Two years ago, Thalmatt 1 celebrated the 50th anniversary of its inauguration. Designed by Atelier 5 and inspired by a desire for modern, communal living, Thalmatt 1 consolidates the presence of modern architecture in Bern following the first experiment in collective living in Halen, which took place in a sceptical environment – an experience that would later confirm the continuation of the project with Thalmatt 2. In contrast to Halen, characterised by repetition and density, Thalmatt 1 emerged as a project designed to give expression to the wishes of each owner, featuring 18 terraced houses that vary in form, size and floor area, whilst using lightweight in-situ concrete to unify the ensemble in its Brutalist appearance. The diversity of the solutions adopted lends intimacy at both the domestic and communal levels, surprising with spatial variations open to different uses, diverse materials, the landscape, and the beauty of forms and proportions. In the pursuit of the good life, Atelier 5 here questions the nature of living, the shaping of the future and the construction of the house of Classic Modernism, as Iñaki Ábalos would put it, and ultimately bestows definitive authorship upon one of the most important modern landscapes in the Bern region, which is now a protected heritage site.
Open House Partner
This event features an Open House coffee station provided by Blaser Café, come and enjoy a hot cup of coffee!
Visits and guided tours
Type of visit: Guided group tours and individual visits Registration: not required (first come, first served) Group size: maximum 25 people Meeting point: at the village square
The guided tours focus on the life and stories of Thalmatt I and lead through 3 houses and 2 gardens. Please limit photography to the architecture, respect privacy, and refrain from photographing people.
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