Germany's 638 local courts handle legal matters at the lower court level—74 of them in Bavaria alone. The Kaufbeuren Local Court has gained a striking, contemporary addition that complements two historic structures from 1805 and 1890. Located in the city's south end and nearly identical in their neoclassical design, these original buildings now flank a new, elongated trapezoidal structure that bridges them together. Facing the street, the new building is deliberately restrained—single-storey and understated. But step around back toward Jordanpark, and it reveals itself through a strikingly unconventional vocabulary of form. A dark, textured metal façade sets it deliberately apart from the plaster finishes of its neighbors. The design emerged from a competitive VgV selection process (first prize), developed by Augsburg-based löhle neubauer architects (phases 1–5), with construction management by local firm mse Architekten (phases 6–9). The project also encompassed comprehensive renovation of both heritage buildings. This extension houses a mix of public and restricted functions. Visitors entering on Ganghoferstraße step into a generous ground-level foyer—home to a citizens' office and meeting spaces. The building's rear responds to the site's natural slope, opening two stories toward the park to the east. Five courtrooms, each recessed half a level and lined with floor-to-ceiling glass, radiate from the foyer. From these rooms, occupants enjoy unexpected views of verdant parkland. The metal façade's dark tone reappears in select interior elements and furnishings, while exposed concrete walls establish an almost austere quality throughout. Terrazzo floors—made from locally sourced aggregate—run the length of the building. Skylights set into the flat roof flood the interior with natural light, while rooftop photovoltaic panels supply supplementary power. It's a daring design, functional yet unconventional for a civic building of this type—and all the more compelling for it.

www.loehle-neubauer.de

Photography:
Brigida Gonzalez
www.brigidagonzalez.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 04|25)