Ronchamp Gatehouse and Monastery

Ronchamp Gatehouse and Monastery

A convent for 12 Poor Clare nuns, built into the hillside.The nuns' idea was to live in the place, not to let the hill be abandoned; it had infact turned into a place of architectural pilgrimage, losing the religious function of Le Corbusier's chapel. Without interfering with the chapel, the hill was cut in three parts to place the convent: 12 rooms for the sisters, 12 for guests, an oratory, sewing workshops and common spaces. The rooms look out onto the forest and its silence, interpreting the nuns' need for contemplation and meditation.

Project data

Design

2006-2008

Construction

2008-2011

Total floor area of the convent

1.825 m2 

Total floor area of the visitors' centre

457 m2

Height

4 m

Floors

1 on two levels

Credits

Client

Association Œuvre Notre-Dame du Haut, Association des amis de Sainte Colette

Architect

Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects in collaboration with Atelier Corajoud, landscape architects (Paris)

Consultants

SLETEC (structure, MEP and cost control); M.Harlé (graphics and signage); C. Guinaudeau (planting); Nunc / L.Piccon (project co-ordination); P.Gillmann (construction management)