

With construction works completed in November 2019, an official opening and dedication Mass was held on 22nd February 2020, presided over by Rev. Peter A Comensoli DD, Archbishop of Melbourne.