Like a jewel, topographically attractive at the Nagelfl uhrücken next to the Krumbacher Moor the Chapel Salgenreute is situated.

Built in wood and stone the basic form of the chapel marks the footprint of the old Lourdes chapel and takes up the historical tradition of the Bregenzerwälder construction culture and ventures a new form at the same time. The chapel designed by Bernardo Bader originated from a process of planning and constructing, which is marked by an unusual collaboration of the Krumbacher citizens, the craftsmen and the architect.

The book is representing a document of common construction culture as well as a monograph of the chapel as a perfect example of a timeless and scenery-related architecture.

For Kunsthaus Bregenz it was obvious to look after the publication on the new Lourdes chapel since Mr. Bader designed in 2015 the exhibition of the American artist Joan Mitchell. As well Peter Zumthor, the architect of the Kunsthaus Bregenz building, works for two decades closely together with the architects of the Bregenzerwald.

“Dialogue of place and human”

Topographically attractively situated at the Nagelfluhrücken, next to the Krumbacher moor, the existing Lourdes –Chapel was rebuilt. A renovation of the old chapel was no longer possible and to regenerate the existing was not the desired aim of the community of Krumbach. Rather, to use the existing knowledge and the courage to create the new. Several years of designing and constructing made an exemplary project visible. More than a hundred of volunteers made it possible to realize the project.

The chapel Salgenreute unites the historical and traditional aspect that characterizes many places in the Bregenzerwald. The chapel is built out of wood and stone. The sun is going to change the wooden fa- çade - it will turn darker, black in the south, silver-grey in the north, just like the old farmhouses from the area. The basic shape is based on the existing 200 year old chapel and includes a main ship as well as an apse. The shape of the room is new - an outstanding steep rising spatial folding made out of wood. The inside of the chapel is dominated by the homogeneous material of the wall and the roof. The light that shines through the frontal window is providing a special atmosphere. The statue of mother of God, originated from the existing building, is arranged in an other way than in the classical concepts at the side of the apse. The view straight ahead through the white apse leads directly into the nature. Whoever enters the chapel leaves the solid ground and proceeds a reflective journey.