Binningen House

The building lot in a quiet neighbourhood of single-family homes on a privileged slope location is surrounded by developed adjacent properties. Excavation by the previous owner has led to a recessed topographic situation with regard to the immediate surroundings; the granting authorities consider it newly grown terrain. A private cul-de-sac must be built for development of the lot. 

The lowered, introverted location necessitates the development of a specific housing complex. The cul-de-sac leads to a courtyard-like entrance level with spaces for flexible use grouped around it. Due to its size, the inner courtyard takes on the character of a square. The main living level overlies the square and is characterized by integration of the garden. The encircling border, with varying heights, enables merely targeted views of the surroundings. Inside, the atrium connecting courtyard space and garden level forms the open centre of the house. The circular space development allows for diverse view relations. In its subtly differentiated form, the open spatial sculpture seeks iconographic quality.

Architecturally defining is the theme of carrying and spanning. A rich layering of areas and structural elements shapes the atmosphere. The structurally effective supporting body is cast in concrete. In the interior space, the formal themes are refined and continued. Built-in furniture connects with the wooden wall surfaces and glazed window frames to independent, space-encompassing figures. The courtyard is plastered with dark bricks. Planted in the atrium are tall, young trees, while at garden level, only bushes flourish. The vertical green thus generates a superimposition of the spatial layers.