RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX RÖTIBODEN
The Rötiboden is located above the historic center of Wädenswil and was primarily used for agricultural purposes. In recent years, there has been urban densification, transforming the Rötiboden into a residential neighborhood.
A residential development is planned on an elongated open space at the edge of the slope. The origin and vision of this project lie with the land-owner, who desires to create a vibrant and high-quality place. A place that will be „enlivened“ by beautiful architecture, a place that benefits from its extraordinary location with panoramic views, and a place that supports and encourages the advantages of communal living.
Two slightly rotated townhouse volumes along the contour of the slope create a spacious gap, which forms the communal center of the development. A retaining wall encloses a slightly elevated entrance area, leading to a long, tree-planted square. The result is a level, street-protected, and south-facing communal courtyard located on the slope side.
With a community room, a fountainand two distinctive spiral staircases connecting all levels—from the parking garage through the courtyard area to the rooftop terraces—this centrally located meeting point fosters a lively exchange among the residents. The northern loggia spaces, adjacent to an orchard, are also shared. The garden level is connected to the upper terraces via two large staircases located on the sides. Across all levels, spaces for both social interaction and retreat are created.
The two houses consist of eleven residential units of varying sizes. They can be used as family and studio homes, leading to a diverse mix of residents. Each unit is dual-sided and organized over three floors. On the garden level, the interior spaces open up to the meadow via a loggia. The courtyard level faces both the communal inner courtyard and, through a stepped floor plate, a 3.75m-high space with views of the lake. The attic floor, with distant views, connects the individual units via a south-facing terrace, while the terraces on the north side are for private use. The staggered floor layouts interlock the individual units, and the shifts create different spatial proportions.
The foundation structure, cast in in-situ concrete, is built in a partition wall system, allowing for flexible floor plans. The deep rooms enable retreat into the interior of the apartment. The high ceiling heights let natural light flood the rooms, giving them a workshop-like character. Mineral surfaces shape the room’s ambiance. Color-contrasted modules for the kitchen, bathroom, and staircases stand freely within the space and provide a strong contrast to the restrained basic constitution of the rooms. Glazed windows in raw aluminum and wood allow the rooms to open generously to the various outdoor areas. Folding arm awnings and the colorful spiral staircases enhance the simple basic volumes and create a lively silhouette.
CREDITS
Client: Ruth Jahnke-Sidler
Projektinitiierung: BB Bauten AG, Basel
Architecture: Buchner Bründler Architects, Basel
Partner: Daniel Buchner, Andreas Bründler
Associate: Nick Waldmeier
Project leader, planning: Bianca Kummer
Project leader, realization: Rebecca Borer, Andreas Widmer
Planning and realization team: Fabienne Saladin, Sharif Hasrat, Charlotte Schwartz, Alexandra Galer, Jérémie Lysek, Jon Garbizu Etxaide, Estelle Ayer, Daniel Ebertshäuser, Georgia Papathanasiou
Construction management: Pius Vollenweider
