The neo-Romanesque St. Joseph parish church and its adjoining vicarage sit adjacent to Langenfeld's pedestrian zone, yet historically appeared isolated and disconnected from the surrounding shopping developments. To reimagine the site as a vibrant community hub, a design competition was launched—won by Cologne-based HMW Architects. Their award-winning expansion masterfully reframes the historic landmark and draws it into active dialogue with the pedestrian thoroughfare.

The expansion integrates the consolidated municipal administration of eight communities, cemetery management, a public library, youth centre facilities, and a multipurpose parish hall. The parish sought to establish a stronger, more visible presence along Solinger Straße, positioning itself—quite literally—"front and centre" among the local retail landscape. The former parish grounds were envisioned as flexible spaces serving both the faith community and the broader public. The restored vicarage is anchored by a linear extension that bends toward Solinger Straße, aligning with the adjacent shopping centre. A cubic volume running parallel to the historic building defines a sequence of intimate public courts, their interior connections marked by colonnade-like rows of exposed concrete openings. Ground-level spaces—the parish office, community hall with foyer, youth centre, and library (housed in the listed vicarage)—serve high-traffic functions, while upper floors contain quieter administrative areas, clergy spaces, archives, and meeting rooms. A continuous circulation spine unifies all spaces. Red brick—matching the original structure—lends visual coherence and calm, with the interplay of positive and negative forms introducing sacred ornamentation through contemporary means. Interior finishes include slim-profile aluminium windows, warm oak flooring and panelling throughout, and durable tile in high-traffic zones—all fully accessible. Roof-mounted photovoltaics, high-performance glazing, and partial climate control achieve sustainable energy performance.

www.hmw-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Jann Höfer
www.jannhoefer.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 03|21)