Swedish architectural studio Elding Oscarson has revealed its design for Frihamnskyrkan (Freeport Church), a cube-shaped church and community centre situated in Gothenburg. The project, commissioned by the Pentecostal congregation Smyrnakyrkan, was the result of an architectural competition launched after the congregation outgrew its previous location. The firm was chosen ahead of other notable studios, such as BIG and Kengo Kuma & Associates, for its simple yet powerful design, which incorporates an abstract interpretation of the church’s biblical symbol: an ear of wheat.
The design of Frihamnskyrkan is characterized by a striking cubic form, clad in diagonal aluminium bars that create a dynamic moiré effect, particularly when viewed from the corners. According to founding partners Jonas Elding and Johan Oscarson, the aim was to create a “powerful volume” that complements the area’s industrial heritage. The building’s reduced footprint allows for a tall structure that does not obstruct views of surrounding buildings. The diagonal aluminium cladding screens the upper windows, while the lower level is finished in wood, with a small cruciform opening serving as the only indication of the building’s religious purpose.
The church’s interior features a unique layout. A glazed ground floor, referred to as the “church square,” is designed to be open and accessible from all sides. It contains communal spaces, including a café, making it an inviting hub for social interaction. Above, the church hall occupies the first and second floors, with a double-height, 1,100-seat space that enhances the building’s sense of openness. A curved staircase and anteroom lead to the hall, which is both expansive and flexible in its design, allowing for a variety of uses.
The church’s ground floor includes smaller sacred spaces seamlessly connected to the exterior square, creating a transparent and welcoming atmosphere. Natural wood and white walls dominate the interior, with earthy brown and green tones in the seating areas. The upper three levels house educational facilities and a large multipurpose hall, all organized around a central, sky lit atrium with a spiral staircase.
Elding Oscarson’s design for Frihamnskyrkan not only creates a place of worship but also a vibrant community centre, reflecting the studio’s commitment to a design that is open, free, and accessible to all.