Margot Krasojevic Architects proudly present a groundbreaking project designed to deliver renewable energy to faith communities through a newly-designed cliffside chapel in Medjurecje, Montenegro. This innovative structure harnesses wind energy to power itself and the surrounding areas. Situated between the coastal towns of Kotor and Budva, the Thermodynamic Wind Turbine Chapel and Club combines sustainability, technology, and a respect for the region’s rugged natural beauty.
Montenegro’s rich history is marked by the convergence of religion and politics. The landscape has been a refuge for Orthodox Christians since the 1600s, offering sanctuary from the Ottoman Empire and later conflicts. Today, the country is known for its dramatic scenery, which includes vertiginous mountain ranges, dense forests, and a picturesque Adriatic coastline. This historical and geographical backdrop sets the stage for Margot Krasojevic Architects’ latest venture, which aims to blend the ancient and modern through innovative design.
The project site is a disused, partly constructed tunnel with retaining cliff walls, an ideal location for capturing the prevailing Bora wind that sweeps through the region. Margot Krasojevic Architects have ingeniously integrated wind turbines into the chapel’s walls, creating a structure that stands as an example of renewable energy. The design employs Archimedes spiral turbines, known for their resilience and efficiency, to convert wind into electricity, effectively transforming the chapel into a self-sustaining energy source.
The chapel’s design reflects a dynamic approach to the harsh Montenegrin landscape. The wind turbine walls are arranged to accelerate the Bora wind, maximizing energy output. This innovative use of technology ensures that the chapel can generate sufficient power to illuminate the treacherous coastal roads, enhancing safety for both locals and tourists. By harnessing the power of the wind, the chapel not only respects the natural environment but also actively contributes to the community’s well-being.
In addition to its practical benefits, the chapel serves as a cultural and social hub. The structure includes spaces for worship, music, and dance, reflecting the vibrant local traditions and the nearby raves and music festivals. This multifaceted approach to design encourages congregation and community, drawing parallels with the historic pilgrimage to Ostrog. The chapel’s design features piezoelectric cells embedded in the dance floors, capturing kinetic energy from movement to generate additional electricity, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
The Thermodynamic Wind Turbine Chapel and Club is a testament to Margot Krasojevic Architects’ vision of integrating renewable energy into architectural design. The chapel exemplifies how modern architecture can harmonize with historical and natural contexts, offering a model for future projects that seek to balance tradition, technology, and environmental responsibility.
Technical sheet
Official name of the project: Thermodynamic wind turbine chapel and club
Location: Montenegro, Kotor
Client: SHANGHAIMETAL
Architects/Designers: Margot Krasojevic
Project manager: Margot Krasojevic
