Superdraft Studio

Description

According to Aldo Rossi, the permanence of a place lies in its form, not in its materials. This principle was the basis for the design for Kleinhüningeranlage 17/19 in the Kleinhüningen district of Basel. Superdraft Studio consciously decided against a replacement building and instead carefully reconsidered the existing structure in order to preserve the neighbourhood’s identity whilst creating contemporary, vibrant living spaces. The two-storey timber-frame rooftop addition blends naturally into the neighbourhood and creates space for eight additional flats. The balconies have been moved away from the noisy street frontage and now open onto the green inner courtyard. This creates private outdoor spaces, light-filled rooms and open views, whilst the inner courtyard, as a place for social interaction, strengthens the sense of community. The small-scale layout of the existing flats has remained untouched. Merged stairwells, a more open spatial organisation, upgraded cloakroom areas and laundry facilities enhance the quality of living without altering the building’s typology. A comprehensive refurbishment, seismic retrofitting and a photovoltaic system round off the functional and ecological sustainability strategy. This sensitive transformation demonstrates how urban densification can blend seamlessly into the neighbourhood, creating an attractive quality of living between the harbour, industrial areas and the pulse of urban life, all without forfeiting the distinctive character of the existing building.