Salgenreute Chapel by Bernardo Bader Architects blends historical reverence with modern innovation, resulting in a serene, community-driven project that bridges sacred architecture and natural beauty.
Located in the scenic landscape of Krumbach, Austria, this small chapel replaces a 200-year-old structure that had fallen into disrepair. Rather than attempting to restore or simply replicate the old, the Krumbach community opted for an entirely new creation. This decision was underpinned by a collaborative effort, where more than a hundred volunteers came together to bring the vision to life, making the project not just a piece of architecture but a testament to collective craftsmanship.
Constructed from local wood and stone, the chapel’s design pays homage to the region’s vernacular architecture while introducing modern sensibilities. Its wooden façade will gradually weather and darken, evoking the aging process of the Bregenzerwald farmhouses, turning silver-grey in the north and black in the south. The chapel’s form, though based on the original footprint, departs in its vertical ambition—a dramatic wooden structure that soars skyward. Inside, the minimalist space is defined by untreated timber and illuminated by soft, natural light from a frontal window, which frames the landscape beyond.
The interior layout challenges traditional chapel designs. The statue of the Virgin Mary, carried over from the original building, is no longer placed centrally but is positioned to the side, allowing for an uninterrupted view through the apse into nature. This decision shifts the focus from sacred iconography to an immersive spiritual experience. The space encourages reflection, with its soaring wooden beams and subdued materiality creating a sanctuary of quiet contemplation, where architecture and nature converge.
