# Sunken Scandinavian Sanctuaries Vaaler Kirke Church is a New Take on an Old Architectural Language By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-07-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vaaler-kirke References: [suckerpunchdaily](http://www.suckerpunchdaily.com/2012/07/05/vaaler-kirke/) Apart from the distinctively natural Nordic cladding of the Vaaler Kirke (church), this project seems to flaunt a formal manifestation without roots in past architectural styles. But this impression would not be correct. The [elegant Danish lumber-cloaked chapel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vejrhj-house) embodies a Baroque-appropriated form that's been adapted for a dramatic contemporary structure. The timeless arch shape features here in a surprisingly reversed orientation, becoming a sort of symbolic catenary study that references the slung appearance of draped ornaments within antique places of worship -- be them carved decorations or separate trimmings. From the exterior, the beholder is confronted with one massive [inverted vault](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/catalejo) and from the inside, with several gracefully sagging rows of rafters. To complement these engaging geometries in the Vaaler Kirke is the regular but rough skin of [slender shingles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paviljong-rosendal). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Reversing Architectural Orientations:** Opportunity for architects to explore creative uses of traditional architectural forms in a reversed orientation. - **Baroque Adaptation:** Potential for artists and designers to incorporate Baroque elements into contemporary structures for dramatic effect. - **Engaging Geometries:** Opportunity to create visually captivating structures by playing with sagging rows of rafters and unique exterior vaults. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects can push boundaries by experimenting with reversed orientations, Baroque adaptations, and engaging geometries in their designs. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can draw inspiration from the Vaaler Kirke to create unconventional and visually stunning spaces. - **Construction Materials:** The use of Danish lumber, unique shingles, and traditional building materials opens new avenues for construction material suppliers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reflection-Encouraging Cohesive Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hjvangen-church.md) - [Albanian Sleek Concrete Chuches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/narac-church.md) - [Sacred Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten.md) - [Denmark Suburban Modern Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treroner-church.md) - [Scandinavian Stone Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-chamber.md) - [Inverted Boat Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-barca.md) - [Beautiful Forest-Enclosed Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-church-of-julong.md) - [Hillside Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chapel-of-st-thrse-of-lisieux.md) - [Modern Tuscan Chapel Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pailunga-tuscan-chapel.md)