SCENA PARISH CHURCH | Messner Architects

Refurbishment of the presbytery of the 19th century Scena Parish Church in collaboration with Franz Messner (1952-2017).

The refurbishment included the redesign and the thermal rehabilitation of the sanctuary. A third level of reduced formal elegance was added to the existing stairway ensemble. This superstructure was realized as a central rectangle in local granite while the remaining gap between the central elevation and the exterior wall was completed with wooden flooring. The elevation would not only enable the installation of a floor heating system but also enhance visibility.

The recofiguration of the presbytery originates with the recently passed away artist Franz Messner, father of the architects. The altar is located on the central axis of the presbytery, while the ambo and the priest’s chair are situated sideways in front of the main liturgical object. The ambo, situated closest to the nave, is cut in the granite elevation. The three main objects are considered as a unit due to their form and realization as solid monoliths of a local variety of marble rock from Covelano, Italy.

The unique pattern of the marble, carefully selected in the mining area adds a further layer to the whole design. The subtle color-nuances and the cloudlike pattern, especially visible on the altar of the massive 4 ton marble-block evoke lightness and marvel. The seating surface of the priest’s chair and the lateral benches are made from nut wood. The design of the candlesticks takes up elegance and value by combining the precious materials bronze and nutwood.