Dezeen Magazine

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher Architekten

Austrian architects Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher have renovated a fourteenth century stone chapel with skeletons in its basement (+ slideshow).

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher  Architekten

The newly opened crypt had been closed off for around 200 years and the anonymous human bones and skulls found inside now line its walls.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher  Architekten

The ground floor chapel above has been restored as a multiple-purpose room for the popular tourist town of Schladming.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher  Architekten

Wooden benches and tables can be moved into different configurations to flexibly host talks, exhibitions or events.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher Architekten

The building was completed in collaboration with artist Wolfgang Guenther.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher  Architekten

Earlier this year HPSA also completed a distillery with an asymmetric timber roof - see it here.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher  Architekten

See all our stories about churches »

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher Architekten

Photography is by Dietmar Hammerschmid.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher Architekten

Here's some more information from Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher Architekten:


The revitalization of the cemetery chapel from the 14th century includes the restoration of the ossuary in the lower chapel, and the adaptation of the upper chapel into a cultural space.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher  Architekten

The project includes an intensive examination of the historical use and the architectural significance of the building.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher  Architekten

The church square as the threshold between public space, church and cemetery in the area becomes an major importance.

Annakapelle Schladming by Hammerschmid, Pachl, Seebacher  Architekten