Renovation of Schatzackerstrasse apartment buildings in Basserdorf

Switzerland

Conversions + Extensions

Architects: Nussbaumer Architekten AG

Location: Switzerland
Year: 2023

The Schatzacker housing estate, built in 1972 on the outskirts of Bassersdorf, is characterised by the traditional local arrangement of terraced buildings loosely distributed in the flowing green space. Four of the five buildings belong to the Zentralstrasse Building Cooperative, who are carrying out a complete renovation of the building shells and the building services, including an earthquake retrofit and a comprehensive clean-up of contaminated materials. The vertically and horizontally staggered building chains will receive a contemporary and inviting update of the facade.

Two colours, ochre red and warm grey, characterise the doors, window frames and the coarse-grained top plaster, always with a focus on achieving a contrasting play of colours and emphasising the physicality of the two- to four-storey structures. The strong colour red surrounds the houses on three sides, setting them apart from the green surroundings and reviving the original, overarching settlement identity.

A newly added balcony tower with a view into the greenery and over the Schatzacker settlement serves as a welcome extension of the living space. The green and white striped sunblinds provide a summery flair and protects against sun and gazes.