The Forest Church of St. Joseph in Lichtenstern on the Ritten and the New Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Scena have been given a new chancel design by the South Tyrolean artist Franz Messner, who died in January. Started together, his children Verena and David from Messner Architects completed the projects in close collaboration with stonemason Hans Trojer from südtirol.stein. The church in Schenna was consecrated in January 2017, the Waldkirche at the beginning of July.
An extensive picture gallery is available here – you can read the full story in STEIN 09/17 from August 22, 2017.
Focus on Scena/Schenna: the mausoleum of Archduke Johann of Austria and his family, the old and new parish churches, Scena Castle (from left to right). The New Parish Church recently received a fresh chancel design. (Photo: Thesurvived99/wikipedia)
The neo-Gothic basilica in Scena/Schenna was built between 1914 and 1931. The noble grace of the new chancel design made of Covelano marble on a pedestal of Ifinger granite brings a haven of peace to the playful ensemble. (Photo: meraner-hauser.com)
Warmth from below: The new pedestal made of local Ifinger granite in the chancel includes underfloor heating. (Photo: meraner-hauser.com)
One for all: The new marble installations in the presbytery were cut from a monolith of Covelano marble – in addition to the altar and ambo (pictured), this also includes the priest’s seat. (Photo: Philipp Neuman)
The white altar made of polished Covelano marble is unique due to its soft, colorful clouds and a sweeping amphibolite inlay. (Photo: meraner-hauser.com)
The east choir of the New Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Scena is home to a new chancel design by the recently deceased South Tyrolean artist Franz Messner. Started together, his children, the architects Verena and David Messner, completed the project with the natural stone experts from südtirol.stein. (Photo Philipp Neuman)
A spiritual place for parents and children: the forest church of St. Joseph in Lichtenstern on the Ritten is located on the grounds of the “Haus der Familie” education center. In the foreground is the larch forest that gives the church its name. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)
One like no other: the block of Passeier gneiss garnet used was chosen because of the striking quartz vein on the front of the satin-finished altar. Passeier gneiss garnet tends to be a dark stone with red semi-precious stone speckles. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)
Franz Messner’s concept combines the interior with the surrounding nature. The altar cross stands outside, while passers-by can look into the church through the altar ensemble made of local Passeier gneiss garnet. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)
Heavyweights seem to float: The altar (2,450 kg), ambo (570 kg) and priest’s seat (210 kg) made of Passeier gneiss garnet sit securely anchored on laminated glass bases. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)
In the name of the father: Messner Architects Verena and David also completed the renovation of the Waldkirche, which they had started together with their late father, the artist Franz Messner. (Photo: Philipp Neuman)
Sacred light inside and out: the church interior is bright thanks to the new panoramic window and the altar area is visible from outside. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)
Focus on local materials: in addition to the redesigned presbytery, the attic was also opened up as a bright meditation and event space. The two stained glass windows below are by Peter Fellin and were relocated from the altar area to the west building, where they are shown to better advantage. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)
