With the extension and renovation of the listed town hall in Brühl, the Cologne-based architectural firm JSWD has realized a project for the sensitive handling of historical buildings. Following a design competition in 2017, the building was put into operation in November 2023. The total gross floor area is around 5,200 square meters and, in addition to the town hall extension, includes an integrated city library and the redesign of the adjacent Janshof as a town square.
The challenge was to replace the existing extension from the 1960s and at the same time create a contemporary extension that both does justice to the listed old building and sets new urban accents. While the historic main façade of the town hall is oriented towards the market square, the extension develops its presence in the direction of Steinweg and in particular towards Janshof.
The design picks up on the differentiated urban spaces of Brühl’s old town by linking the three entrance situations – Markt, Steinweg and Janshof – on the first floor. This strategy creates a functional and spatial link between the existing historical buildings and contemporary additions.
The new building reinterprets the cubature of the monument and develops an independent building volume consisting of three interlocking structures. The gabled view of the staggered front building reflects the proportions of the old town and blends harmoniously into the existing urban fabric.
The material-appropriate implementation of the façade design is particularly noteworthy. The sand-colored brick not only gives the building good legibility, but also differentiates functionally between the various areas of use. Large incisions mark the entrances, perforated façades mark the office floors, while filter masonry screens off the library areas. The light-colored brick also consistently clads the roof surfaces, reinforcing the cubic effect of the new building.
The functional structure of the building follows a well thought-out concept that takes into account the different visitor frequencies and opening times. All rooms – from the wedding room to the service center to the multifunctional hall and the library – are arranged in such a way that they can be accessed independently. This flexibility enables both efficient operational management and synergy effects by linking different functions.
The new foyer with its spacious, real wood veneered counter acts as a central point of contact and combines the functions of citizen service and tourist information. A metal mesh curtain allows it to be closed outside operating hours.
The city library is spread over several floors according to theme, taking into account different acoustic requirements and spatial references. The central information desk is located on the second floor, while the children’s library in the basement is characterized by walk-in, colourfully designed built-in furniture and a naturally lit reading courtyard. This differentiated spatial arrangement creates specific atmospheres for different user groups.
The project is characterized by high energy standards, with maximum preservation of the old building fabric. Energy and heat are supplied by a combined heat and power plant. Triple-glazed windows, a high daylight yield, external sun protection and partial concrete activation guarantee reduced energy requirements. These measures demonstrate how contemporary energy efficiency can also be achieved in listed buildings.
The transformation of the former parking lot at Janshof into an attractive urban space is a key component of Brühl’s inner city development. The continuous, barrier-free paving and the reduction to a few design elements create clarity and transparency within the heterogeneous peripheral development.
The concept of “shared space” eliminates the separation between traffic and pedestrians and leads to a significant reduction in driving speeds. The northern side of the square facing the town hall remains car-free and is suitable for outdoor gastronomy, while twenty parking spaces are arranged in the shade of a grove of trees to the south.
