In the Aussersihl district, the three street corridors of Badener, Zypressen, and Sihlfeldstrasse form a triangular zone, mostly characterized by closed four to five-story perimeter block developments with conventional courtyard buildings. Zypressenstrasse, with its dense, urban identity, spans the axis between Bullingerplatz and Sihlfeld Cemetery and is lined on both sides by deciduous trees.
The project is located in a perimeter block structure, surrounded by multi-family homes, old, historic buildings, and residential properties. Sandwiched between two large, attractive green spaces, the building is easily accessible by public transport, bicycles, and cars. The existing structure adjoins a perimeter block development on the northeastern end at Agnesstrasse and terminates with a side facade at the courtyard entrance on Zypressenstrasse.
The urban planning intervention envisages the introduction of one additional full story and an attic space, which will be structured by volumes projecting to the edge of the facade in order to harmonize the configuration of the building. The southwestern conclusion of the property is newly designed as a head-end building, closing off the block and entering into a dialogue with its counterpart.
The well-proportioned living spaces are placed in the corners of the building, allowing for attractive views onto the surroundings and optimal lighting conditions. A spacious and welcoming entrance hall anchors itself on the well-situated Zypressenstrasse, serving as a meeting point and establishing design references to the urban townhouses in Milan.
The outdoor area includes a secluded and green courtyard, additional entrances, bicycle parking spaces, and a communal garden area for the apartments on the ground floor. The project encompasses the conversion, repurposing, and extension to an existing commercial building from 1972. In this process, the original structure, particularly the shell construction and the parapet elements of the facade, is preserved. This approach of building within the existing structure contributes to sustainable and ecological practices and counterbalances the destructive demolition practices that are still in use today.