The brand-new West Betuwe merged municipality is based in the former town hall of Geldermalsen. Without undoing the small-scale, inward-looking, eighties characteristics of that existing building, cepezed designed a flowing and daylight-rich new entity. Covering the former patio improved the routing and distribution of functions. This is now a place where municipal employees can meet and have lunch. The other addition concerns a pavilion-like volume, which gives the building a new, distinctive face at the front. This volume contains the entrance, public hall and council chamber. The strict choice of wood for both additions makes them ‘legible’, as does the choice not to connect them directly to the old building.
There are skylights between the wooden building parts and the existing building, as well as above new stairs. A steel base decouples the wooden columns at floor level. This facilitates maintenance and makes the connection just a little more elegant. Moreover, such a steel base is less vulnerable to moisture and contamination. The wooden roof elements have an acoustic function and the installations and lighting are incorporated in them.
There are skylights between the wooden building parts and the existing building, as well as above new stairs. A steel base decouples the wooden columns at floor level. This facilitates maintenance and makes the connection just a little more elegant. Moreover, such a steel base is less vulnerable to moisture and contamination. The wooden roof elements have an acoustic function and the installations and lighting are incorporated in them.
