Nestled in the vineyards and rolling hills of the Rheingau, Johannisberg Monastery in Geisenheim has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally constructed as a hydrotherapy spa in 1920, the complex expanded with the addition of a monastery church in 1928 and a Benedictine convent in 1956. After the Benedictine sisters transferred the property to another religious order in 1991, it was reimagined in 2006 as a conference hotel and event venue. The Frankfurt-based architectural practice schneider+schumacher, collaborating with Buero Weller, undertook a sensitive restoration and modernization of the church, cloister, and rectory. The design approach was exemplary: the historic character was carefully preserved while new interventions are unmistakably contemporary in their expression, creating a seamless dialogue between old and new.

Energy efficiency improvements began with the exterior walls, which were coated with a specialized aerogel insulating plaster that enhances thermal performance while respecting the monastery's characteristic fenestration. The cloister's parapet was raised and aligned with the hotel building's cornice, while windows throughout were updated to current standards and unified in design—a subtle move that strengthened the visual coherence of the whole. The church remains the spiritual heart of the complex. Its newly whitewashed surfaces allow the luminous stained glass to shine brilliantly, while acoustic timber slats seamlessly integrate the heating systems into the design without compromising the sacred atmosphere. The result is a flexible, multipurpose space that maintains its ecclesiastical dignity while accommodating concerts and seminars with equal grace.

The rectory now houses state-of-the-art conference and seminar facilities, while the lower church has been thoughtfully converted into four suites suitable for holiday rentals. By carefully weighing modern enhancements against the preservation of existing fabric, the architects have ensured that this cultural landmark remains vital and relevant for generations to come.

www.schneider-schumacher.de
www.buero-weller.de

Photos:
Sabine Schirdewahn
www.sabineschirdewahn.de

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|24)