Located in the suburban area of Tilst, approximately 10 km west of Aarhus, Denmark, Tilst Church has long served as both a spiritual center and a gathering place for the local community. With its growing congregation and evolving community needs, the church required an expansion to enhance its functionality while maintaining its historical integrity. The architectural firm Tulinius Lind was commissioned to design this extension, which includes a new sacristy, an activity house, and a library—collectively known as Lanternen.
Tilst Church Technical Information
- Architects1: Tulinius Lind Arkitekter
- Location: Tilst, Denmark
- Project Year: 2020 – 2024
- Photographs: © Laura Stamer
The sacristy serves as a preparation area for clergy and choir members, featuring ample storage for liturgical garments and church artifacts. The design emphasizes natural light, with strategically placed windows creating a serene atmosphere conducive to reflection and preparation.
– Tulinius Lind Arkitekter
Tilst Church Photographs
Tilst Church Expansion Architectural Analysis
Tulinius Lind approached the project by focusing on harmonizing tradition with contemporary needs. Their vision was to create a seamless architectural dialogue between the existing church and the new additions, ensuring that the expansion would respect the church’s historical essence while offering modern amenities. This approach not only preserves the spiritual character of the site but also strengthens its role as a cultural and communal hub.
One key expansion element is the new sacristy, designed to function as a preparatory space for clergy and choir members. This area is essential for housing liturgical garments, religious artifacts, and other sacred objects necessary for church ceremonies. The architects emphasized spatial efficiency, ensuring ample storage while maintaining an uncluttered and tranquil atmosphere.
The sacristy is infused with natural light, a critical element in ecclesiastical architecture. Strategically placed windows allow sunlight to filter in, creating a serene ambiance conducive to reflection and spiritual preparation. The material palette remains understated, with a careful balance between contemporary finishes and traditional elements that honor the church’s architectural lineage.
Lanternen – The Activity House and Library as Community Anchors
Beyond its sacred functions, Tilst Church is a social and educational center for the surrounding community. Recognizing this role, Tulinius Lind introduced Lanternen, an addition comprising an activity house and library designed to foster community engagement.
The Activity House: A defining feature of this space is its glass facade, which promotes transparency and connectivity with the exterior landscape. This design choice establishes a visual and physical dialogue between the church and its surroundings, reinforcing its openness to the community. The activity house is intended for diverse functions, including educational workshops, social gatherings, and cultural events, ensuring that the church remains a vibrant center beyond religious services.
The Library: Designed to serve the local school and the general public, the library integrates reading, learning, and cultural activities within a welcoming space. Its layout prioritizes accessibility and comfort, encouraging knowledge-sharing and intellectual engagement. This expansion reinforces the church’s commitment to nurturing spiritual and intellectual growth in the community.
Materiality, Light, and Spatial Experience
Tulinius Lind’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in the interplay of materiality and light, both of which play pivotal roles in shaping the spatial experience of the Tilst Church expansion.
Material Choices: The architects opted for a restrained material palette that complements the church’s existing structure. Wood, glass, and brick are employed to create a sense of continuity between old and new while also ensuring durability and sustainability. The material selection enhances the spaces’ tactile quality, reinforcing each area’s sacred and communal functions.
Daylight as a Design Tool: Natural light is a recurring motif throughout the project, serving aesthetic and functional purposes. Light creates a contemplative atmosphere in the sacristy, while warmth and openness are fostered in the activity house and library. The architects strategically positioned openings to capture different lighting conditions throughout the day, enriching the spatial experience for visitors and users.
Human-Centered Design: Every element of the expansion is crafted with the human experience in mind. From the scale of the rooms to the furniture and finishes, the design ensures that the spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and adaptable to the diverse needs of the church’s congregation and the broader community.
Critical Reflection: Architectural Impact and Legacy
One of the most significant achievements of the Tilst Church expansion is its ability to honor tradition while embracing contemporary design principles. The project does not seek to overshadow or compete with the church’s historical architecture; instead, it complements and extends its role into the modern era. This balance ensures that the church remains a relevant and dynamic institution for years to come.
The design also incorporates principles of sustainability and longevity, ensuring that the new additions stand the test of time. The use of natural light reduces reliance on artificial lighting, while the choice of durable materials minimizes maintenance needs. These elements contribute to the building’s environmental responsibility and long-term viability.
Tilst Church Plans
Tilst Church Image Gallery
About Tulinius Lind Arkitekter
Thomas Tulinius is a Danish architect and co-founder of Tulinius Lind Arkitekter. With a deep commitment to contextual and human-centered design, he specializes in projects that seamlessly integrate modern architectural principles with historical and cultural significance. His work reflects a meticulous attention to materiality, light, and spatial experience, emphasizing sustainability and adaptability. Through projects like the Tilst Church Expansion, Tulinius continues to explore the evolving role of architecture in fostering community engagement and spiritual reflection.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Lead Architects: Thomas Tulinius, Tulinius Lind
