Brückner & Brückner Architekten: Making something beautiful more beautiful | Renovation of St Bruno's Church - best architects 23

Brückner & Brückner Architekten

Making something beautiful more beautiful | Renovation of St Bruno's Church

best architects 23

renovation and addition

Place

Niederwerrn, Germany

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.