Zwhatt-Areal

Construction Site F, Regensdorf, 2024

A lot is already predetermined by the rules and regulations of the masterplan, and the specifications are clever and robust. The dimensions of the building areas are based on the existing shed structures and span between the existing box girders or transoms – so the dimensions of the shed halls can also be experienced in the new building footprints. The building plots are organised by three overarching types of open space: Alley, courtyard and square, with the «Shedplatz» («shed square») intended to form the centre of the quadrangle. In addition, the primary structure of the shed hall is to be retained as a «super pergola», whereby the existing roof over «Shedplatz» will be partially retained, creating a covered «space for potential» underneath as an extension for the common room. 

Behind the homogeneous façades, a rich variety of different flats opens up. This diversity is explicitly sought because it gives each «residential product» a sharply contoured «unique selling point» – because people don't (yet) move to Zhwatt because of the cool neighbourhood, but because of the cool flat. In the new buildings, which develop upwards from the existing shed structure, secluded interior worlds are created on the ground floor, practical maisonettes above and airy small flats at the top. In the existing Winkelbau 2 building, which is being converted as the base for a new building, spacious lofts with plenty of ceiling height are developed, which open up to the light like funnels – above them lie softly shaped, informal living worlds with radially fanning out walls.

Winkelbau 2, 1st floor: 

The large room height of the existing building allows for a great deal of room depth. This depth is emphasised by telescopically increasing the width of the living space the closer it gets to the light – like a telescope. Large skylight domes, cut into the ceiling of the existing building plinth, provide additional light from above. This turns the living room into a lookout, the bedroom next to it into a cosy cave.

Winkelbau 2, 3rd to 7th floor: 

Just as leaves stretch towards the light, the interior walls fan out towards the light. A stimulating, playful tension is created between the orthogonality of the flush ceiling beams and the radiality of the walls, emphasising that the non-load-bearing walls are only guests in the strong supporting structure. Cooking takes place directly on the façade, with the windows open and the evening sun behind them.

Row flats 3rd to 7th floor:
The small flats on the upper floors look out over the «super pergola». The access gallery to the flat is short and never touches more than one other flat, so that privacy is not jeopardised. The flats themselves are «reduced to the max», as they do not have any circulation areas. Instead, everything is both a space for movement and habitation, and the bathroom and kitchen are also passageways. This «hybridisation» includes the bathtub, the rear wall of which can be opened up to the living room. What a luxury – lying here in the cool water on hot summer evenings while the west wind whiffs through the flat!

Duplex flats 1st and 2nd floor:
The «machines à habiter» of modernism teach us: Maisonettes are best suited for living at the access gallery! The box girders of the shed halls, once dimensioned room-high for maintenance purposes, take on a new meaning as access galleries. The duplex flats, which are accessed from here, are conventional in the best sense of the word, with a lower day and upper night floor. They are also highly efficient because they have virtually no circulation areas. But there is also something extravagant here: the double-height room in the dining area, which lets in plenty of side light.

Shed hall courtyard house:
On the ground floor, the only view is upwards, towards the sky. This is where the shed roofs and the small courtyard point. On the other hand, there is a lot of height and space, as the flats are much larger than ordered. This is the result of the apartments traversing the building – one-sided orientated plinth flats would be very unattractive. The courtyard flats are the single-family homes in the Pensimo neighbourhood, private despite the high density and complete with front garden, conservatory and options for expansion (for a mezzanine floor under the shed roofs). People who work at home or need space for a bulky hobby live here. And of course flat shares or families also feel at home here!