The new Friary is attached to St Francis Chapel, and the original St Paul Friary. Together, the three buildings create a private courtyard for the Friars at the heart of the Graymoor Mountain.
The private dining room, serving as one of the three tables for Franciscan life, is sympathetic in style to the shape and massing of the chapel. It serves as a formal gathering for feast and celebration.
Light is brought in from above, and through the louvered wall. The view is outside is restricted. The experience of the Chapel is meant to be focused inward, in Prayer.
The chapel is oriented due east to capture the morning sun. The color changes throughout the day as the sun's light glides along the louvered walls, adorned with depictions of the stations of the cross.
View from the arched entryway
The loggia at the base of the Friary pays respect to the early religious buildings on the site, and serves as an entry through the arched wooden structure.
The St Paul Friary takes its inspiration from the assemblage of buildings in the hilltop villages of Italy, The new chapel sits in deference to the historic St Francis chapel; the heart of the mountain.
The St Paul Friary takes its inspiration from the assemblage of buildings in the hilltop villages of Italy, The new chapel sits in deference to the historic St Francis chapel; the heart of the mountain.
Project Summary
Alfandre Architecture designed a new 26,000 square foot Friary for the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in Putnam County, NY. The Friary is consisted of 20 private rooms, dining facilities, worship space, meeting and medical spaces. ICF (insulated concrete form) construction, triple glazed windows, energy efficient lighting and a geothermal heating system are some of the features of the new high-performance building.
