The medieval church in Alskog, Gotland is undergoing a restoration project that includes an innovative solution to address high heating costs: a glass wall. According to SVT Östergötland, the church has been without proper heating for four years since its oil boiler broke down. During this period, temperatures during services reportedly reached only 12-13 degrees Celsius using portable heaters.
Linda Anderberg Gustafson, bell ringer at Fardhem-Garda parish, acknowledged the challenging situation: "No one has been particularly pleased, but at the same time I think visitors understand given the energy prices in recent years." The current restoration includes installing new heating in the church pews and portable fans to pre-heat the space to around 15-16 degrees.
No one has been particularly pleased, but at the same time I think visitors understand given the energy prices in recent years.
The key innovation is a glass wall that will separate the tower room, allowing only part of the church to be heated during services. Victor Proos, church restorer at Gotlandsbyggen, explained the challenge: "The walls aren't straight. We also want to make as few interventions as possible considering it's a medieval church." The solution aims to balance historical preservation with practical energy efficiency in the face of rising costs.
The walls aren't straight. We also want to make as few interventions as possible considering it's a medieval church.