St. Laurentius

Rottenburg-Haifingen, Germany

Photo © Brigida González

Architects: kaestle&ocker

Location: Hadolfinger Straße 23, 72108 Rottenburg-Haifingen, Germany
Year: 2010
Client: Kath. Kirchengemeinde St. Laurentius
Team: kaestle ocker roeder (C18 Architekten): Marcus Kaestle, Andreas Ocker, Michel Roeder, Antonia Schaller

analogue – The town centre of Hailfingen is characterised by simple, rural building structures. The situation „behind the church“ features attractive open spaces.

Our thoughts to shaping the structure are defined by analogies to the townscape of Hailfingen.

By architectonic interventions like the solid construction of the buildings volume and the size of openings in walls, habitual perception patterns are challenged and indicate the special use of the new parish hall in the village context. A steep roof with double plain tile covering and plastered walls establish references to rural and traditional building. Few large scale windows with trim moulding allow views in and out.

The interior surfaces are smooth and without joints. They stand in contrast to the outer form of the structure. In the foyer the buildings volume can be grasped. The gallery on the upper floor brings an alleyway to mind from which three chambers can be accessed.