The comprehensive renovation project of the church was carried out in three construction phases: tower, roof and windows. Each construction phase took into account the preservation and modernization in line with the special features of post-war modernism: the building stands out with its expressive use of post-war materials such as concrete, glass and mosaic, which underlines its significance as a contemporary document and architectural sculpture in Tempelhof's cityscape. The striking, triangular-grounded 42-metre-high bell tower is equipped with a massive concrete cross and towers above the surrounding residential buildings.

Historical significance and architecture of the Judas Thaddaeus Church

The Judas-Thaddäus-Kirche in Berlin's Tempelhof district, built in 1959 to designs by architect Reinhard Hofbauer, is an outstanding monument to post-war modernism. The church is Hofbauer's last surviving building in Berlin, as his other buildings, St. Canisius and St. Johannes Capristran, have been lost. The sacred space is constructed in a unique, parabolic structure of four circular arches and straight sections, which leads into the chancel through stepped wall panels. The curvature of the chancel and the undulating roof illustrate Hofbauer's engagement with the modern church building debate.

Craftsmen at work on the concrete formwork | Photo © Klaus Zolondowski.

2014

1st construction phase: Tower renovation

The restoration of the tower was the first step in 2015, after a comprehensive damage assessment had been carried out. As the 42-metre-high tower showed considerable corrosion damage, we decided to work with the artist Klaus Zolondowski to create an artistic design concept that interprets the historical substance and aesthetics in a modern way.

A crucial point was the development of a special concrete formwork, as conventional new formwork was not structurally possible. Carbon was used to reinforce the thin concrete. In addition, the surface was fitted with glass lenses, which are normally used in the automotive industry for car headlights. This unique design combines monument protection with contemporary technology and serves as a model for the preservation of Second Modernist architecture.

The newly renovated tower | Photo © Heinrich Hermes.
Concrete cladding with glass lenses from the automotive industry | Photo © Heinrich Hermes.
The freshly renovated roof | Drone photo © Thomas Rosenthal.

2019 - 2020

2nd construction phase: Roof renovation

Following the successful renovation of the tower, planning began in 2019 for the complete renovation of the striking roof. The unrendered reinforced concrete structure of the Judas Thaddäus Church impresses with its parabolic shape, which is reminiscent of the silhouette of a nave, and the curved shape of the roof, which opens up towards the chancel. Since the church was built, the roof has only been repaired selectively. However, heavy rainfall in the summer of 2017 led to considerable water ingress, which made a comprehensive renovation necessary.

The focus of the refurbishment was the complete renewal of the roof covering, taking into account the listed building and technical specifications. A particular challenge was the repair of the internal rainwater drainage systems and the faithful renewal of the copper finishes on the roof edges.

The freshly renovated roof | Drone photo © Thomas Rosenthal.
Before the renovation | Photo © Heinrich Hermes.
The 111 leaded glass windows before the renovation | Photo © D:4 Architecture.

2020 - 2024

3rd construction phase: Window renovation

Following the completion of the tower and roof renovations, the restoration of the stained glass windows was planned for 2020. The church is supplied with daylight via vertical light strips and numerous small windows in the outer wall. The church building has a total of 111 leaded glass windows, which are designed in alternating patterns of colored cathedral glass and fluted clear glass. These windows create an impressive play of light in the interior and emphasize the special spatial effect of the church.

The progressive deterioration of the windows and the rusty deposits on the exterior façade highlighted the urgency of the restoration. First, a sample window was restored as an example in order to record the exact damage patterns and the construction method and to determine the next steps for the preservation and modernization of the stained glass windows.

Interior of the church building

Church interior | Photo © Heinrich Hermes.
Detail of the church interior | Photo © Heinrich Hermes.

Impressions of the renovation

Photo © Heinrich Hermes.
Photo © Heinrich Hermes.
Photo © Klaus Zolondowski.
Photo © Klaus Zolondowski.

Aerial photos

Drone image © Thomas Rosenthal.
Drone image © Thomas Rosenthal.
Drone image © Thomas Rosenthal.
Drone image © Thomas Rosenthal.