Lucerne: CSS expands headquarters according to plans by Diener und Diener
The Basel architectural firm has emerged as the winner for the new building on Tribschenstrasse. The building is due to be occupied in the first half of 2027.
The health insurer CSS bought the commercial building in 2015 to build an office building for its own use. However, a federal court ruling in 2021 left open the question of whether the commercial building could be demolished (IB reported). CSS and the conservation and planning associations then agreed on a joint approach: The commercial building is to be retained. An architectural competition was held for the design of the extension.
Ten architectural firms from all over Switzerland were invited to take part. A high level of architectural quality was required: as a pioneering work of early modernism, the commercial building was to be integrated into an overall concept in a convincing urban planning and architectural manner. In addition, the sustainability of the building and its surroundings was to be taken into account.
In the jury's opinion, the new building with its independent architectural appearance perfectly complements the existing headquarters. The requirements in terms of sustainability were also "very well met", they said. The upper floors are constructed with a high proportion of wood, and parts of the façades are also made of wood. The parapets are covered with photovoltaic elements. Photovoltaic panels will also be installed on the roof.
A bistro open to the public is to be created on the first floor of the new building. The commercial building designed by Lucerne architect Carl Mossdorf is to be restored to its original state as far as possible.
The urgently needed extension is now set to go ahead quickly. The building application should be submitted in the fourth quarter of the current year. Provided no appeals are lodged against the building permit, the new building could be occupied in the first half of 2027. (aw)
