A comprehensive renovation and expansion project has transformed a deteriorating 1970s community hall in Kirchheim am Neckar into a modern multi-generational hub, featuring a distinctive rust-red weathering steel facade. Stuttgart-based asp Architekten led the €14.2 million project under the motto "One Hall for All," creating a versatile 4,600-square-meter facility that serves the community from early morning until late evening.
The original community hall, built in the 1970s and including a swimming pool, had reached the end of its useful life and required fundamental renovation. The city of Kirchheim am Neckar identified additional needs for a kindergarten and expanded sports facilities, prompting the comprehensive redevelopment project. The architects chose to preserve the western section of approximately 2,000 square meters while completely demolishing and rebuilding the eastern portion with 2,600 square meters of new space.
The building's striking new appearance draws inspiration from its hillside location on the northwestern edge of town, where vineyards create a dramatic backdrop. The weathering steel cladding, known as Corten steel, replaces the original gray metal panels and takes its rust-red coloration from the autumn hues of the surrounding vineyards. This durable, low-maintenance material helps the cubic structure integrate more harmoniously with the landscape while providing a contemporary architectural statement.
The renovated western wing houses functions stacked across multiple levels, with the swimming pool occupying the ground floor and featuring a full glass facade opening to the forecourt. A sports hall with changing rooms fills the basement level, primarily serving local sports clubs. The crown jewel of this section is the event hall on the upper floor, which can accommodate up to 800 people and also opens to the forecourt through floor-to-ceiling glazing.
The completely rebuilt eastern section was specifically designed to accommodate the new kindergarten, which spans all three floors and can serve up to 60 children. This section includes group rooms, play areas, a cafeteria, and administrative offices. The kindergarten side of the building features narrow vertical window openings that create a more intimate, child-scaled facade composition, contrasting with the expansive glazing on the community hall side.
A crucial existing element, the elongated connecting structure between the two main wings, was preserved and serves as the vital link between different functions. This section houses both the main entrance and a secondary rear entrance, with full glazing at both entry points creating visual connections to the surrounding landscape. The continuation of the Corten steel surfaces into the interior, combined with a series of skylights, enhances the passage-like character of this transitional space.
The project represents a significant investment in community infrastructure, with the total construction cost reaching approximately €14.2 million. The facility now serves as a true intergenerational meeting place, accommodating everything from early childhood education and sports activities to large community events and swimming. The building's design successfully balances the diverse programmatic requirements while creating a cohesive architectural identity through the unifying Corten steel facade treatment.
