New administration building Kreuzboden, LiestalPreliminary Project

In the cantonal capital of Liestal, additional administrative services are to be consolidated on the Kreuzboden site. Since the mid-20th century, this area—located southwest of Rheinstrasse—has been shaped by buildings of the cantonal administration. The first administrative buildings adopted the scale and architectural language of the historic manor houses that were originally built along this important access route. Subsequently, larger multi-storey buildings were added along the railway line. The northern part of the site is now designated for a new administrative centre. This development also aims to facilitate the transformation of the entire area into an open campus.

An ensemble of two buidlings concludes the administrative campus, while also creating a continuous open space. This spatial flow, together with the existing structures, evolves into an expansive park that serves both the administrative centre and the public. A taller volume serves as a landmark, and forms a clear architectural conclusion to the overall composition. Office spaces and meeting facilities are concentrated in this compact volume. The second volume responds to the finer grain of the historic villas along Rheinstrasse, mediating spatially between the neighbouring villa quarter and the new park. The circular building houses gastronomic functions and provides access to the integrated bicycle parking, which is designed to operate independently of the main administrative building—thereby activating the open space beyond regular working hours.

Sustainability considerations inform the volumetric composition, construction methods, and material choices of the new buildings. The structural framework of the main building follows a timber skeleton, combined with two cores made from recycled concrete. The efficient floor plan supports a high degree of flexibility and accommodates a variety of uses. Double-height loggias, conceived as generous garden halls, serve as communal meeting points and encourage interaction among building users. The architectural expression is defined by a rhythmically structured facade, with freely arranged loggias creating a recognisable identity. Horizontal bands fitted with photovoltaic modules protect the timber panels behind and the textile sun shading. The roofscape is primarily dedicated to solar energy generation. Areas beneath the PV modules are extensively greened, while some parts of the roof are intensively planted to promote biodiversity. Similarly, timber is used as the primary structural material for the circular building. Rammed earth walls lend the interior a strong material presence. A recessed, glazed section forms a sheltered outdoor space, while a prominent bay window facing Rheinstrasse serves as a distinctive marker of the new building within the park landscape.