Community Centre in Niederwerrn

The community centre by Schlicht Lamprecht Kern Architekten was designed to combine structural and social sustainability. Two new buildings made of wood and recycled concrete complement the three existing buildings, providing a place for people to meet. The result is a new town centre that marks the transition between the historic old town and the newer residential area and functions as a lively hub for all generations. The complex consists of a community hall, club rooms, a café, a museum, and an "energy barn" housing technical equipment for energy generation.

© Stefan Meyer

The municipality laid the foundation for this project back in 2014 by developing an integrated urban development concept, which involved extensive public consultation. The citizens' wishes were taken into account: green spaces were created for the market, and planting was added. A cottage garden and seating steps for events organised by the neighbouring library connect the ensemble with its surroundings. Over a period of time, the municipality acquired the land required for the project, partly through exchanges with vacant properties or the purchase of additional land.

© Stefan Meyer

At the heart of the new development are two buildings with gabled roofs that are proportionate to the historic surroundings. One was constructed using solid wood and the other using recycled concrete. The latter was sourced from the dismantled Rothof viaduct near Würzburg and processed in a local factory, showcasing consistent upcycling practices. The centre's design also incorporates traditional craft techniques, such as scarifying and chiselling the concrete surfaces, to give the material a lively, regional appearance. Throughout the construction process, great care was taken to minimise transport distances, use ecological materials and avoid foils and adhesives wherever possible. The neighbouring museum, which is housed in a renovated half-timbered building, was designed as a "showcase" with an open north-facing facade. Its collection displays everyday objects from a former shop in Niederwerrn. The adjacent "energy barn", formerly a traditional Franconian barn, now contains all of the complex's building services. This technology is visible to the public, providing visitors with an insight into sustainable energy concepts. Recycled materials were also used here, including formwork boards and brick clinker.

Read more in Detail 6.2025 and in our database Detail Inspiration.