Ana Otero Architektur
Wolkengespräch
best architects 24
multi-family homes
Place
Zurich, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Andreas Buschmann
Description
The two replacement buildings with 35 apartments are
located on the outskirts of Zurich in transition to the landscape. This
particular location influences the placement, geometry and architectural
expression of the buildings. The landscaping is also orientated towards this
duality: from the landscape side, flowering meadows and fruit trees flow into
the settlement around the buildings, while on their side facing the settlement,
the two buildings are grouped around a clearly designed communal square with an
inviting bench and a cheerfully splashing fountain. Both residential buildings
are very compact and extremely efficient: a single staircase provides access to
three or even five apartments per floor. The polygonal floor plans, derived
from organic forms found in nature, not only allow for optimal lighting and
orientation of all apartments but also lend all living spaces a surprising
feeling of spaciousness and diversity. In analogy to nature and the nearby
forest, wood serves as the main structural and design material: light,
vertically structured wooden façades with continuous pilaster strips and
complementary horizontal elements are set atop monolithic concrete bases.
Ornamentally designed balcony railings evoke the refined play of light and
shadow in the breeze of gently rustling leaves in a sunny forest clearing.