Concrete was celebrated in Royan - down to the last detail. This is convincingly confirmed by the entrance to the church of Notre Dame. It is protected by a far projecting, simply folded roof. The shape is reminiscent of a paper plane and, in addition to the function of protection, has  undoubtedly in mind to show how bold and filigree it can be to build with concrete.

The effect of the church interior is decisively characterized by the clear organization of vertical and horizontal elements. The primary structure consists of tall, slim V-pillars (invented by Bernard Lafaille). It is subordinate to the slightly receding, horizontally aligned layer: the passageway, which is visible on the outside as a glass corridor. The walkway corresponds to the gallery and is bounded by balustrades with V-shaped balusters. Corresponding balustrades can also be found above the altar room which is raised by a few steps and whose back wall opens into a large, high triangular window.

The ceiling illustrates the load transfer: The strongest pressure rests in the middle which explains the use of the steel tie rod at this point. It prevents the supports from being pushed outwards due to excessive roof load. So, statically a clear as well as complex solution which was favored by the lightness of the thin roof.

The nave flanks a low, two-storey aisle. The gallery is supported by a freestanding row of columns and has no spatial connection to the outer wall.

Special thanks to Prof. Dr. Kerstin Wittmann-Englert

Renovated in 2018.