Scheitlin Syfrig Architekten
Reussinsel III
best architects 26
multi-family homes
Place
Lucerne, Switzerland
Studio
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.

