A slender wooden chapel tower on a grassy slope with trees and sheep.

A slender wooden chapel tower stands on a grassy slope, surrounded by trees and grazing sheep.

Story

A slender wooden beacon amidst the fields of Kesselostheim The Way Chapel, designed by Staab Architekten, stands as a striking vertical landmark in the pastoral landscape of Kesselostheim, Germany. Commissioned by the Siegfried and Elfriede Denzel Foundation, this chapel is part of a series of wooden chapels along a newly established cycle path in the Dillingen district. The chapel's slender form rises from a gentle slope, surrounded by fields, preserving the natural setting and offering panoramic views. Constructed from deep wooden slats, the chapel's structure fans out towards the sky, reminiscent of a bird's wing in flight. This design choice creates a dynamic play of light and shadow within. Visitors approach the chapel via a path leading to a small platform with a covered bench, inviting them to pause and absorb the surrounding scenery. Inside, the chapel presents a high, narrowing space, culminating in a wooden cross that forms part of the supporting structure. The interior is bathed in a subdued light, filtered through the wooden slats, creating an intimate atmosphere that changes with the weather and time of day. The chapel's design ensures a seamless connection with its environment, allowing elements like sunlight, wind, and rain to interact with the interior space.

## Design Highlights

Slender wooden tower visible from afar Deep wooden slats creating dynamic light and shadow Platform with a covered bench for rest and reflection Interior space narrowing towards a wooden cross Interaction with natural elements like sunlight and rain

## Key Facts

Key Detail Information
Architect Staab Architekten
Location Kesselostheim, Germany
Completion 2020
Client Siegfried und Elfriede Denzel-Stiftung
Award Thomas-Wechs-Preis 2021 – Honorable Mention

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior: Deep wooden slats that fan out to the sky.
  • Interior: Wooden slats forming a cross shape at the ceiling.

Materials

  • Wood — Used for the structure and slats of the chapel.
  • Concrete — Used for the platform and path leading to the chapel.

Construction / Systems

  • Structural system: Wooden supporting structure with a cross shape at the ceiling.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Natural wood tones
  • Lighting: Subdued, filtered by wooden slats

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