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MMXVI GmbH
Architekturbüro ETH SIA
Zukunftstrasse 12a
2503 Biel/Bienne
Markusstrasse 18
8006 Zürich
Switzerland
+41 32 554 00 68
info@mmxvi.ch
Typical Housing Block
/
Residential
/
Ipsach, Switzerland
/
2024-2028
Info
A typical 1960s apartment block is set to be extended to provide additional affordable housing. Due to increasing structural demands, the client initially envisioned a replacement building. However, the existing built fabric justifies itself through its mere existence, not solely through historical or aesthetic considerations. To preserve the integrity of the 60-year-old structure, the proposal introduces structural bracing on both longitudinal sides of the block. On one side, the intervention enhances the existing living spaces; on the other, it creates new balconies. The vertical extension of these bracing elements forms a roof structure that accommodates two additional apartments while transferring loads beyond the existing walls. By retaining and reinforcing the original structure instead of demolishing it, the project preserves significant amounts of embodied energy. At the same time, the newly added structural system is expressed openly, making the necessary reinforcement clearly legible.
Location
Ipsach, Switzerland
Status
Project 2024-2026,
Construction 2026-
Client
Private
Building Type
Ipsach, Switzerland
Collaborations
Collab Test
Construction management
Hänzi Bauleitungen GmbH, Lyss
Structural engineer
co-struct AG
Site area
1129
m
2
Building footprint
1555
m
2
Floor area
650
m
2
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Next project:
Sweeping Walls
Switzerland
info@mmxvi.ch
+41 32 554 00 68
