On the former commercial area at Hardstrasse 43, Basel, 3 new residential buildings were designed by Miller & Maranta architects to fit with the history of Basel, in the former site of the the Allgemeine Plakatgesellschaft. The project is an example of urban development outside of the historic city after the city walls were torn down. 


The three almost identical residential buildings plus shed hall comprise a total of 67 parties. The 3 buildings are very simple and have a visual connection to the adjacent shed hall through the double ridge. The façade and the roof are clad in corrugated aluminum that is produced using an extrusion process. On each side of the building there are 3 balconies on top of each other from the facade. All other windows on the upper floors have French railings. The facade is the most technically demanding element of the entire building and a property-specific profile system was specially developed for the unusual “everything from a single source” look, which works both as a façade cladding and as a roof covering.

Particular attention was paid to the seamless construction with regard to thermal expansion. Expansions of several centimeters had to be accommodated over the entire height of the building between summer and winter.

When it comes to the railings, the architects Miller & Maranta claim to be “simple and functional”. This is reflected in the shape, the surface and especially in the railing filling. The curved raw construction consists of 1 inch tubes which are welded to a frame and then hot-dip galvanized. The raw construction is covered with a wire mesh which prevents protection against falling.


In addition to the shape of the roof with steep gabled roofs - which give a commercial look through the gradation - and the serial arrangement of the windows, the raw aluminum material also evokes associations with industrial use. The fine, metallic dress of the facade gives little indication of the inner brutalism.


The development takes into account the peculiarities of the quarter and creates high- quality living space. Inspiring living space that is seamlessly integrated into the quarter, but still stands out and allows for a contemporary lifestyle, creating open spaces and connections within the residential units.

CREDITS:

Architects: Miller & Maranta


Client: ECOREAL - Swiss Real Estate Investment Foundation


Photographer: Karina Castro