The Residential Church XL, Utrecht, Netherlands

In 2009 the Saint Jakobus Church, located in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and is the only so-called “plasters” Gothic style church in the city. It was converted into a beautiful modern town house called "The Residential Church XL" or "WoonkerkXL". The church was built in 1890, in 1889 the church tower was demolished because it was too heavy. The new house that was built inside the church looks very modern, but it has the stained glass windows that date back to 1911 and a very high ceilings (46 ft or 14 m). Once a soberly decorated church, Saint Jakobus became a beautiful, lively home, once the designers of ZECC Architects were done with it. Paying great attention to space, lighting and functionality, they managed to create a living space you’d actually want to live in.
While it doesn’t serve its original purpose, The Residential Church XL is an important municipal monument, due to the relationship to its surroundings. And apart from its unique design, it’s also very close to Utrecht main tourist attractions and nightlife venues.