Open Chapel

Hillershausen, Germany
Video ©
Photo © Laurian Ghinitoiu

The Open Chapel in Hillershausen stands as a symbol of collaboration and serves as a perspective changer, inspired by the Open Mind Places in Referinghausen. Created through a bottom-up process by local residents, this building embodies a collective effort to establish a sanctuary for shared experiences and communal spirit.

Perched on a hill, twelve 6 meter tall sandstone pillars form an open space with an interior shaped like two protective hands, providing a welcoming area for reflection both individually and collectively, with others and with nature. Communicative seats encourage face to face interaction, fostering dialogue and contemplation. The roof with hanging plants blurs the boundaries between architecture and nature, while the wood chip-covered floor symbolizes a seamless transition from the interior to the surrounding landscape.

Photo © Laurian Ghinitoiu
Photo © Laurian Ghinitoiu
Photo © Laurian Ghinitoiu
Photo © Laurian Ghinitoiu
Photo © Laurian Ghinitoiu
Photo © Laurian Ghinitoiu
Architects
Christoph Hesse Architects
Year
2025
Project Status
Built

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Other Projects by Christoph Hesse Architekten 

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Chapel of Light – Ways of Life Campus Project
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