Chapel of Tears, the meditative chapel in the French Alps

Atelier Poem wins the international architecture competition "Le festival des cabanes" with the project Chapel of tears, a wooden meditative chapel located in a UNESCO heritage site near Lake Annecy, in Saint-Ferréol.

A shared project for the Wooden Chapel in the forest

With the aim of maximizing the use of economic resources, the Chapel of Tears, designed by Atelier Poem, is an emblematic example of architectural projects that stand out for simplicity and construction efficiency. The wooden chapel in the forest was built in compliance with the dimensional constraints imposed by the competition brief, using a single material: wood. The construction was carried out both by the designers themselves and a group of volunteers, creating a collective work that reflects the values of sustainability and sharing. The use of red fir wood was chosen not only for its strength and lightness, but also for its ability to bring warmth to the spaces, making the chapel a place of reflection and contemplation deeply connected to the natural surroundings.

A dialogue between architecture and nature

The building finds its authentic dimension through a direct dialogue with the surrounding nature. The chapel, nestled in the woods and positioned near a stream, invites the visitor to experience a unique sensory experience. The natural light, filtering through the central opening, creates a play of contrasts between light and shadow, stimulating an intimate and personal reflection. The silent atmosphere and the essentiality of the materials encourage a new way of interacting with the space, fostering a moment of recollection and contemplation.

An essential volume inspired by water erosion

Architecturally, the chapel appears as a tall and narrow parallelepiped, with a longitudinal fissure in the center, as if the nearby stream had eroded the material during its course. This vertical opening frames the view of the waterfall, creating a visual and symbolic connection with the natural landscape. The long sides of the structure, blind and parallel to the watercourse, enhance the sense of protection and intimacy for those who enter, guiding the gaze outward only through the main opening.

Natural Materials for a Durable and Sustainable Structure

The structure of the chapel is entirely made of red spruce wood, chosen for its sustainability and durability. The planks of the outer shell have been treated using the technique of burnt wood, giving them greater durability and a high hydrophobic capacity to resist moisture. In contrast, the wood on the interior has been left natural to maintain a warm and welcoming appearance. This juxtaposition between the darkened wood on the exterior and the light wood on the interior enriches the sensory and visual experience, highlighting the contrast between protection and openness, solidity and lightness.

Gallery

Contrast light interior and dark exterior wood

Interior light wood crevice of the chapel

View of the waterfall from the chapel crevice

Meditative chapel in the wood in charred wood

PEOPLE

Atelier Poem