A Dynamic Gateway
A parish house completes the new architectural ensemble surrounding St. Hippolytus in Troisdorf.
The Catholic parish centre "Hippolytushaus" establishes a striking architectural landmark at Troisdorf's city entrance. Part of the Archdiocese of Cologne's building ensemble, it sits alongside the historic St. Hippolytus church and the new "Familienzentrum Hippolytusgarten" kindergarten. Both the Hippolytushaus and kindergarten were designed and realized by Stuttgart-based architects Atelier Brückner.
The parish centre is conceived as a radiating gateway to the city. Its three building facades present a striking composition. Large, fully glazed "gates" create an inviting threshold, positioned at the heart of the two-storey structure. An isosceles triangle marked on the floor – paired with a circular skylight above – emphasizes this central focus. Three symmetrical wings extend from this core, flanking the generous, light-filled central void while housing support spaces. Clad in wooden slats, these wings read as unified, self-contained elements. Their disciplined exteriors gain visual dynamism through their concave curves. The outer walls and cantilevered exposed concrete soffit draw the eye inward. Slender, full-height beech plywood panels define the spatial experience, while secondary spaces and built-ins remain subtly appointed in white. The exposed screed flooring in anthracite grey echoes the stone paving outside, creating a visual continuity as the plaza flows seamlessly through the building's threshold.
At approximately 1,200 m², the parish centre functions as a dynamic public gathering space, designed for diverse uses. The generous gates open into a foyer with integrated vestibule and two flexible halls—one for cultural events and pastoral activities, the other hosting the Tafelcafé. Secondary spaces accommodate the stairwell, storage, and restroom facilities. The ground floor also features an expansive kitchen and the Lotsenpunkt counselling centre. Above, the upper floor houses the Troisdorf pastoral team's offices, quiet meeting rooms, and a luminous assembly hall.
Within its mixed urban context, the three-part ensemble achieves remarkable coherence as a unified architectural statement. The community centre functions as a welcoming gateway to the city, transforming itself into a vital urban gathering place for the entire community.
Photography Credits:
Daniel Stauch
www.danielstauch.com
(Featured in CUBE Cologne Bonn 02|22)
Sculptural and Present
New lighting concept at Cologne Cathedral reduces energy consumption and light pollution
Industrial heritage reimagined
In the New Railway Town, a historic railway structure has been given new life as a modern office building.
Flowing Clarity
The floor plan merges exterior and interior as one unified space.
Modern Refinement
A detached house from the 1930s is being reorganised and redesigned.