Kunsthaus Baselland
Starting Situation
The Dreispitz site is recognizable by its typical row structure, largely shaped by its transitional function. Long buildings for the storage of goods are positioned between access roads and railway tracks, which form the macro-spatial characteristics of the place. The site of the simple warehouse lies centrally within a building row typical for the location and subordinates itself to the exposed end sections of the row. The rudimentarily constructed warehouse is to be converted into an exhibition space for art. Its basic structure is barely capable of withstanding additional loads, so demolition with new construction is being considered.
Concept
The concept is based on the idea of preserving the old warehouse integrally and placing it in an orchestrated relationship with an inserted spatial volume. Prismatic light towers, fitted between the existing steel structure, form the basic motif of a spatial matrix that structures the exhibition area.
Wall-high beams and ceiling panels connect the towers, creating a second exhibition level while supporting the fragile roof structure of the truss beams. The towers bring zenithal light into the hall, while simultaneously creating a significant visual impact, making the building visible from a distance. The meandering insert made of exposed concrete transforms the open hall into a differentiated structure with spaces of various formats and heights. The division into two exhibition levels also allows for curatorial flexibility. Cutouts in the vertical volumes enable versatile light impulses and create sightlines between the exhibition levels. The double sided accessible entrance hall serves as a public foyer and can be used as a multifunctional space for various activities.
Implementation
Typical characteristic elements of the former warehouse, such as ramped bases and infilled steel structures, as well as the delicate truss framework of the roof, are used as conceptual and atmospheric elements to further think about the history of the site and weave it into the new use. The new structural volume is cast in-situ from concrete between the existing structure and anchored at the three base points of the towers in the existing building‘s foundation. The wall-high framing of the upper floor structurally acts as a large beam in the middle, supporting and relieving the delicate truss structure. The load reserve allows for a constructive renewal of the roof structure. The building envelope, consisting of external walls made of steel frames infilled with lime sandstones and a purlin roof covered with corrugated fiber cement panels, will be preserved and, where necessary, renovated and insulated. Large glazing with corresponding door openings made of raw aluminum profiles will be fitted into the existing door openings.
CREDITS
Client: Stiftung Kunsthaus Baselland, Muttenz
General planners: ARGE Generalplaner: Buchner Bründler Architects und Proplaning AG
Architecture: Buchner Bründler Architects
Partner: Daniel Buchner, Andreas Bründler
Associate Competition: Raphaela Schacher
Associate Planning, Realization: Bülend Yigin
Project leader, planning: Daniel Ebertshäuser, Simone Braendle
Project leader, realization: Fabienne Saladin
Competition team: Jon Garbizu Etxaide, Luise Daut
Planning team: Benjamin Hofmann, Antonia Haffner
Realization team: Leandro Villalba
