LOCATION | EMMEN LU |
CLIENT | PRIVATE |
PLANNING | 2018-2019 |
CONSTRUCTION | 2019-2020 |
ARCHITECTS | GRABER & STEIGER ARCHITEKTEN, PROJECT ARCHITECT: WERNER WEIBEL |
CONSULTANTS | GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Schärholzbau AG |
PHOTOGRAPHER | D.M. WEHRLI, ARCHIVE GRABER & STEIGER |
Densification, conversion, building on existing structures or the appropriation of derelict land in the sense of sustainable construction are currently shaping the architectural discourse. The client went one step further in order to reconcile the desire for a home of one's own with sustainability considerations.
Instead of buying a plot of land in the countryside or a trendy loft flat with industrial chic, the client decided to settle in a commercial zone that was in full operation. In doing so, they recognised that there is enormous potential in a settlement that is generally considered unattractive, if the much-vaunted combination of living and working is to be put into practice.
Due to the small size of the plot, a diversely choreographed sequence of vertical spaces was created, leading from the street to the sky and linking such different places as the modestly sized entrance area and the two-storey living area under the roof canopy. Despite the external compactness of the building, the residents experience a spatial opulence bathed in a wide variety of lighting moods.
The new player in the heterogeneous neighbourhood stands calm and serene and exudes the charming directness of a commercial building. A "bark" made of saw-rough boards is gradually opened up depending on the surroundings and the desired views and insights.
The current issue 13/2022 of TEC21 introduces the mixed-use conversion on Denkmalstrasse in Lucerne. Among others, the report highlights how the specific concept of the building achieves a lofty spatial openness despite a highly dense urban context and how the simple and raw spaces invite to a playful appropriation for living and working. Minimalism as an offer!