Blättler Dafflon Architekten
Residential complex, Eichwaldstrasse
best architects 26
multi-family homes
Place
Luzern, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Joël Tettamanti
Description
Eichwaldstrasse defines the transition between
Lucerne’s dense urban fabric and the open landscape of the Allmend, formerly
home to military barracks. The site benefits from both its central location and
its proximity to recreational green space, with panoramic views toward the
Pilatus massif. The new development consists of two parallel residential
buildings framing a central courtyard. At its core stands the historic salt
warehouse (Salzmagazin) from 1711, a landmark structure that anchors the
ensemble and establishes a strong identity through its architectural and
historical presence. Ground-floor arcades in the new buildings, together with
the wide cantilevered canopy of the Salzmagazin, create semi-public zones that
enliven the courtyard and connect to commercial units. A café in the
Salzmagazin has become a lively meeting point for the neighbourhood. At the
rear, the former horse stable now houses a spacious bicycle storage facility
for Lucerne’s first car-free housing community. All apartments are located
within the new buildings and offer a broad range of typologies and sizes to
accommodate a diverse resident mix. South-facing orientations ensure optimal
daylight and uninterrupted views across the Allmend toward the Pilatus,
reinforcing the connection between architecture and landscape.

