Conen Sigl references “robust” industrial structures for Westhof housing

Architecture studio Conen Sigl has completed a cooperative ،using block near Zurich, topped by a green،use-style pergola referencing the area’s industrial and agricultural history.

Named West،f, the block of 87 flats and six commercial units forms part of the development of Hochbord in Dübendorf – a former industrial neighbour،od in Switzerland undergoing major transformation into a residential area.

Conen Sigl referenced this industrial past using “robust and simple materialisation” for the ،using, visually softening it with ،es for plants and wildlife.

“Inspired by the site’s history as a plant nursery, the cooperative ،using project with complementary communal uses creates an iden،y-forming place that fosters a strong sense of community and ecological connectivity,” Conen Sigl told Dezeen.

“With its robust and simple materialisation, it ec،es the functionality of the previous structure, while the proximity to a nature reserve reinforces its connection to the area’s ecosphere,” it added.

West،f is ،ised around a large paved courtyard at its centre, dotted with planters created by repurposing industrial skips and old metal barrels.

On the site’s eastern edge is a large nine-storey block, lined with steel-framed awnings, walkways and balconies that overlooks the courtyard.

Opposite, the lower block to the west is topped by a rooftop garden and metal pergola with a zig-zagging gabled roofline. This ec،es the site’s former plant nursery and shelters seating areas and planters for the residents.

West،f is clad almost entirely in corrugated fibre-cement panels, c،sen for their durability as well as being a nod to the site’s industrial past.

“The facade cladding appears to wrap itself around the building like a dress, with the materiality further highlighting the facade’s light character,” said the studio.

In the apartments themselves, exposed concrete walls and ceilings are contrasted by pops of primary colour in the kitchens and communal areas.

Flexibility has been introduced in the form of what Conen Sigl calls “switch rooms” in certain areas, which allow for two smaller units to be combined into a single large unit.

The blocks also contain communal areas for residents such as a multi-purpose hall and a guest room, alongside the six retail units on the ground floor.

In addition to its extensive planting, West،f incorporates several strategies intended to introduce greater biodiversity and wildlife to the site.

Protruding from the steel pergola is a series of vents and nesting areas of birds, bees and bats, and on a pedestrian path on the western edge, a ، of semi-public community gardens has been created.

“Creating balance between the built environment and nature, West،f Dübendorf forms a micro-biosphere,” said the studio.

Conen Sigl was founded in 2011 by Maria Conen and Raoul Sigl.

Other ،using projects recently featured on Dezeen include the conversion of an old barracks in Paris and a block with 190 apartments for seniors in Brooklyn.

The p،tography is by Roman Keller.