Holzkirche, Lutheran church in Vegesack, Germany
The Holzkirche Schönebeck is a church building in Vegesack featuring a distinctive tent-shaped wooden structure with a separate bell tower. The roof and walls are constructed entirely of wood, and simple wooden seating fills the interior.
The building was constructed in 1964 as a temporary solution during Germany's post-war reconstruction period. Architect Helmut Duncker designed it as a quick and economical response to the need for new places of worship at that time.
The name reflects the wooden construction that defines the building and sets it apart from conventional stone churches. Visitors experience the warm wooden interior, creating a distinct feeling compared to traditional church spaces.
The building can be viewed from outside, but it has not functioned as an active church since 2023 and is in a transition period. Visitors should be aware that interior access may not always be possible and visiting times could be limited.
Unusual for churches is the north-south orientation instead of the traditional east-west direction, representing a rare departure from classical building rules. This alignment came about for practical planning reasons of the post-war era and shows how pragmatic decisions shaped the design.
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