Felippi Wyssen Architekten
Gatternweg apartment building
best architects 20 gold
multi-family homes
Place
Riehen, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Rasmus Norlander
Description
In the context of the existing buildings, the Gatternweg apartment
building reveals its singularity in various ways. Not only the structure, but
also the surfaces used and, last but not least, the floor plan solution differ
significantly from the existing surrounding buildings in the Basel
agglomeration. A key aspect for the nonetheless good integration of the new
building is the substantially reduced building volume on the two upper storeys.
On the ground floor are two 4.5 room apartments, above them two 3.5 room
apartments, and on the attic floor a single 3.5 room apartment. With this dynamic
reduction of the footprint, the visual volume is made lighter while creating
generous, covered terraces on the narrower sides. The slightly asymmetrical
trapezium-like floor plan of the building picks up on the shape of the plot and
ensures its optimal exploitation. All façades are clad with black oiled
spruce in contrast to the green surroundings. Together with the traditional,
wall-high shutters they give the building an archaic air and play with the
appearance of rural infrastructure buildings. With their wide, overhanging
shape, the drainage channels, executed in black steel, accentuate the
staggering of the widely spaced vertical volume. Inside the building, exposed
concrete surfaces and terrazzo tiles dominate. Despite the significant formal
differences and its pronounced architectural character, the building integrates
well with the surroundings as a self-assured solitaire.