Catholic Community Centre, built centuries apart but forming a well-matched ensemble
Liebel/Architekten BDA
Public Space
/
Completed
The distinctive Baroque church stands at the heart of three Catholic parishes but was – until recently at least – located some distance from its community centre. Now, the two buildings sit side by side. Constructed some three centuries apart, they form a well-matched ensemble, the new community centre offering a window onto the church opposite. The newbuild provides a clever response to a tricky site wedged between road, railway line and car park. Ancillary rooms are positioned to conceal the railway from the foyer and the events hall, both of which have generous openings onto the atrium and can be extended outside when more space is required. A quarter of the almost square structure is given over to the courtyard: a large reception and events space enclosed by a slatted timber facade that turns its back on the road and car park and provides a visual link between interior and exterior. The transparency of the cladding structure varies according to orientation and, like the skylight in the hall, creates an attractive play of light and shadow. Chair storage and IT/media services are hidden behind wall panelling that frames a deep window reveal and inviting window seat. The material concept used inside is simple, high quality and sustainable with floors, windows, doors and all interior fittings in oak. More compact than its predecessor, the newbuild also promises a considerably longer useful life thanks to its combination of multi-functionality and rental space.
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A quarter of the almost square structure is given over to the courtyard
Brigida González
Foyer and event hall have generous openings onto the atrium and can be extended outside when more space is required
Brigida González
The large reception and events space is enclosed by a slatted timber facade
Brigida González
Ancillary rooms are positioned to conceal the railway from the foyer and the events hall
Brigida González
Although constructed some three centuries apart, the two buildings form a well-matched ensemble
Brigida González
More compact than its predecessor, the newbuild also promises a considerably longer useful life thanks to its combination of multi-functionality and rental space.
Brigida González
The new community centre offers a window onto the church opposite.
Brigida González
The slatted timber facade turns its back on the road and car park and provides a visual link between interior and exterior
Brigida González
Chair storage and IT/media services are hidden behind wall panelling that frames a deep window reveal and inviting window seat
Brigida González
The slatted timber facade and the skylight in the hall create an attractive play of light and shadow.
Brigida González
The material concept used inside is simple, high quality and sustainable with floors, windows, doors and all interior fittings in oak
Liebel/Architekten BDA was founded in 2000 by Bernd Liebel. It’s based in Aalen, Germany.
One main focus is on the sustainable design of buildings. The projects of Liebel/Architekten has received numerous, international architecture and sustainable architecture awards.
A total of 25 architects working on projects in these areas: residential, commercial, educational, care and office