Houses of worship are beautiful. From the grandest of cathedrals to the most humble of chapels, they're carefully designed to inspire tranquility, reflection, and meditation.
Some do it with impressive sculptures and paintings. Others do with with intricate architecture, and still others keep things plain and simple.
After traveling the world, tree-transplanting specialist Barry Cox found himself inspired by the many different types of churches he saw.
So inspired, in fact, that he wanted to try his hand at making a church of his own — but with a little twist.
Churches are often associated with tradition and history, but Cox wanted something that would grow and change and become part of the beautiful landscape of his home in New Zealand.
And given his background with trees, the building material suddenly seemed obvious.
Thus, the Tree Church was born!
We've seen unique and artistic takes on churches before, like the abandoned church that got a collection of rainbow-hued murals in Morocco, but this one, constructed by Cox himself and open to the public, is a completely new way to approach a church.
Take a look at some of the photos of the Tree Church, and imagine the peaceful rustling of leaves and the sunlight sparkling through. You'll feel more relaxed instantly!
[H/T: Atlas Obscura, BoredPanda]
Barry Cox runs a tree-transplanting service in Ohaupo, New Zealand.
After traveling extensively and being inspired by the beautiful churches he saw around the world, he decided to try his hand at church construction himself.
But naturally, with his own personal twist.
The result was the Tree Church, a growing building made entirely of trees and located in a beautiful park-like setting.
It's open to the public during the summer months, and can also be booked for special events.
The church was built with an iron frame. Cox then planted specifically chosen trees to make up the walls and roof, carefully training them to grow in a church shape.
Thanks to his tree-transplanting expertise, he was able to construct the church in only four years.
Cox has also cultivated the grounds around the structure. They include a living labyrinth, the circular area you see here.
Traditionally, labyrinths were used as a meditation aid, especially in medieval churches. You would walk the spiraling pattern of the labyrinth while contemplating or praying.
There's also an open-air gazebo for more event space. Cox also constructed this himself, using an old military cargo parachute.
And the surrounding gardens are full of lush, blooming plants. It's a great little getaway from the rest of the world.
The church and gardens are open during summer weekends, and are a great place to stroll, take pictures, or just appreciate the scenery. Picnics are also allowed in the outer gardens, too!
While it's designed to look like one, the Tree Church isn't an official church.
But that means that it can be rented for all kinds of events, religious or otherwise, and enjoyed by everyone.
Check out the Tree Church and its surroundings in this video above, and you'll almost feel the gentle breeze.
And be sure to SHARE this amazing, living church with anyone you know who loves interesting architecture and beautiful gardens!
