First mentioned in 1119, this church in the heart of Apolda is one of the oldest buildings in the city. After several conversions, the imposing building was used as a warehouse and depot for the church until 2017. Only the chapel in the eastern part of the church is still used as a sacred space.
As part of the International Building Exhibition – IBA Thüringen, an architectural competition was initiated. The vision of the competition was a concept for a conversion of the church nave into a cultural center. The purpose of that was to give this place a supra-regional appeal and to anchor it in the urban context as a space for community and society again.
Our contribution convinced with a radical, yet gentle design approach.

The idea was to build a house within a house, without significantly altering the supporting structure. The aim is to generate an architectural impulse that brings new life into the old building, but with its own radiance. The innovative power lies within the simplicity of the architectural idea, which reverses the relation of empty space. The existing structure is affected only minimally. An open structure provides plenty of natural light in the new rooms and a unique correspondence between the old and the new.

The new spaces and structures are flexible for cultural uses.
In particular, the ground floor – the new plaza – is defined as a large, multi-functional space with a unique atmosphere.
Above that rests the two-story lightweight construction. It houses all the main functions, such as a small hall, a children’s playroom and a large hall. The existing rooms in the tower are included in the new use. An open staircase connects these areas with the new spaces in the church nave.

The new building will be supported by a solid concrete structure. The foundation is provided by micro piles with a depth of up to 14m into the ground. Only two elliptical, curved pillars support the cantilevered ceiling above. Due to its dimensions and its cantilevered structure, this slab is designed as a span-bed slab.
The two floors above are covered and supported by a wooden diamond shaped structure. This net-like structure is composed of individual plywood elements. They give the implant its outer appearance, provide thermal and acoustic separation from the main nave, and merge into a homogeneous structure.
In addition to their basic use as window openings, the individual diamond shaped elements can also be used as acoustic membranes, for speakers or the under-construction of artificial lighting installations. In order to form a consistent whole out of the different types of construction structure, the exterior surfaces are painted white. The ceilings and floors inside are kept in their natural wooden surface. The separation of rooms and the necessary storage areas are realized with room-high wooden built-in cupboards and shelves. The existing structures in the nave and spire will be left as they are, with just small adjustments like new flooring and lighting etc. to bring the structure to a modern standard.

Building project: St Martin’s Church Apolda | Conversion into a socio-cultural center
Client: Evangelical Lutheran parish of Apolda, supported by EKM | Cooperation partner IBA Thuringia
Invited realization competition: 2020, 1st prize
Completion: 2026 – under construction