Bishops tomb Sülchenkirche
Rottenburg am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg, 2015 - 2017
Client
Bistum Rottenburg-Stuttgart
Architecture
Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekten
Builder
Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst GmbH
In the late gothic Sülchenkirche at the eastern outskirts of Rottenburg, built around 1450, is a bishop grave lay realized with monolithic rammed earth construction.
The historic tomb complex was in a poor condition and a general renovation was required. The Austrian architects Cukrowicz Nachbaur won the competition for the restoration and extension of the crypt. Reductions in material, space and light make the elements of architecture particularly memorable and more intense. The excavation of old cemetery earth was useful not only for reused material in the wall construction, but also for the discovery of the foundations of a previous building and remains of a wooden church, which was probably built around the 6th or 7th century.
Due to the characteristic features of the horizontal structure of rammed earth, all premises create a calm atmosphere. The massiveness of the monolithic rammed earth construction forms a protected feeling in the mystic surrounding for visitors.
The transition from wall section to stair steps and floor is fluid due to same materiality and construction technique and produces a homogenous picture. Massive rammed earth stairs connect the upper church and the lower church with each other. The whole construction results from excavation of the negative shape.
