Chapel, St-Loup

The temporary chapel reinterprets the traditional layout of protestant churches via a series of origami-like folds. The architects brought in Hani Buri and Yves Weinand from the IBOIS laboratory at the EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), whose ongoing research into folded structures seemed particularly relevant to this project. The shape was generated using computer software that calculates the load-bearing structure, determines the dimensions and transmits this information to the machine that cuts out the six-centimetre-thick timber panels.

Each fold in the facade reflects the light differently and thus emphasizes the progression and elongation of the volume. Transparent, fabric-covered plastic panels in the gable side facades allow natural light to enter the chapel. The wooden chapel in St-Loup is a shining example of the spatial reinterpretation of a traditional religious space in harmony with its environment.