Discover
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 tiny Chapel of St Thérèse of Lisieux in Lyttelton as a gift to the people of Christchurch. The 17m² structure provides a private, spiritual space for contemplation, prayer, or gratitude.
Inspired by the "joy of smallness," its design features include:
- An interior of ancient rimu timber
- A life-size Jesus carving by Johnny Hauraki from earthquake-rescued kauri
The chapel offers a quiet place for personal reflection for everyone.
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.
Author
Discover More
First home buyers hit a record high
With values down 18% from the peak and high stock levels, everyday Kiwi are seizing their chance to buy.
'I fell in love with it immediately': The clifftop home he wasn't going to lose twice
A beloved Torbay clifftop home with sweeping Hauraki Gulf views is back on the market after seven years.
