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Controversial architect’s tiny chapel is ‘a place to spend a moment or five’
Michael O'Sullivan has built a tiny chapel in Lyttelton. St Thérèse of Lisieux is a gift to the people of Christchurch.
AI summary
Architect Michael O'Sullivan has built the Chapel of St Thérèse of Lisieux, a tiny 17m² gift to the people of Christchurch. Located in Lyttelton, it offers a private, spiritual space for quiet contemplation for anyone, regardless of faith.
The design embodies "the joy of smallness" with significant details. These include a triangular door representing the Trinity, an interior of ancient rimu, and a life-size carving of Jesus from kauri salvaged from an earthquake-damaged building.
New Zealand artist Johnny Hauraki carved the life-size statue of Jesus on the cross from heart kauri timber beams rescued from a Christchurch warehouse damaged in the earthquakes.
The joy of smallness
The chapel is available to anyone wishing to pause in their day - the O’Sullivan family wants people to “come and enjoy it, and respect it”.
The sculpture has one arm raised and one lowered to represent Jesus on the threshold of Christianity.
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