Highland Church
Highland Church – Life and Teaching Fellowship Center
Swerhone Architecture was honored to work with the Highland Seventh-day Adventist Church in expanding its long-standing campus in Portland, TN. As a vital community and faith hub, the church sought to enrich its outreach and ministry efforts through a dedicated facility for teaching, fellowship, and service.
Working closely with the church’s building committee, we developed a detailed space program, circulation study, and preliminary budget strategy to support the development of a new Life and Teaching Fellowship Center—a 12,500 SF, two-story detached addition designed for flexibility and connection. The new structure will link to the existing 16,500 SF church facility via an 800 SF glazed transition space—serving as a warm, welcoming family room and gathering place.
Program spaces include:
- A 2,000 SF fellowship hall with integrated AV systems, commercial kitchen, and a secondary entry for events and performances
- Expanded administrative offices
- Multipurpose classrooms for Sabbath School and ministry use
As an A-3/E occupancy structure, the building meets all life-safety and fire separation codes while remaining fully integrated into the spirit and mission of the Highland campus. The design reflects the church’s commitment to growth, hospitality, and lifelong teaching.
Location: Portland, Tennessee
