In the New Apostolic Church in Greven, a colorful stained glass window in the form of a circumferential band of windows has been created in the sanctuary, creating a deliberate contrast to the clear architecture. Starting with the theme: The cycle of life – represented by the reference to seasons, cardinal points and phases of life interpreted in color. Each side of the band of windows is assigned its own theme.
This modern church window consists of 32 glass elements of 1 × 3 meters each and runs above the regular window zones in the upper part of the room. The design is based on free paintings with watercolor, acrylic and paper, which were worked into a coherent composition.
Process
From sketches to production
The technical implementation was carried out using traditional glass painting in combination with modern airbrush technology. Each glass surface was designed in several layers of paint, baked at a high temperature and processed into toughened safety glass (ESG).
The combination of both painting techniques enables a particularly differentiated elaboration of color gradients as well as the implementation of large-scale elements with high luminosity. Partial sandblasting on the second level of glass softly diffuses the light, giving colors and shapes a strong presence in the room and creating the effect of a luminous canvas. In combination with insulating glazing, the result is a stained glass window that will last for decades and meet all energy efficiency and safety requirements.
Part of the painting was deliberately executed on the side of the glass facing the interior. This reduces the reflection and intensifies the connection between the design and the room.
Over the course of the day, the appearance changes due to the changing incidence of light. Colors and shapes react to the natural light and change the spatial effect – calm, restrained or intense, depending on the situation. The result is a lively interplay of design, space and light – and a work that creates atmosphere and precisely supports the character of the room.
Installation
Impressions from the construction site
