Otto Church Conversion into Residential Use: Exploring the Preservation of Original Space and Light
The Otto Church was built in 1977 in the Gerrresheim district of Düsseldorf, becoming an example of an architectural philosophy that emphasizes the value of what already exists. Often, transforming a space does not require much; trusting in what is already there can be enough to create a tangible architectural impact.
A Calm and Refined Design
Architect Hermann Rauch, one of the prominent figures in post-war church architecture in North Rhine-Westphalia, designed spaces characterized by sobriety and precision. He focused on simplicity of form, with a deliberate use of light to enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the place. The design also imparts a strong presence, leaving a calm and lasting impression on visitors to the church.
The Value of Light and Space
The project demonstrates how space and light can serve as powerful tools in architecture, contributing to a fully immersive sensory experience without the need for major additions or radical changes to the original structure.
The original monumental entrance doors were preserved, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and textured metalwork. (Image © Piet-Albert Goethals)
The use of oak dividers and dark herringbone floors provides a warm contrast to the expansive white walls and mezzanine. (Image © Piet-Albert Goethals)
The living area harmonizes modern oak furniture with the vibrant, original stained glass windows that define the space's light. (Image © Piet-Albert Goethals)
Decline of the Building’s Original Function
With the decline of the church’s social role, the building’s original function began to fade. This social shift raised questions about the space’s future purpose, making consideration of its next use inevitable.
Transition to Residential Use
Residential use was chosen as the building’s new function, not as a break from the past, but as a natural continuation of it. The transformation was designed with precision, focusing on gradual development rather than a radical intervention that would erase the place’s rich architectural history.
Preserving Essential Qualities
The building’s core qualities formed the basis for every subsequent design decision, including:
- The soaring ceiling height, which gives the space a sense of expansiveness and elevation.
- The interplay of light through stained glass, preserving the distinctive spiritual and visual atmosphere.
- The confident clarity of materials, reflecting the authenticity and sobriety of the original design.
Transitional space featuring striking green marble flooring and fluted glass doors that filter light between rooms. (Image © Piet-Albert Goethals)
A Sobering Approach to Renovation
The renovation was carried out with the utmost sobriety and precision, focusing on enhancing the building’s architectural identity rather than creating a radical contrast.
Material and Color Continuity
Green marble from the previous staircase was used as a material reference for the new bathroom surfaces, while the palette of materials and colors reflects the original architecture, ensuring design continuity and reinforcing the sense of cohesion between old and new.
Smoked oak parquet provides a tangible layer of depth and warmth, adding a sense of spatial serenity and a rich sensory experience for visitors, reflecting a careful understanding of the balance between material and space.
Detailed floor plan illustrating the strategic preservation of void and open space within the residential conversion. (Courtesy of NIDUS)
Preserving Historical Elements
Original elements of the building, such as the oak door leading to the former church hall, were carefully preserved and integrated into the new design.
Balancing Past and Present
This approach allows the past to remain present without dominating the space, creating a calm extension of the original building experience rather than a rupture or radical separation from its architectural history.
Continuity of Spatial Experience
By thoughtfully integrating the old elements, visitors’ sense of cohesion and serenity is enhanced, allowing the building to continue telling its story in a renewed way that respects its authenticity.
The sculptural white staircase is illuminated by light passing through original stained glass, bridging the home's levels. (Image © Piet-Albert Goethals)
A monolithic green marble vanity creates a bold, tactile statement in the private quarters of the residence. (Image © Piet-Albert Goethals)
Careful Reimagining of the Space
The transformation of Otto Church demonstrates that reimagining a space does not require grand gestures or radical changes. Instead, it calls for a discerning eye capable of recognizing the value already present, along with the courage to trust it.
Evolution Without Losing Identity
Through precise and thoughtful interventions, the building has been allowed to evolve and adapt to new functions without losing the quiet dignity that defined it from the beginning, reflecting respect for its architectural history and original essence.
A Broader Architectural Lesson
The project illustrates a broader truth in architecture: meaningful transformation often lies less in adding something new and more in understanding how to reveal what has always been there, leveraging it in a way that enhances the spatial and functional experience for users.
The exterior facade maintains its original brickwork and rhythmic window openings, preserving the building's street presence. (Image © Piet-Albert Goethals)
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
From an architectural perspective, the Otto Church conversion project demonstrates a clear ability to work with the building’s original elements, such as space and light, providing a coherent sensory experience and reflecting respect for its architectural history. However, the transition to residential use raises questions about how the building can be adapted to meet modern residents’ needs, particularly regarding privacy and functional spaces. Not all new solutions may offer the same level of comfort or flexibility expected in buildings originally designed for housing, opening the door to further considerations on ways to enhance daily functionality without compromising architectural identity.
Nevertheless, the project’s gradual approach can serve as a reference for how religious or historic buildings can be repurposed with minimal intervention while maintaining their original spatial spirit. This experience provides a framework for understanding the balance between preserving authenticity and addressing contemporary needs, illustrating how practitioners and architects can explore innovative approaches to functional adaptation without resorting to radical changes that could compromise the building’s identity.
https://archup.net/tensile-structure-design-frei-otto/
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