Locus Architecture transformed the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church through a thoughtful renovation and contemporary addition that responds with deep respect to both congregation and landscape. Affectionately known as “the little church in the woods,” the site is defined by mature trees and surrounding wetlands that shape the congregation’s identity and spiritual practice.

The project replaces a traditional sanctuary model with a flexible Meeting Hall while carefully integrating a modern addition with the existing Methodist-era structure. The architecture emphasizes openness, inclusion, and connection, reflecting Unitarian Universalist values. Corridors and gathering spaces are aligned to frame views of the surrounding woods and wetlands, extending the experience of sacred space beyond the building’s walls. Inside, warm Douglas fir paneling and an adjacent gallery celebrate craftsmanship, nature, and the artistic contributions of congregation members.

Site design was integral to the project’s environmental goals. The addition was placed tightly against the existing building to preserve landscape continuity and support responsible water management. A permeable parking lot, among the largest in Minnesota at the time of construction, reduces runoff while protecting surrounding ecosystems. Mature oak trees that could not be preserved were milled and reused as interior gallery walls, forging a tangible connection between loss, renewal, and stewardship.

Clad in weathering steel that evolves over time, the exterior allows nature to actively shape the architecture. Despite doubling the church’s size, the project reduced its carbon footprint through passive and active solar strategies and community-led transportation initiatives.
Recognized with an AIA Minnesota Honor Award, the project stands as a model for how architecture can respectfully align belief, landscape, sustainability, and community life.