In the western German town of Brühl, JSWD has completed an extension to the listed town hall alongside a redesign of the adjacent Janshof square. The new volume, which integrates the municipal library, replaces a 1960s annex that was no longer fit for purpose, transforming the ensemble with a contemporary addition. A particular challenge lay in connecting the new building to the historic town hall structure while carrying out its renovation in line with heritage requirements. The result is an accessible, future-oriented town hall that meets today’s energy standards, offers flexibility of use, and promotes interaction by combining a wide range of civic functions.
A monolithic extension in pale clinker
The extension develops the form of the listed town hall into a new, independent volume composed of three interlocking gabled structures. The volume appears as a pale clinker monolith, its sand-coloured, slurry-coated brick cladding running seamlessly across facades and pitched roofs. Staggered masses and interwoven rooflines lighten the overall composition, while perforated brickwork introduces a sense of transparency. The articulation of the envelope reinforces legibility: large cuts mark the entrances, regular punched openings identify the office floors, and filtered masonry screens the library. By extending the clinker envelope from walls to roofs and even the perforated gables, the project achieves a sculptural clarity that reinforces its contemporary civic presence.
A civic heart for Brühl
Inside, the new foyer serves as the civic heart, opening to the pedestrian zone and to the mainly car-free Janshof. Here visitors are welcomed by a large wood-veneered reception desk that combines citizen services and tourist information, which can be closed off with a metal mesh curtain outside operating hours. Functions such as the registry office, service centre, multipurpose hall, and library are arranged to allow independent access and tailored opening times. The library spans several floors, with themes distributed to suit different acoustic and spatial requirements. In the basement, the children’s library unfolds around playful, walk-in furniture elements and connects directly to a naturally lit reading courtyard.
Redesigning Janshof as public space
The project also reshapes the urban realm. The former car park at Janshof has been transformed into a fully paved, barrier-free civic square, creating new public space for events and daily encounters. The north side of the square, facing the town hall, remains car-free and is suitable for outdoor dining. To the south, a number of standard and accessible parking spaces sit beneath a grove of trees.
The redesign relies on a restrained material palette and continuous paving to bring clarity to the square. In the future, potential infill buildings could further strengthen Janshof’s urban character.
Building with heritage and sustainability in mind
Sustainability was integral to the design. The project preserved as much of the historic fabric as possible, while a combined heat and power plant supplies the building’s energy needs. Triple-glazed windows, ample daylight, and external solar protection are combined with concrete core activation to reduce energy demand. The result is a town hall and library that merges past and present, creating a civic landmark with a long-term perspective.
