Renovated Alpine Church: Saint Joseph in the Woods

Conversion and Renovation of a Small Church in the Alpine Woods

The small church in Stella, nestled in the picturesque alpine woods at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level, holds a special place in the hearts of people who seek spiritual solace. Situated along the renowned Sigmund Freud path, this church has now undergone a remarkable conversion and renovation to enhance its allure. The primary objective of this transformation was to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere while maintaining a distinct architectural structure.

To achieve these goals, the east facade of the church was opened up, flooding the interior with natural light. A large rectangular opening behind the presbytery allows the interplay between the sacred space and the outside world, creating a spiritual connection. This glimpse into the church captivates the attention of passersby, enticing them to explore further and step inside.

The phrase "church in the wood" perfectly captures the essence of this location, with its ever-changing landscape that reflects the spirit of the place throughout the seasons. The contemplation of nature provides a deeply meditative experience and adds profound meaning to the architectural opening.

Inside the church, the height difference between the presbytery and the nave has been eliminated, replaced by a ramp with an incised canyon. This innovative design dissolves the boundaries between spaces, giving the impression of a sculpted landscape. Dark incisions in the wooden ceiling mirror the joints in the flooring, symbolizing tracks and traces crossing a natural landscape.

A freestanding panel of translucent glass acts as both a protective shield and an informative element near the front door. Stained-glass windows, crafted by artist Peter Fellin, have been relocated from the east facade to the west facade. These beautiful figurative windows, featuring Saint Stephen and Saint Notburga, now illuminate the entrance, garnering greater attention and appreciation after the renovation.

The reconfiguration of the presbytery was a collaborative effort between the late artist Franz Messner and his children, David and Verena. The altar now sits on the central axis of the presbytery, while the ambo and the priest's chair are positioned to the side, in front of the main liturgical object. Solid monoliths made of local gneissic rock rest upon translucent glass bases, creating an ethereal effect as light breaks through the delicate foundations, seemingly suspending the heavy masses above the ground. This weightless design beautifully symbolizes the aspiration for the divine and the desire to be closer to heaven. The wooden benches in the church echo this sense of lightness, harmonizing with the presbytery's aesthetic.

Previously, a narrow ladder led to the attic floor, but now a new staircase, starting with a loop, hovers above the registry and guides visitors to the attic along the east facade. The previously unused attic space has been transformed into a sanctuary for meditation, silence, and retreat. It now features an entrance area with a cloakroom, a restroom, a storage room, and a spacious event room.

The entire timber-framed supporting structure of the church has been replaced with a three-hinged arch, enhancing the physical properties of the tent-like space. The wood-shingled roof has been insulated, improving the overall comfort of the building. To introduce more natural light into the meditation space, the brickwork of the western gable was demolished. A staircase, shielded by a wall element, leads down to the meditation area, which is enveloped in carpet-like flooring at its lower part, resembling a cozy nest, and transitions into wooden boarding towards the top.

The gable wall of the meditation space features a glass facade, providing a breathtaking view of the piazza. A stepped terrace extends the meditation area, creating an inviting outdoor space that visually and mentally connects the inside and outside.

In summary, the conversion of the church in the woods was guided by two key architectural interventions. Firstly, the sacred space was opened up to the surrounding landscape, establishing a dialogue between the man-made and the natural. Secondly, the gable was transformed, allowing the piazza to become an integral part of the church's ambiance. The result is a serene and welcoming atmosphere in the meditation space, while the sacred area radiates brightness and peace. The Saint Joseph in the Woods project, envisioned by Messner Architects, has truly breathed new life into this cherished spiritual haven.

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