VOLPATOHATZ

The Corner Shop Residential Apartments . Basel VOLPATOHATZ VOLPATOHATZ won a competition for the design of an apartment building in Basel, Switzerland. The competition proposal, juried by Architect and Professor Harry Gugger, includes seven apartments over five levels plus basement for bikes, plant and storage. This new development replaces an actual corner shop and whilst we still kept the commercial usage to the corner area of the ground floor, 'The Corner Shop' name remains. Two apartments occupy each level with open plan layout for the kitchen, dining room and living room. The typical floor plans also include a spacious one-bedroom apartment, a small study and balcony. Large windows with external blinds were only possible on two facades, which allow cross ventilation to the corner apartments and sunlight deep into all rooms. The lack of openings to two other facades meant that careful consideration was given to the window openings in relation to the structural integrity and the contextual surroundings. A solution was sought between the architectural language of the neighboring buildings of the 1930's and the maximum opening size to the windows permissible by the authorities to maximize the direct and indirect sunlight to enter deep into each apartment of the north and east facing facades. The integration of this new development into the urban fabric thus provides a progressive solution and a catalyst for future developments of this neighborhood. Balconies are recessed within the building line and the overall building form follows the maximum limits permissible by the urban planning regulations. The concrete façade, which clearly articulates architectural intent, also becomes the structural element of the building. The final apartment occupies the upper two levels, sits within the permissible building envelope providing generous terrace area with landscaping. Sustainable energy systems will be implemented such as solar panels, green roofs, geothermal heating. _ Screenshot Mixed-Use Development Neuweilerstrasse Location Basel, Switzerland Area 294m2 (GSF) Year 2020-2025