Kirchplatz Office + Residence / Oppenheim Architecture + Design

Residence © Borje Müller

Architects: Oppenheim Architecture + Design Location: Muttenz, Switzerland Project Year: 2012 Photographs: Borje Müller

Kirchplatz Office + Residence / Oppenheim Architecture + Design - More Images+ 31

Project Area: 6007.0 sq ft Collaborators: Huesler Architekten

The design of this adaptive re-use project was born initially out of a design competition initiated by the City of Muttenz/Basel. The design was based on the renovation of an historic farmhouse situated within the historic center core of the city. The original farmhouse was constructed in 1743.  Today the converted farmhouse serves as an office for an architectural design company, provides community meeting space, and serves as a compelling link to a new, adjacent private residence.

The new design aimed to provide a fresh interpretation to the existing traditional features of the historic farmhouse building and it’s interior. This is achieved by creating new openings for natural daylight and by using a crisp white finish in the interiors, which juxtapose against the texture of the old wood and through the way in which the spaces open up, overlap, and merge together with one another.

Residence © Borje Müller

The sustainability considerations included maintaining an energy-efficient building through the use of current MINERGIE (energy efficiency) construction standards, solar roof panels, a sustainable choice of materials such as reclaimed wood used for the facade, and the restoration of existing architectural elements where possible.

Residence © Borje Müller

The project also included the design of a new single family house adjacent to the adaptively re-used historic farmhouse that was converted into the office. This elegant contemporary residential structure juxtaposes with the historic building. The new and old share commonalities of materials and colors, yet have distinctly different expressions with the interplay of modern and historic delighting the senses. The 3-floor house is organized with the master bedroom and guest bedroom on the top floor; the kitchen, dining and living spaces on the ground level; and the children’s bedrooms below ground with a ramped outdoor backyard terrace leading up to the ground level.

Residence © Borje Müller

Plan & Elevation 01

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Fabian Cifuentes. "Kirchplatz Office + Residence / Oppenheim Architecture + Design" 06 Aug 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/260366/kirchplatz-office-residence-oppenheim-architecture-design> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.