Bruder Klaus – Church Community Center, Liestal, CH

2022 Open competition 
In collaboration with Axel Vansteenkiste




Set along the prominent Rheinstrasse, the new building integrates discreetly into a context defined by institutional landmarks and adjacent park villas. Its modest volume yields to the surrounding scale while reestablishing a connection between the church courtyard and the hospital park by removing the former temporary extension. Each façade responds to its context in a distinct way: panoramic windows along Rheinstrasse establish visual presence; a stepped entrance facing the churchyard redefines the square; a north-facing foyer links the community centre with the parish hall; and a new stair connects the interior to the park beyond.

The raised concrete plinth doubles as an open terrace for the parish hall and a quiet porch on the church square, creating varied settings for daily community interaction. The building program includes a diverse range of uses—from offices and counselling rooms to youth spaces, group meeting areas, and a small ground-floor cafeteria—demanding a high degree of flexibility. To accommodate this, three concrete cores rise from the base, freeing the floor slabs from structural constraints. Façade loads are carried by perimeter beams spanning between the cores and four chrome-plated Geilinger columns at the corners. Ribbon windows and prefabricated timber elements frame a warm, adaptable interior.

The anodized aluminium façade gently reflects its surroundings, visually lightening the volume while quietly echoing the presence of the adjacent church.

DE