coverage of archaeological ruins of the abbey of st-maurice

client:

abbey of st-maurice

program :

protection roof for the archaeological ruins

dates :

competition march 2004 1st price,

completion 2010

civil engineers :

alpatec sa, martigny,

photographer :

thomas jantscher

awards:

patrimoine suisse, section valais romand 2014, sia umsicht regards sguardi 2013, prix acier 2011, a + awards 2014,  mention prix philippe rotthier  2014

the abbey of saint maurice was built almost 1500 years ago. it is situated against a cliff in a section of the road between geneva and the simplon pass. this particular site was likely to be chosen for its defensive position given by the cliff. however the planned fortification proved a failure due to rock fragments falling from the cliff on to the building.

throughout the history rock slides had an important influence causing several damages: in 1611 a huge rock fall caused a convulsion of the abbey, 1942 a rock destroyed the cross-spire and portal-nave of the building. those slides have constantly been occurring and marked the site throughout history.

our project endeavors to demonstrate this particular treat of history. by suspending 170 tons of stones, it expresses the ever lasting hazard the site had been exposed to. the roof gives the interior a calm and almost contemplative ambience. it is built above the fundamental buildings in order to keep the dialogue between the facades and the cliff face. the “stone-roof” serves as a filter for light and produces an evenly spread and regular illumination.