Tschudin Urech Bolt Architekten

Description

The extensive company site on the border between Windisch and Brugg is home to the former administration building of «Kabel-werke Brugg AG», a cultural asset of regional importance, built in 1957 according to plans by Carl Froelich and Hans Kündig. Under historic preservation guidelines, the renovation work entailed a comprehensive examination of the listed structure. The striking building with eight full storeys, a roof superstructure and two basement storeys stands on a steeply rising triangle of land and has an open substructure on the west side with a wide terrace. The post-war modern architecture consists of two office wings with a stairwell in between and uses materials such as concrete, glass, aluminium and natural stone. Large windows in the stairwell provide natural light, and the flexible division of space in the office wings allows for easy conversion. This flexibility benefitted the conversion project, which optimally adapts the existing structure to the new needs of the «Lernwerk» association. A feasibility study confirmed the suitability of the building for workplaces and course rooms for vocational integration as well as for administrative purposes. The revitalised building is intended to enhance the development area near the train station and serve as a central meeting place. The renovation also includes optimising the building physics and modernising the building services.