Tenerife’s Humble Church Crowned World’s Best Building
The Church of the Holy Redeemer in Las Chumberas, a work by Canary Islands architect Fernando Menis, has been awarded the prestigious World’s Best Building prize at the World Architecture Festival (WAF). The event took place last week at the Miami Beach Convention Center in the United States.
A Double Triumph in Miami
According to sources from the architect’s studio, the project received both the Special Prize for Best Small Building and the Prize for Best Public Building, effectively making it the most recognized work of the entire festival edition. The jury highlighted “the intensity of the architecture and the way light is used to shape the quality and nature of the interior spaces, enhancing the tactile quality of the surfaces.” They also emphasized that “the project will become an essential contribution to the architectural history of Tenerife.”
A Testament to Collective Effort
In his acceptance speech, Fernando Menis stated that the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Las Chumberas was made possible by the commitment of the Bishopric of Tenerife and the involvement of the parish, its congregation, local residents, and some local businesses. He added that the building was conceived to help revitalize the neighborhood and become a landmark, and that the project was realized “through donations,” making this work a “symbol of collective effort.”
Architecture Inspired by Volcanic Landscapes
The temple’s “innovative and expressive” architecture draws inspiration from the island’s volcanic geology. It masterfully plays with natural light, exposed concrete with various textures, and local volcanic stone. The result is an austere space that combines functionality and beauty, standing out for both its exceptional acoustics and its energy efficiency.
The Prestige of the World Architecture Festival
The WAF Awards are considered one of the top recognitions in the global architectural sector. Each year, they bring together leading studios and professionals for a three-day event featuring live presentations, debates, and conferences. A distinctive feature of the competition is that teams defend their projects before an international jury in public sessions. The 2024 edition gathered over a thousand professionals from more than fifty countries, cementing its global character.
A Jury of Architectural Luminaries
For its 17th edition, the jury was composed of prestigious professionals from the architectural and cultural spheres, hailing from academic institutions, museums, and specialized publications. Among them were Mohsen Mostafavi, professor and former dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design; Sir Peter Cook, architect and co-founder of Archigram; Beatrice Galilee, curator of architecture and design at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Jonathan Glancey, critic and journalist.
A Growing Collection of Accolades
This latest award adds to the numerous prizes the project has received thanks to its architectural uniqueness. Notable among them are the 2024 International Frate Sole Prize for Sacred Architecture, the 2022 International Religious Architecture & Art Award—given by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Faith & Form—and the 2025 ADF Design Award from Japan’s Aoyama Foundation. Furthermore, the work is part of the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Putting Canarian Architecture on the World Map
With this accolade, this small church located in the Tenerife neighborhood of Las Chumberas solidifies the presence of the Canary Islands on the international architectural scene. It reaffirms itself as a benchmark for innovation and excellence in design, proving that visionary architecture can flourish through community spirit.
