Built in 1902, the old town hall in Essen-Bredeney has served many purposes over the decades before falling into disuse. So when VSI Architects began their extensive restoration in autumn 2022, the dramatic transformation of this prominent landmark immediately captured the attention of the neighbourhood's residents and visitors alike.

Completed in April 2024, the historic structure now gleams with renewed vitality, complemented by a deliberately understated modern addition on its rear façade. "The new stairwell integrates seamlessly with the whole, honouring the original materials and colour palette while asserting its own contemporary presence through clean geometry and refined minimalism," notes project lead Tobias Janßen. Both phases of the project demanded careful navigation of strict heritage protection regulations and achieving consensus on the functional modifications required for contemporary office use. Working closely with Essen's heritage authority, every detail was thoughtfully considered: the quarry stone and historic plaster façades, the proportions and colouring of the new stairwell, selective roof openings, interior wood finishes, wooden doors inside and out, and the palette for railings and window grilles. The stucco elements demanded particular craftsmanship—carefully stripped layer by layer and their original patterns revealed without abrasive sanding. The leaded glass windows were preserved and expertly restored. The external staircase presented its own challenge: natural stone components were methodically dismantled, catalogued, and reassembled like a puzzle with newly fabricated elements. The dialogue between old and new becomes tangible at the stairwell itself—a deliberate gap separates the original exterior from the new post-and-beam structure clad in fibre cement panels, with glazing creating a luminous threshold to the existing building. Inside, the historic timber staircase was exposed, now anchoring the open-plan office as a striking focal point. Fire safety was integrated with elegance through smoke-sealed corridor separations. The formerly compartmentalized attic was opened up and fitted with expansive windows. The original town hall chamber—still available for events—retains its parquet floors, while its ornamental plasterwork underwent meticulous restoration, cleaning, refinishing, and repainting. Contemporary LED lighting adds a modern touch to the space. The passage to the emergency stairs is discreetly detailed with solid anthracite steel panels, achieved by carefully cutting and repositioning the original wood panelling.

www.vsiarchitekten.de

Photos:
Peter Stockhausen
www.peterstockhausen.de

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 03|24)