Romanian studio Modul 28 has recently completed a remarkable transformation of a historic church in Transylvania, turning its rectory into a contemporary guesthouse that beautifully merges preservation with innovation. Situated in the village of Curciu, this project is part of an initiative led by the Fortified Churches Foundation, aimed at preserving the region’s many fortified churches dating back to the 13th to 16th centuries.
Rather than turning these heritage sites into mere museums, Modul 28 sought to introduce “contemporary functions” that would reintegrate them with the local communities. In the case of Curciu, the adjacent chapel and rectory have been converted into a guesthouse, while the main church remains open to the public.
Architect Andra Nicoleanu explained that the design process of this project focused on finding the right balance between preservation and innovation, taking inspiration from the site’s historical and architectural context. The renovation involved minimal and reversible alterations to the existing rectory, which now includes a double bedroom, a kitchen, and a dining area.
One of the standout features of the project is the incorporation of the old chapel’s apse as the main living area. This unique space maintains its original polygonal shape and has been restored along with the gothic windows surrounding it.
To create a modern contrast with the historic structures, the rectory’s exterior has been replastered, while doorways and window shutters have been updated with pale wood. Additionally, a temporary timber structure has been added to provide bathrooms for the guesthouse. This structure, emphasized as a temporary and reversible addition, features a shower lined with yellow corrugated metal.
The successful transformation of this historic church into a contemporary guesthouse demonstrates the potential of such projects to preserve the region’s rich architectural heritage while contributing to the vibrant communities they belong to. It serves as an inspiration for similar endeavors both in Romania and around the world.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the purpose of the project completed by Modul 28 in Transylvania?
Modul 28’s project aims to preserve the historic churches in Transylvania by repurposing them with “contemporary functions” that integrate them into the local communities.
2. What is the Fortified Churches Foundation?
The Fortified Churches Foundation is an organization leading the initiative to preserve Transylvania’s many fortified churches dating back to the 13th to 16th centuries.
3. What did Modul 28 convert in the village of Curciu?
Modul 28 converted the chapel and rectory in the village of Curciu into a contemporary guesthouse.
4. What was the approach to the design process for this project?
The design process aimed to find a balance between preservation and innovation, taking inspiration from the site’s historical and architectural context.
5. What changes were made to the existing rectory?
The existing rectory was minimally altered and now includes a double bedroom, a kitchen, and a dining area.
6. What stands out about the project’s design?
The main living area of the guesthouse is located in the old chapel’s apse, which maintains its original shape and has been restored along with the gothic windows surrounding it.
7. How does the exterior of the rectory differ from the historic structures?
The rectory’s exterior has been replastered, and doorways and window shutters have been updated with pale wood to create a modern contrast.
8. What temporary addition was made to the guesthouse?
A temporary timber structure was added to provide bathrooms for the guesthouse, featuring a shower lined with yellow corrugated metal.
9. What does the successful transformation of the church demonstrate?
The successful transformation of the church into a guesthouse showcases the potential of preserving architectural heritage while contributing to vibrant communities.
Key Terms or Jargon:
– Fortified Churches: Churches in Transylvania that were fortified to protect against invasions during the Middle Ages.
– Rectory: The house or residence provided for a church’s clergy.
– Apse: A semicircular or polygonal projection at the end of a church, usually containing an altar.