Brückner & Brückner Architekten
Making something beautiful more beautiful | Renovation of St Bruno's Church
best architects 23
renovation and addition
Place
Niederwerrn, Germany
Studio
Photos
Marie Luisa Jünger
Description
The Catholic Church of
St. Bruno touched us from the very beginning. With great respect for the
existing structure, we searched for the building’s soul and transferred it to
the present day, anchoring the church spiritually but also technically in the twenty-first
century. Because the needs of the faithful, the ideas of liturgy and atmosphere,
and also the use of church rooms are changing and, with them, the architecture.
St. Bruno stands in the middle of a residential area, its stony volume rising
above the houses. We redefined the simple elegance of this church and developed
it further. It was a matter of nuances, a subtle dialogue of materials, colours
and light. Restrained, but clear in terms of attitude. The interior is suffused
with natural light – it is only light that makes the spirituality of this
church space perceptible and tangible. The transparent entrance portal and the
large windows stand for openness. They let the world into the church and afford
a glimpse inside. We created a clearer structure and better accessibility to
the church and sacristy. The sanctuary can now be used in a more creative and
versatile way. The cool greyish colours became light and warm. The Franconian
shell limestone, the material of the principal elements, now covers the entire
church floor. This beautiful church has remained the same; it has not forgotten
its history. And yet, a new soul has found its way in.