The St. Konrad community centre in Neuss is an independent "town centre" in the village. The striking church and the ensemble of individual buildings together form the church square. The church tower, the existing church and the new building consisting of the parish hall and kindergarten define a square space that signals openness, has an inviting effect and offers security. The baptistery is left free in this square structure and thus takes on a special significance. Through this subdivision and the chosen roof shape, the complex preserves the urban grain of the place and carries it forward.
A striking design element for the new building is the red brick, which corresponds with the brick of the existing church without losing its independence. This forms the visible surface in the façade and roof covering and gives the building its unique selling point and sculptural character. In this way, the individual bodies emerge in their volumes.
The visible division of the group building into differentiated structures makes the scale tangible, especially for children, and the parts of the building can be distinguished in their functions. The parish hall, with its own foyer, and the kindergarten each have separate courtyards and can be accessed from the church square. The single-storey kindergarten is reached via a bright corridor that separates the group rooms from the staff rooms and the parish hall. This creates a connection between the buildings. At the same time, a joint is formed, which serves to clearly separate the functions and ensures easy orientation. The individual group rooms and their ancillary areas, which in turn are separated by small courtyards, open up to a play garden. The general rooms, such as the staff room and kitchen, are located on the church square and can be accessed separately.
The furnishings of the building are dominated by natural materials and colours. The large windows in the group rooms, atriums and in the hallway create pleasant natural light. The material wood dominates the furnishings and contrasts with the brick present on the outside. In addition to the wooden windows and parquet floors, the ceilings of the areas that connect the individual small houses are designed as a visible larch wood construction. The furnishing elements of the building complex are also kept in natural materials and colours to match the overall concept.
Photos: Dorothea Heiermann
Text: Architekturbüro Paul Böhm GmbH
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