Salathé Architekten Basel

Description

The apartment building from the 1960s stands on the edge of Basel’s Zoo district, known by locals as «Zolli». As part of a commissioned study, the aim was to optimise the energy efficiency of the building and to make it fit for a new period of use. The clear floorplans are well laid-out and did not need to be changed. The basic look and proportions of the apartment building have likewise been retained. The originally plastered building is set in the quarter and should now be seen as a distinctive part of Zolli. With the new dark-green PV facade (Zolligrün), the building will become the visible energy centre of the Zoo district, demonstrating the efforts being made towards sustainable development. The finely textured surface of the glazing breaks up the reflection of the surroundings and, in combination with the oiled wooden shutters, gives the building a soft and homely look. The PV panels are hung in front of the insulated façade in just two different formats with corresponding joint spacing and minimal adaptation of the window formats. Panels sloping outwards cover the mechanism of the wooden shutters and give the façade a light appearance. The balconies of the apartments facing the garden have been significantly enlarged with cantilevered timber construction panels and define the appearance of the rear side of the building with their timber cladding made of pre-greyed larch.