The Catholic Schutzengelkirche Gräfendorf, constructed in 1966, shows the typical building defects of that time. Since the building is only occasionally air heated its outside walls and windows are exposed to large temperature differences during the cold seasons, causing heavy down draughts. The result: an uncomfortable indoor environment, high heating costs and a detuned organ.

In contrast to initial assumptions, the preservation of the church and its inventory is much more economical than the construction of a new and smaller building complying with conventional energy standards.
The redevelopment plan includes a consistent thermal insulation, the integration of a storage technology in conjunction with a tracking solar thermal system and a wood pellet boiler for peak coverage. The ambitious goal: a reduction of primary energy consumption of 34,100 kWh per year and a reduction of carbon emissions by fou to 48 tons per year.
The feasibility was demonstrated within the integrated planning concept. Also the adjoining nursing home can benefit from the redevelopment. The concept also includes further properties.

The operating architecture firm Haase is going to heat up the church without using a single liter of oil. The basic idea: converting the building into an energy storage system. The special insulation prevents heat loss, solar collectors provide energy and a heat pump generates geothermal heat. Instead of an air, a radiant heating system with ventilation will be installed on the church walls and thus provide a pleasant climate.
This best practice model has been supported by the DBU with € 50,000.

Despite the inconveniences during the redevelopment periode the restructuring is supported by the members of the parish. During the construction phase service is held in a protestant church. In November 2009 a last service was held in the Schuzengelkirche. Due to the already completet good insulation temperatures in the church were clearly higher than before – even without the windows that had been removed for improvement.


Project Operation
Pfarrgemeinde Gräfendorf
Wolfsmünster
Am Schloss 12
97782 Gräfendorf
Telefon: 09357 288