Zurich, 2011–2017
Competition, 2010, 1. Prize
The Fluntern neighbourhood is characterised by a homogenous urban-planning grain of free-standing buildings in gardens, which have a prestigious appearance and entrances facing the street side. From that initial situation, thirteen compact free-standing buildings were built with a clear street-facing façade. Despite their significantly higher development density, they still pick up on the typology and atmosphere of the existing development.
The expression of repetitive, schematic buildings can be avoided by rotating and reflecting the basically similar buildings. This creates a composition consisting of different volumes that essentially refer to each other organically, with cabinet-like exterior spaces inside the estate. Folded façades adhere to the common lengths and underplay the actual size of the volumes. The result is a formally organising balance between the building volume and the exterior space.
The apartments develop out of the spatial continuum around a central core, with sanitary units and a kitchen that opens out towards the living area. Avoiding corridors creates spacious living areas that can be variably furnished, as well as generous entrance halls. Diverse access and circulation possibilities give the impression of spaciousness despite the limited area.
The buildings’ expression pick up on the homogeneity of the neighbourhood and also give the estate an identity. This continues the existing motifs and atmospheres, concentrating them to create an autonomous expression. Furthermore, the urban planning theme of free-standing individual houses with cabinet-like gardens is reflected upon and refined.
Competition team
Peter Baumberger, Karin Stegmeier, Ron Edelaar, Elli Mosayebi, Christian Inderbitzin, Arno Bruderer, Stephan Pfeiffer
Project team
Peter Baumberger, Karin Stegmeier, Ron Edelaar, Elli Mosayebi, Christian Inderbitzin, Thorsten Haack, Sandra Frei, Luca Pestalozzi, Thomas Schiratzki, Désirée Flury, Samuele Tirendi, Thomas Luchsinger, Andrea Linke, Mihai Radlescu, Laurina Sponagel, Juliana Schenk, Manuel Hödl
Collaboration
Baumberger Stegmeier Architektur (BS+EMI Architektenpartner AG)
Client
Allgemeine Baugenossenschaft, Zurich
Main Contractor: Priora Generalunternehmung AG, Zurich
Landscape Architect: Lorenz Eugster Landschaftsarchitektur und Städtebau GmbH, Zurich
Civil Engineer: wlw Bauingenieure AG, Mels
Timber Construction Engineer: Timbatec GmbH, Zurich
Building Services: A-Z Planung AG, Diepoldsau
Electrical Engineer: PBP-Engineering AG, Zurich
Building Physics: HL-Technik AG, Schaffhausen
Photographs
Roland Bernath
Publication
Habiter. ville et architecture, EPFL PRESS 2021
Architekturführer Zürich, Edition Hochparterre 2020
Bau&Architektur, 3/2018
Wohnen, 5/2018
www.nzz.ch, 2.5.2018
Wohngenossenschaften in Zürich, Gartenstädte und neue Nachbarschaften, Park Books 2017
werk, bauen + wohnen, 7–8/2011
Wohnen, 5/2011
www.hochparterre.ch, 10.4.2011
www.tagesanzeiger.ch, 7.4.2011
Auszeichnung
best architects 19
AIT-Award Special Mention Housing Multi-Family