Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes: a stone ceiling

Swiss architects Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes have recently completed a striking coverage for the archaeological site of the abbey of Saint Maurice, in Switzerland, suspending 170 tonnes of stones over the site.

Situated against a cliff, in a section of the road between Geneva and the Simplon Pass, the abbey was built almost 1500 years ago. Although this particular site was likely chosen for the protection given by the cliff, throughout the history rockslides have caused several damages: in 1611, a huge rock fall caused the destruction of the abbey, while in 1942, a rock destroyed the cross-spire and portal-nave of the building. These constant rockslides have marked the site throughout history.

The new roof seeks to express the constant danger the site has been exposed to, offering protection while giving the interior a calm and contemplative ambience. It is built above the fundamental buildings in order to keep the dialogue between the facades and the cliff. The "stone-roof" serves as a filter for light and produces an evenly spread and regular illumination.

The structure is defined by several crossbeams standing on three main supports. The main beams are secured to the cliff walls. The mass of stones on top of the structure absorbs wind blasts.

Coverage of the archaeological ruins of the abbey of Saint Maurice
Client: Abbaye de St-Maurice
Architects: Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes
Civil Engineers: Alpatec SA
Draft order: 2004
Achieving coverage: 2009 – 2010
Cost coverage: 2.000.000 CHF
Area: 1400 square metres