Located near the city of Zurich, Switzerland, a residential complex by Conen Sigl Architects sets new standards for affordable housing by creating its own ecosystem.

Key features

Following the rezoning of former industrial and commercial district Dübendorf into a residential area, Westhof Dübendorf is a housing complex with a communal focus. Using locally sourced materials and renewable energy, the residential complex is built on the principles of sustainability. The balance between the built environment and nature was key for the design of the housing property. Maintaining elements from the building's past use as a plant nursery, Conen Sigl Architekten included references to gardening in the design, to strengthen ecological awareness. Spanning a total of 14,000 sq-m, the residential complex comprises three buildings arranged around a communal courtyard, and houses 87 flats and six commercial spaces.

Flats are designed flexibly to accommodate the fluctuating needs of the residents. A three-storey building offers a semi-public roof terrace, can be used for events and urban gardening, and serves as a meeting place for both residents and visitors. The ground floor of the north and south sides host commercial and community spaces, with a café, and pedestrian and bicycle paths. Community gardens cultivated by residents foster a sense of collaboration and care. Westhof Dübendorf forms a self-sustaining ecosystem and contributes to the preservation of biodiversity, with tactically selected plants to attract insects and nesting aids integrated into the façade for eight bird species, bats and wild bees.

FRAME’s take

Zurich, like many major cities, is faced with a housing crisis, and rising prices on increasingly less available properties. While the Swiss government has suggested a number of measures that can potentially help the housing industry, the local shortage and the increased demand have led the prices to a sky-high level.

Westhof Dübendorf responds to the shortage with high-quality housing that can be used long-term. Combining a range of functions, including private living spaces, hospitality and semi-public areas, the building complex promotes community building by engaging residents and visitors in various activities. That results in strengthening a sense of belonging and caring about the surroundings. Conen Sigl Architects’ design approach ensures sustained quality of life in the residential complex by providing a space with built-in longevity, that benefits the people living there and the environment.