John Pawson’s Wooden Chapel in Lutzingen, Germany, fuses minimalism and spirituality, offering cyclists a serene refuge while blending seamlessly into its natural setting.
Commissioned by the Siegfried and Elfriede Denzel Foundation as part of the Sieben Kapellen project, the chapel was designed to offer cyclists a serene space for contemplation and shelter. However, Pawson’s vision extends beyond mere functionality, transforming the humble timber structure into an immersive experience that blurs the line between architecture and found object.
Set at the edge of the forest, the chapel harmonizes with its surroundings, resembling a natural formation when viewed from different angles. From one perspective, it evokes a stack of drying logs, blending into the landscape; from another, it emerges as a precise, sculptural form perched atop a concrete plinth. The material choice—solid wood—was not just a practical decision but a poetic response to the environment. Pawson, in collaboration with the Danish company Dinesen, emphasized the raw beauty of timber by minimizing its treatment, allowing the natural grain and texture to be celebrated both inside and out.
Inside, the space is intentionally dim, with light filtering through high-set clerestory windows, directing focus toward two powerful elements: a cross of colored glass and an unglazed opening framing the landscape. These visual anchors, combined with the tactility of the wood, create a contemplative atmosphere where time feels suspended. The interplay between light, texture, and form invites quiet reflection, making Pawson’s chapel not just a stop for weary travelers, but a sanctuary that draws them into a deeper communion with the landscape.
