American studio SERA Architects has overhauled a 115-year-old church building and created a contemporary addition to house a nonprofit theatre company in Oregon.
Since 2008, the Portland Playhouse has operated out of a once-vacant church in the city's King neighbourhood. In the early days, the group got by with sofa seating and other make-shift solutions.

In 2011, the city council decided that the church could not be used as a theatre, effectively halting performances there. Negotiations ensued, and the city eventually granted a special use permit for the building.
The performing arts group not only resumed operations, but also embarked on a project to improve the 6,500-square-foot (604-square-metre) facility.

"With a secure home in hand, the Playhouse undertook a plan to transform the outdated building into a fully dedicated theatre," said local studio SERA Architects, who worked on the project for a significantly reduced fee. Working on a pro-bono basis, the architects collaborated with non-profit organisation to determine programmatic needs, aesthetic preferences and strategies for growth.

They came up with a scheme calling for an overhaul of the church building and construction of a small extension for rehearsals, community meetings and the fabrication of sets. The team also designed an outdoor component for a future phase.
The 1,500-square-foot (139-square-metre) addition gives the theatre company a contemporary face. A glazed wall defines the front elevat...