Scheitlin Syfrig Architekten: Reussinsel III - best architects 26

Scheitlin Syfrig Architekten

Reussinsel III

best architects 26

multi-family homes

Place

Lucerne, Switzerland

Photos

René Dürr

Description

The Reussinsel III is a residential development that marks the final phase of a long-term urban expansion on the outskirts of Lucerne. The residential complex, comprising 64 housing units, is situated in a dynamic part of the city, where urban energy meets natural tranquillity. Nestled between the bustle of traffic and the serenity of the Reuss River, the site offers a harmonious balance between vibrancy and retreat. This unique setting determined the strategic placement of the elongated building. The six-storey structure rises gracefully on a plinth – an architectural response to the sloping terrain, an enhancement of privacy for ground-floor residents, and an integral element of flood protection. The design seamlessly integrates with the existing urban fabric to the west, while acting as a spatial boundary between the riverfront and the railway embankment. The ground floor features elegantly designed 3.5- and 5.5-room apartments, each with a private garden terrace and direct river access. The upper floors comprise a diverse selection of units ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 rooms, all benefitting from dual-aspect layouts that frame views of both the cityscape to the south and the river landscape to the north. Expansive windows ensure uninterrupted vistas of the water and the historic city wall, reinforcing a connection to the surroundings. A defining feature of the façade is its enveloping balcony layer, which not only provides shade on the sun-exposed southern side but also serves as a private «Belvedere» with a view of the river. Filigree timber elements articulate the long riverfront in a wave-like configuration that echoes the dynamic of the water.