Cultural and community centre “Beim Nëssert

The community of Bergem needed a new cultural centre to replace the dilapidated community centre. The new building (1200m2) should be built on the same plot (5000m2), next to the old one that would soon be demolished. A majestic walnut tree dominated the remaining free space on the plot. Bruck + Weckerle Architekten felt that this tree was such a feature of the village of Bergem that it deserved to be retained and displayed to its best advantage. They recognized the scope offered by this symbolic tree for creating a unique meeting point that would architecturally enrich the core of the village. The design concept comprises a low, rectangular structure covering the entire plot. A semi-circular recess is scooped out around the walnut tree, creating a transitional zone between indoors and outdoors. The building appears to welcome visitors with open arms and to embrace the walnut tree. A curved wall, panelled in walnut, creates a space that surrounds the inner courtyard. The wall facing the tree is glass, including doors that can be opened to give access to the courtyard. The spatial organization offers many different ways of using the space. All the ancillary rooms are located behind the curved wall. The building meets the modern requirements with respect to ecology, engineering and building technology (green roof, rain water usage, ground-coupled heat exchanger etc.). The main hall is of a simple design that is self-contained yet open to the surrounding landscape. The space can be divided through a mobile partition wall. The ceiling and wall panels are finished in walnut veneer and decorated with a pattern of perforations especially designed for this room and its acoustic demands. As an external expression of the building's cultural role and its restrained festivity, a stylised red stage curtain serves as a metaphor for celebration, community and culture.