Our Lady of the Snows

The introduction of this project and analysis of the existing church provided this church committee the opportunity for a completely new structure and a new design to accommodate their needs and desires. The primary goal was to delineate a space specifically for worship and separate from other activities within the church, unlike the existing church, which combined activities and the worship area into one large multipurpose space.
One of the challenges became accommodating multiple large gathering spaces for up to 400 people as well as the adjoining amenities on the small existing site. By placing the sanctuary for worship on a main level and a social hall with adjoin kitchen, offices and restrooms on the lower level, the area of the site is optimized accommodating the church committee?s desired goals and functions and allowing for generous parking and site circulation.
In order to make the lower level a light and airy space and provide a quiet and functional outdoor area, the architects carved away the landscape surrounding the church and utilized stained concrete retaining wall planters filled with vegetation. This allows for generous amounts of daylight into the large openings of the lower spaces, while creating an intimate courtyard adjacent to the social hall- perfect for outdoor gatherings and weddings.
The many factors of site and program influencing the architecture resulted in a building that is narrow and tall. This not only reflects historic religious building proportions, but also allows those attending church to take in the surrounding natural landscape and the grandeur of the mountains as one transitions through the church. The resulting experience for the members and guests is a interweaving of nature and religious experience as one.

McLaughlin and Associates Architects was established in 1975 by James D. McLaughlin, AIA and is located in the beautiful resort community of Sun Valley, Idaho where he has lived for over 30 years. The firm is licensed in 10 states. The firm specializes in custom residential and commercial projects with a primary emphasis in resort architecture and planning. The firm has completed projects all over the United States and abroad for which it has received state, national, and international design awards. The firm?s work has been published numerous times in national and international publications.

James McLaughlin served on the Sun Valley Planning and Zoning Commission for over 22 years (Chairman for 18), the Idaho Licensing Board for 10 years (President for one), and was Chairman of the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission for five years.

We don?t have a particular look or style; instead, we pride ourselves in the ability to adapt the use of natural materials to various locations and habitats that offer a matchless and sensitive design to our projects. It is a highly interactive and collaborative process of design, review, revision and re-design. This philosophy has ensured our success in meeting our clients? individual needs and desires. Our attention to detail and talent for creating special spaces within our projects is well known and recognized in all of our work. Our goal is quality and visual excellence in a timeless fashion.

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