Rectory Abtwil 06. April 2021

The Catholic parish of Abtwil intended to subject the parsonage, which was built after 1904 by August Hardegger, to a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation in line with the requirements of monument conservation. In future, the rectory was to be used purely as a residential building. Forma Architekten AG, which among other things specialized in the renovation of listed buildings, received the mandate for the total renovation.

The offices of the Catholic church administration on the ground floor and basement were newly integrated into the former mesmeric apartment. As a result of this utilisation rochade, all floors in the vicarage could be converted into residential floors. An absolute stroke of luck was the hitherto unused cold room in the upper floor including the attic. A spacious, yet contemporary maisonette apartment was built into the two attic levels, matching the building.

«The high-quality lamps form a symbiosis with the historically significant interiors»
When asked why VIOR in particular was chosen as the lighting solution, interior designer Cédric Bosshard of Forma Architekten AG explained: «Due to the requirements placed on the lamps, the context of «historical premises with contemporary fittings» and our overall interior design concept, the choice fell relatively quickly on the VIOR lamp from RIBAG. The high indirect component of the lamp was important. We wanted to put the historical rooms back in the right light. Both the historical coffered ceilings and the new plaster ceilings were to shine brightly again. In addition, we wanted to make the room contours and surfaces come alive. The light and neutral design of the lamp, the high-quality light and the simple installation are convincing arguments for using the VIOR lamp again at any time,» says Bosshard.

Impressive lighting atmosphere
Both the property owners and the tenants are impressed by the lighting atmosphere. The high-quality luminaires form a skilful symbiosis with the historic interiors. In addition, the VIOR lamp is equally suitable for contemporary residential architecture, historical rooms and commercial buildings: «The simple design and precise lighting is always convincing», Bosshard continues. As a classic architectural practice with an additional focus on interior design, the architects have successfully taken the lighting design into their own hands. «The entire cooperation with RIBAG was very pleasant and constructive. The manufacturer was able to score with fast reaction time, technical know-how and customer friendliness», he concludes his remarks.

The use of high-quality VIOR lamps not only makes the vicarage shine in new splendor. With optimized energy balance in the lighting, the vicarage is also equipped for the upcoming decades.