Thorncrown Chapel
E. Fay Jones | |
| location | Arkansas, Eureka Springs |
| function | chapel |
| contributed by | rtaube |
Nestled into the wooded hills of Arkansas, E. Fay Jones' Thorncrown Chapel is a sublime example of architecture that does not compete with the site, but rather completes it. The building is composed primarily of wood timber on a flagstone base. Although it has the appearance of being open to the elements, the outer timber columns actually support a glass system. The idea for the chapel originated with the owner, Jim Reed. After purchasing the property, he found that many people would often stop at his property to gain a better view of the beautiful Ozark Hills. Instead of fencing them out, the idea came to him that he and his wife should build a glass chapel in the woods to give wayfarers a place to relax in an inspiring way. The chapel won the 1981 American Institute of Architecture National Honor Award and it was listed fourth on the AIA's top ten buildings of the 20th century.
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