Haven’t you noticed how the Erlöserkirche Farmsen seems to stand apart? It marks the beginning of modern church construction in Hamburg. Let me tell you more about this unique building.
The Erlöserkirche Farmsen is nestled between Bramfelder Weg and Am Luisenhof. It is part of the garden city of Farmsen designed by Hans Bernhard Reichow and Otto Gülk. Kurt Schwarze led the construction from 1957 to 1960. The church combines modern and traditional elements. Its unique design makes it a notable post-war church in Hamburg.
The church’s nave features two interlocking concrete shells. These shells are clad in aluminum and have a parabolic cross-section. They fold open to create window slits. The east and west facades boast elaborate brickwork. This brickwork features nuanced patterns. The exterior and interior designs are consistent. A slender 37-meter-high concrete tower rises. A 4-meter cross crowns the tower. A low connecting structure links it to the nave. This design is typical of the period.
Over time additional buildings have been added. These buildings loosely surround the Erlöserkirche Farmsen. Today the pastor’s residence, community center, and kindergarten are nearby.
Bernhard Hirche restored the entire church in 1995. He changed the interior’s color scheme. Originally contrasting colors became shades of white and gray.
The interior is known for its clever lighting. Ulrich Knispel designed the window slits’ glazing. The light inside feels indirect. The altar area stands out brightly. It is slightly wider and higher than the rest of the space. A band of glass connects the space. Light increases noticeably towards the altar. Many elements are typical of the church’s time. These include stained-glass round windows above the entrance. Also irregular sound holes are in the altar wall. These holes add visual interest. They are precisely calculated for excellent acoustics.
The windows face east. They illuminate the altar in the morning. Usually the altar stands in the west. Sunlight creates ever-changing colors during morning services.
Robert Müller-Warnke created the bronze relief above the altar. It depicts the head of the crucified Christ. This relief was crucial for naming the church. He also designed the baptismal font and altar candlesticks. Ragna Sperschneider designed the communion set. It was specially made for this church.
Four bronze bells reside in the tower. Schilling bell foundry cast them in Heidelberg in 1959.
In 1961 plans for an organ began. However it was not until 1967 that it was realized. Karl Theodor Kühn and Herbert Schulze designed the organ. Friedrich Euler’s firm built it. Soon after installation, Orgelbau Becker deemed it a faulty design. They said it could not be maintained or repaired. Others confirmed this assessment later.
In 1989, the decision to build a new organ was made. Manfred Teßmer and Michael Gellermann created the design. Rudolf von Beckerath Orgelbau completed the instrument in 1995. It has 18 stops.
Since 1999, the Erlöserkirche Farmsen has been a protected monument. Its unique architecture and rich history create a lasting impression. This blends art, faith, and community. It stands as a testament to Hamburg’s post-war renewal.