The open competition asked for the replacement of a cooperative garden-city housing estate from the mid-20th century. The task was defined by a challenging set of conditions: a substantial increase in density, evolving user needs and living patterns, and the requirement to preserve distinctive urban qualities such as continuous green spaces and existing trees. The project proposes five volumes along Dübendorfstrasse. In the western section of the site, six-storey buildings occupy the terrain, their deep volumetry shaping intermediate outdoor spaces which reflect the topography of the terrain. To the east, two four-storey linear buildings run parallel to the street, articulated at a smaller scale and responding to the surrounding neighbourhood. The apartment typology is developed primarily in response to the excessive noise emissions from Dübendorfstrasse, resulting in the characteristic fanned configuration of the buildings. Most apartments benefit from three-sided daylight and orient themselves toward the quieter exterior spaces. The geometry of the building volumes enables far-reaching views despite the increased density. Within the apartments, a single structural wall slab defines the centre of the plan. When opened on both sides through doors, it connects the adjoining spaces. The sequence of living and dining areas creates a sense of spatial generosity within compact floor plans.
Team JCFA: Julian C. Fischer, Ludwig Hänssler
Consultants: Landscape architect, Hoffmann & Müller Landschaftsarchitektur GmbH, Zurich Construction management, Perita AG, Zurich Structural engineer, Ferrari Gartmann AG, Chur
Project: Housing scheme with 135 apartments and kindergarden