Zumthor builds the "Bruder Klaus" field chapel
"Sited on farmland outside the German village of Wachendorf, the chapel is dedicated to a 15th century farmer and mystic who is being considered as a candidate for canonisation.
The 12m-high structure was built by local farmers using a technique the architect terms “rammed concrete”. A wigwam-like structure of tree trunks was erected, with the walls formed around it. Every day for 24 days the farmers poured 50cm of concrete. The logs were then burnt out, leaving a charred and richly textured internal finish.
An oculus lets in light and rain at the point where the tree trunks converged and further light is admitted through the unfilled holes left by the shuttering ties. While the interior remains extraordinarily dark, the available light reflects off a floor of poured lead.
Zumthor supervised work on the project while construction progressed on his design for a gallery in nearby Cologne, which is due to open in September."
Funny things is that the chapel stands in a village next to where I'm originally from, the countryside around Cologne. I will definately check it out next time I'm home...
A friend actually sent me the info :) Thanks, Strackwitz!
