Gardentower

The Bächtelen site is to be used to create a diverse range of housing that is not planned as a large form or homogeneous settlement typology in favour of the existing heterogeneity of the surroundings. Five different themes were defined on the basis of a market analysis and the site was divided into five building plots. Rules have been assigned to each building plot according to the themes, on the basis of which the new buildings are to enter into a dialogue with the surroundings.
The project theme 'Living with a view' leads to the design of a building that grows out of the rising topography to form a residential tower. Its amorphous form defies clear typological categorisation, as the tower is formed on a polygonal base and expands its footprint as it develops vertically. It opens up on all sides through generous glazing, emphasising the relationship to the landscape. The building is set back from the street and frees up valuable green space.
The concrete balcony slabs projecting out on all sides and running around the perimeter create a stony effect. Partial cut-outs in a diamond-shaped metal mesh that spans the body create fields of vision that are framed by metal brackets. Their edge contour can be read as a tracing of the nearby alpine mountain topography. The garden develops vertically over the metal mesh to provide shade for the living areas. The planting is directly coordinated with the façade development and its orientation. The floor plans of the flats are open and characterised by free circulation themes. They open out to the view on all sides.