Basel: Residential development planned in Riehen

The canton of Basel-Stadt has announced that there are currently five buildings on the plot on Hirtenweg in Riehen, three of which will be renovated in an inhabited state and two of which will be demolished and replaced by three new buildings. By making better use of the site, the number of apartments could be almost doubled from the current 32 to 63.

The company Erne Holzbau from Laufenburg in collaboration with Harry Gugger Studio from Basel has won first place in an overall performance competition. The winning project, Sheperd's Home, is a "very good project both architecturally and economically", according to the canton's press release.

Elongated point buildings and open spaces are planned, whereby the proposed new buildings, which deliberately stand out from the existing buildings, will be positioned with care and consideration for the existing trees. The interplay of old and new would lead to a remarkable permeability and airiness of the area.

Another strength of the project proposal lies in the floor plans: all apartments are organized according to the principle of "living through", so that each unit has a busier entrance side and a quieter private area. The open stairwell and the pergolas on both sides are intended to provide space for residents to interact. (ah)