Architects: Messner Architects
Area: 500 m²
Year: 2017
Photographs: Davide Perbellini, Courtesy of Messner Architects
Manufacturers: Gematherm, Kerakoll, RIWEGA
Architects In Charge: David Messner, Verena Messner
Location: Ritten, Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol
Country: Italy
Saint Joseph in the Woods church, designed by Messner Architects in Ritten, South Tyrol, Italy, underwent renovation in 2017 to enhance its spiritual and architectural appeal. Situated at 1,300 meters above sea level along the Sigmund Freud path, this project revitalizes the 1950s structure by increasing natural light and integrating interior spaces with the surrounding alpine woods. The church’s east facade features a large rectangular opening that floods the interior with light, fostering a connection between the sacred and the natural. Key interventions include reconfiguring the presbytery and converting the attic into a meditation space.
The church in Stella is a cherished spiritual site for visitors, partly due to its location along the popular Sigmund Freud path in the alpine woods at 1,300 meters above sea level. The renovation of the 1950s building aimed to enhance the existing structure and make it more appealing.
The wrapped carpet in the meditation space of the attic floor of the church St. Joseph in the Woods forms a nest dissolving in its upper part in wooden boarding. The idea for this expression of coziness and safety came from a wasp nest we had found in the – at that time – dark and unused sub-roof.
Interview with David and Verena Messner of Messner Architects
The east facade was opened up to allow more daylight into the interior. This large rectangular opening behind the presbytery bathes the space in light and emphasizes the connection between the interior and exterior, blending the spiritual with the profane. This inviting glimpse into the church draws attention and encourages entry.
The “genius loci,” or spirit of the place, is encapsulated in the phrase “church in the wood.” The framed view showcases a landscape that changes with the seasons, giving the opening a deeply meditative quality.
Inside, the previous height difference between the presbytery and nave was leveled and replaced with a ramp featuring an incised canyon. This ramp configuration dissolves the spatial separation and creates a landscape-like impression.
A freestanding panel of translucent glass opposite the front door serves as a protective and informative shield.
The reconfiguration of the presbytery, inspired by the late artist Franz Messner, includes solid monoliths of local gneissic rock resting on translucent glass bases. Light passing through these fragile bases gives the heavy stones a floating appearance, symbolizing a divine connection and heavenly aspiration.
The previously unused attic floor was converted into a meditation space, complete with an entrance area, cloakroom, restroom, storage room, and spacious event room.
The timber-framed supporting structure was replaced by a three-hinged arch. This change, along with insulating the wood-shingled roof, improved the physical properties of the tent-like space. The western gable’s brickwork was removed to bring more daylight into the meditation area.
A glass facade now covers the entire gable wall, offering views of the piazza. A stepped terrace extends the meditation space, creating a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.
The renovation hinged on two key architectural interventions: breaking through the sacred space to the landscape and opening the gable to the piazza. These changes foster a dialogue between the man-made and the natural. Ease and coziness define the tent-like meditation space. Brightness and peace fill the sacred area.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Stella, 39054 Renon (Haus der Familie), Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
