In Leopoldov, Slovakia, a small and severely outdated town hall was renovated in 2022. The design by the zerozero studio was selected in a competition held in 2014. It was created by Irakli Eristavi, Pavol Šilla and Juraj Červený. The entire project comprised the construction of a new building for the municipal administration and the modernisation of the historic building, which now houses a library with a café. The whole complex features a very minimalist aesthetic dominated by concrete, large glazed areas and light-coloured plaster.
The new town hall in Leopoldov
The design builds on a concept by the zerozero studio from a competition held over a decade ago, treating the town hall as a complex of buildings and public spaces. The new structure was positioned parallel to the eastern boundary of the site, creating an intimate courtyard between it and the historic building. The newly created space serves as a venue for meetings and various events. The open circulation layout allows for free movement of pedestrians from several sides. The change in building density has resulted in a clearer definition of St Ignatius Square, previously perceived more as a small park.
Architecture by zerozero
The new building takes the form of a simple, two-storey cuboid with a distinct cut-out in the mass, which creates a covered entrance. Its structure is made of concrete, and the façades are finished with fine white plaster, complemented by prefabricated panels and glass-fibre-reinforced concrete elements. The irregular rhythm of the window arrangement reflects the internal layout of the rooms. A clock window has been placed on the western façade, reinterpreting a traditional motif familiar from other town halls.
The interior of the building comprises three main spaces: the wedding hall, the council chamber and the mayor’s office. The wedding hall is distinguished by its reinforced concrete vaulted ceiling and openings that filter natural light. The meeting room on the first floor features a skylight in the form of a lowered vault, directing light onto the main table. Internal circulation is emphasised by raw concrete on the floors and ceilings, contrasting with the warmer character of the office rooms. The total usable area of the new building is 845.67 square metres.
Adaptation of a historic building
The old town hall building from the early 20th century (later modified) has been modernised and converted into a municipal library with a café. As part of the works, secondary extensions were removed, allowing the former courtyard to be opened up. The interior of the library has been designed as a single open-plan space, featuring mobile shelving and a centrally located service desk. The north wing houses a club room for around 20 people, whilst the south wing accommodates the technical facilities. The usable floor area of this section is 266.52 square metres. The architects retained the original proportions and details, introducing contemporary materials and a modified interior layout.
Leopoldov Town Hall as a model
Leopoldov Town Hall now features a rainwater retention system that allows rainwater to gradually seep into the ground. Heating and cooling are provided by heat pumps, whilst the OBKT floor system utilises the mass of the concrete to regulate indoor temperatures. The project is often cited as an example of the highly rational use of public funds. The project won the ARCH 2023 Grand Prize and was nominated for the CE ZA AR award.
design:zerozero
photos:Matej Hakár
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