Cologne-based architecture firm JSWD Architekten, which won first prize in the 2017 competition, has completed the extension and renovation of the historic town hall in Brühl city centre.
The project, which replaces an annex from the 1960s, includes an integrated city library and a redesigned Janshof Square. It offers a 5,200 m² mixed-use building that meets modern needs with its historic fabric. The construction of the town hall and library was completed in November 2023. The complete renovation of Janshof Square is planned to be completed in 2025.
Design Approach, Urban Integration
JSWD’s design continues the massing of the existing historic town hall, creating an independent volume that reflects the urban structure of Brühl’s old town centre.
The new building, made of light-coloured clinker brick, creates a monolithic impression that extends up to its gabled roof. The building, with its stepped gabled roofs consisting of three interlocking volumes, gains lightness from the brick gaps in the façade. The perforated brick facades filter the incoming light.
The main entrances of the new building face Steinweg Street and Janshof Square. They are connected to the entrance of the historic building on the ground floor at Markt Square, making it easier for visitors to find their way around.
Spatial Organization
The Brühl Town Hall preserves its historic essence and offers a contemporary approach to public services. The renovated historic building houses the municipality and civil registry offices, while the administrative offices are located on the upper floor.
The library spreads over all floors. The children’s library in the basement benefits from abundant natural light thanks to the large openings to the reading courtyard. The project provides barrier-free access on all levels and offers flexible use areas.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
The project was built with a sustainable approach, focusing on maximum preservation of the old building core. Energy and heat are provided by a combined heat and power plant (cogeneration plant). Solutions such as triple-glazed windows, high use of natural light, external solar control systems and concrete core activation provide energy savings.
Redefining Janshof Square
Another important component of the project is the redesign of Janshof Square behind the town hall. The square has been largely freed from vehicle traffic and transformed into an urban meeting and event space.
About JSWD Architekten
JSWD Architekten, headquartered in Cologne, is an internationally renowned and experienced architecture firm. The firm, founded by Olaf Drehsen and Frederik Jaspert, employs around 240 people from 30 different countries. Since its founding, the firm has built more than 60 buildings in Germany and other European countries, mostly through competitions.
Its areas of expertise are primarily educational and research buildings, office construction, housing, healthcare, culture and urban neighborhood planning. In its designs, the firm uses a few, clearly defined elements to create clear hierarchies for buildings and exterior spaces.
Project Credits
Project Name: Brühl Town Hall and Library
Location: Steinweg 1, 50321 Brühl, Germany
Architects: JSWD Architekten, Cologne
Competition: 1st Prize, 2017
Completion:
Town Hall and Library: November 2023
Janshof Square: 2025
Gross Floor Area (GFA): Approx. 5,200 m²
Client: City of Brühl (Stadt Brühl)
Collaborators:
Landscape Architecture: RMP Landschaftsarchitekten
Interior Architecture and Library Planning: UKW Innenarchitekten
Planning of the Implementation: mo architekten
Photo: Franco Casaccia, Christa Lachenmaier, Jens Kirchner, Taufik Kenan, Schmitz.Reichard GmbH
Photos courtesy of v2com
More Detail
