Caspar. Schmitzmorkramer GmbH BDA

Michaelsberg Abbey

Michaelsberg Abbey

MICHAELSBERG ABBEY

Siegburg, Germany

ARCHITECT
caspar.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
FSWLA Landschaftsarchitektur GmbH

SIZE
100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft

YEAR
2017

LOCATION
Siegburg, Germany

CATEGORY
Cultural › Religious

Ora et labora – pray and work the Benedictines once prescribed. Today, the listed Michaelsberg Abbey near Siegburg accommodates the Catholic-Social Institute (KSI) and serves as a modern conference center and hotel.

Michaelsberg Abbey
Michaelsberg Abbey

A central aspect in converting the abbey, looking back upon a history of almost 1000 years, was a clear structure: The hotel rooms, reception and seminar rooms are accommodated in the abbey, whereas the restaurant, conference and institute rooms are located in the adjoining new building — the Forum.

It was constructed on the site of the former car park, seventeen meters below the ground level of the monastery. The Forum’s two-storey plinth with a light grey-sandy quarry stone references the historic abbey façade

Michaelsberg Abbey
Michaelsberg Abbey

On the rooftop, a spacious glass pavilion enables views over the Rhine Valley. Here, guests enjoy a green oasis: accessible roof areas with a garden landscape invite people to relax.

High, narrow windows convey transparency. Loggias, integrated into the façade, form large, open spaces.

Visiting the Michaelsberg is an unforgettable experience: In a lift, overlooking Siegburg, the guests travel up to the pavilion. It’s the staging of a journey: thoughts of everyday life are left behind – the mind opens up for new topics.

Michaelsberg Abbey
Michaelsberg Abbey

After entering the abbey via a glass bridge, the guests arrive at the reception: The mediating center between the old and new building, dominated by bright natural stone and leather.

In the hotel rooms, the former monks’ cells radiate a calm-contemplative atmosphere. State-of-the-art lighting technology has been installed everywhere, but integrated in a non-visible way.

Even the cloisters have retained their charm; the abbey’s characteristic window shape was maintained.

Michaelsberg Abbey
Michaelsberg Abbey

Carefully restored, historic oil lamps now serve in the reading and fireplace room. The spirit of the Michaelsberg could be preserved — and remains tangible for visitors.


Michaelsberg Abbey
Michaelsberg Abbey

Caspar. Schmitzmorkramer GmbH BDA
T +49 221 9920790 F +49 221 99207999
Caspar. Schmitzmorkramer GmbH BDA
Erftstraße 17, 50672 Köln, Germany