Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes Sàrl

Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice

COVERAGE OF ARCHAELOGICAL RUINS OF THE ABBEY OF ST. MAURICE

Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes

Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
© Thomas Jantscher

PHOTOGRAPHS
Thomas Jantscher

AREA
1400 m²

YEAR
2010

LOCATION
Saint-maurice, Switzerland

CATEGORY
Installations & Structures

Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
© Thomas Jantscher

Text description provided by architect.

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 for tification proved a failure due to rock fragments falling from the cliffon to the building.

Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
© Thomas Jantscher
Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
© Thomas Jantscher

Throughout the history rockslide shadan 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 end eavors to demonstrate this particular treat of history.

Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
© Thomas Jantscher
Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
© Thomas Jantscher

By suspending 170 tons of stones, it expresses the everlasting 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.

Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
© Thomas Jantscher
Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
© Thomas Jantscher

The architectural engineering of the roof contains of three king posts, which are anchored in the face of the cliff. The mass of stones puton top of the structure enables the absorption of wind blasts.
Publication material via v2com


Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
site plan
Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
plan
Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
drawing


Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
section
Coverage of Archaelogical Ruins of the Abbey Of St. Maurice
elevation

Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes Sàrl
T +41 27 326881 F +41 27 3226883
Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes Sàrl
Rte des Ronquos 35, 1950 Sion, Switzerland