Before and After: Carmel of the Holy Spirit in Littleton, Colorado

Integration Design Group (as well as Conrad Schmitt Studios) were recently involved in a beautification project at the Discaced Carmelite Monastery in Littleton, Colorado. This project involved updates to a mid-twentieth century chapel. The chapel itself had apparently undergone little in the way of changes through the years, the most noticeable and evident change being the installation of a freestanding altar. 

Some background:

The Discalced Nuns of the Order of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, established their Littleton Monastery in 1947, having repurposed the historic home of renowned Denver Architect Jacques Benedict. The Littleton campus consists of the residence, offices, infirmary, and chapel for the contemplative sisters to live out their daily vows as cloistered nuns. The Chapel was added in the 1950’s and received only minor modifications through the years. Integration Design Group envisioned a full remodel of the Chapel, Choir Area, and Sacristy, as well as minor finish updates throughout the residence area. The Nave and Sanctuary of the Chapel received a new vaulted and decorative ceiling, ornamental wood work, paint, and finishes, a new Chancel Arch, and a custom Grille separating the Choir from the Sanctuary. New Pews were commissioned, as well as a custom High Altar and Reredos to allow for both the Latin Mass and ordinary form of the Roman rite Mass. New Stained Glass was designed in collaboration with Conrad Schmitt Studios.

As always, we begin with the 'before' view.

BEFORE

As you will see, the chapel was really quite humble and simple in its design, consonant with the typical tastes and approaches of post-war era mid-century modern.  However, with the new renovations, you will see that the chapel is barely recognizable as the same space, involving a new ceiling which utilizes a decorative blue colour, gothic style church lighting, new flooring, more distinctive and colourful stained glass, and in particular, a beautiful new altar, sanctuary and altar rail. 

AFTER

The reredos is adorned with various Carmelite saints

Whereas the former chapel was quite plain and cool in feel, the new approach to this liturgical space has transformed what had heretofore been a rather utilitarian space into one which has re-emphasized the dignity and centrality of the altar and sanctuary, while also bringing the warmth of colour and ornament to the foreground, all of which will better serve the lofty purpose for which the chapel is used, while no doubt also serving as a more prayerful and inspiring space for the religious community and worshipper alike.

For more information, please visit Integration Design Group's website. 

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