The new town hall develops its identity from the principle of building on.
Although the existing building is being demolished, the new one is based on the proven motifs of its predecessor. The building site remains the same. Building materials and materials are reused.
The gabled street line and simple building form of the existing building is taken up as a design principle. However, a new presence in the urban fabric is created by exaggerating the typical local motif. In terms of visibility, the building once again fulfils its function as a town hall.
The town hall now stands out clearly in the cityscape without being a foreign body.
The balance of vertical proportions and horizontal fenestration also remains a defining design motif of the new façade. Components from the previous building that are still usable, such as the beamed ceilings and the roof truss of the existing building, are integrated into the new construction.
By arranging the spatial programme on 5 storeys, the footprint of the building can be kept compact in order to allow for adequate circulation between Alte Hauptstrasse and Gaberstallgasse via Rathausgasse.
The project focuses on sustainability and efficient resource utilisation. A resource-efficient circular economy must work to utilise all available and recyclable secondary raw materials in construction in order to replace primary raw materials. A high degree of recyclability can be achieved due to the disintegrated construction method and predominantly plugged and screwed component connections.
The proposed timber construction method and the maximum utilisation of secondary building materials, including in the load-bearing structure, allow CO2 to be saved in the eco-balance of the construction. Our implementation strategy initially envisages checking all available secondary raw materials in the existing building for their recycling potential and only replacing them with primary materials if there is any doubt.
During the planning phase, a life cycle assessment of the entire construction project is included in all material decisions as an ongoing service. All building materials are produced and processed regionally wherever possible. Gluing is not used when joining the construction. Plug-in and screw connections are favoured.
Textile coverings are only sourced from manufacturers with ‘Cradle to Cradle’ certificates and laid using Velcro. All concrete elements are made from RC concrete. Depending on the fire protection and pressure requirements, only hemp or wood wool is used for the insulation.
City of Schömberg
GFA: 1.900 qm
Storeys: 1UG, 4 full storeys + 1 attic storey
Building class: 4
Roof shape: Gable roof
Construction: timber construction with re-use from the existing town hall