LANEW

Architectural competition for the extension of District Administration Offices located at the New Castle.

Location: 92660 Neustadt a. d. Waldnaab

Year: 2015

In collaboration with: Martin Steiner, Sebastian Struch (graphics, signage)

Awarding body: Landkreis Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab (Regional Council)

In order to respect the prominent

urban location

and surroundings of the New Palace, the height of the extension is limited to that of the eaves of the New Castle. In addition, the northern gable side recedes to the level of the easterly neighboring buildings, opening up the view to the corner of the New Castle. The creation of a pleasant forecourt extends the space and the view of the park above the underground parking and towards the future main entrance. In a similar way, the southern façade, reflecting those of the Old Town, is set back in relation to the New Castle.

These simple aesthetic responses to the existing surrounding architecture create a structure with an

exciting presence

that fits seamlessly into the urban space.

When it comes to navigating a building, architecture can already do a lot. Ideally, such cues are supported by an architecture-based

signage system

to guide visitors efficiently to the location they are looking. The typographic style of the font used for the signs of the new development (Akkurat) harmonizes with the architecture, from which other forms of symbolic representation are derived . The guidance is substantiated in its material positioning — the bronzed sheet metal — as a holistic system that is carried over to the other two buildings.

Site plan and roof aspect

Viewed from above, the logical placement and integration of the extension building is clear. The preservation of the former moat between the New Castle and the extension was not only a necessary condition in accordance with monument protection, but it also ensures an adequate separation to the New Castle.

north elevation

Although all entrances in the building are equally accessible and well located, the entrance on the north side has been designed specially to fit to the wide facade – it stands out as the large main entrance.

east elevation

The facade is designed as a punctuated facade. It uses a uniform window format that deliberately deviates from a strict symmetrical arrangement. The windows themselves are perfectly adapted to the interior spaces and intended uses of the rooms. The floor-to-ceiling format allows a view from the seated position at the workplace and maximized natural light, and incorporates an openable sash for each employee.

west elevation

For the long east and west facades, the windows are clustered to allow for the organization and arrangement in relation to closed areas (staircase, toilets, level intercepts).

south elevation

Of particular importance is the bridge leading to the entrance of the New Castle, added as an extrusion of the existing entrance during the extension. The diamond design of the cantilevered bridge’s facade is inspired by its supporting structure. The same theme will be transferred to the interiors of the two entrances.

Detail of facades and interiors

Immense and powerful, just like the Old Town architecture, the extension building is a solid and stable construction. The facade, a white-washed slab of simple masonry, forms a connection between the smooth plaster surfaces of the Old Town and the ancient city walls that used to stand there. The off-white of the finish works to visually soften the underlying masonry, the flush, reinforced concrete load-bearing structures, and levelled window architraves. In contrast to the rest of the brick facade, the plinth and corners are made of smooth concrete that has also been white-washed. In addition to the varied textural experience this creates, a certain dynamic liveliness is achieved in the facade. Again, with meticulously designed window details, reference is made to the character of the Old Town. The local, dark gray slate used for the roof further enhances the facade. To emphasize the stylistically influential features of the entrance in addition to the sculptural projection of the load-bearing frame, a bronzed sheet metal is used to cover the round arches, the window facings and also the outer cladding of the connecting bridge. This "internal-to-exterior material" continues indoors on the indoor parapets, where it meets white walls and ceilings as well as wooden doors and paneling. The wood and metal, key to the interior design, are further united on the wooden, aluminum coated window frames.

Level 1

The compact volume of the extension is designed for maximum efficiency. Particularly noteworthy here is the full conversion of the attic space, whereby the entire enclosed space is used. In terms of building construction, attention was paid to a simple, economical construction (ring-formed outer and inner wall), which reduces expensive building materials and optimizes ceiling heights. A further optimization of the floor heights was achieved by eliminating suspended ceilings, and centrally managing all media installations in enclosed utility and installation casings. These are designed to be easily accessible, and with short cable routes, conveniently revisable.