2024

Maria Lourdes parish church, Dussnang

In dialogue with the interior’s sensual opulence

Built by architect August Hardegger between 1888 and 1892, the neo-Gothic building was the first concrete church in Switzerland. It surprises with its rich ornamentation and bright colours. Our new interior design more than holds its own in this context while introducing modern practicality and creating more space. The liturgical furnishings combine the blue of the choir ceiling, the grey hues of the terrazzo floor and the intricate elements of the net vault. To avoid any sense of heaviness, the sides of the altar and ambo were turned inwards, giving the supporting structures a surprising geometric shape. All wooden surfaces were painted by hand – a tribute to the paintings’ artisanal nature.

We have removed three rows of benches in the entrance area under the gallery, creating an open space that exudes calm. In addition to the original baptismal font and a Pietà, this area contains two pieces of furniture used for display purposes; one dedicated to the baptised and the other to the deceased. These dark green elements additionally house the ventilation system. The new grey sedilia seating with matching upholstery is also muted in colour.   

Client: Parish of Maria Lourdes, Dussnang
Architects: Büchel Neubig Architekten, Weinfelden
Carpentry: Schreinerei Kloster Fischingen, Fischingen
Metal objects: Tobias Lenggenhager AG, Lömmenschwil
Upholstery: Polster Factory, Amriswil
Liturgical textiles: Paramentenwerkstatt Heimgartner AG, Wil
Photography: Frédéric Dedelley, Zürich