Sacred Heart Church
Rehabilitation in accordance with the preservation order
Berlin
2018–2019
LP 1–8
Architecture and History
The Church of the Sacred Heart in Berlin-Tempelhof was built in 1899 and is now a designated historic landmark. The single-nave structure, featuring a side chapel, an apse, and a bell tower, is classified as Historicist in style and incorporates both Gothic and Romanesque elements. The interior features several Gothic winged altars as well as sculptures. The nave and apse are adorned with modern stained-glass windows.
Condition prior to renovation
Before the renovation work began, the interior was in a state of serious disrepair. The originally light-colored finish had turned a dark gray, and the plaster showed extensive cracking, in some places extending into the masonry. The exterior elements also exhibited damage to the plaster and exposed masonry. The windows and doors were in need of replacement, while the liturgical furnishings were scattered haphazardly throughout the room.
Renovation and restoration work
The work began initially on a volunteer basis and was later taken over by us. The artist couple Lutzenberger and Lutzenberger developed the color scheme for the interior and oversaw the rearrangement of the furnishings, based on what is believed to have been the original layout at the time of construction. At the same time, the technical infrastructure—including electrical wiring, lighting, sound systems, and the bell system—was completely renovated. Outside, cracks and plaster were repaired, and windows, doors, and exposed masonry were refurbished. The altar, ambo, and the base of the baptismal font were newly crafted.
Findings and Planning Adjustments
During the construction phase, consultations with the historic preservation authorities and new findings led to delays and adjustments to the design. The removal of layers of paint confirmed evidence of historical paint schemes. In the side chapel, the removal of later additions revealed the original layout of the space, prompting a corresponding revision of the design concept.
