The existing building was built in proximity to the old city center of Basel in1895. It was designed in Art Nouveau Style by the Swiss architect Adolf Kiefer. Over time, the heritage-protected/ listed building was severely dilapidated and suffered from neglect. The biggest challenge of the project was to create a contemporary living environment while treating the elements of the past with care and respect. The untouched original interior elements (such as the staircase, some walls or ceiling molds) were studied carefully and had to be preserved due to their significance.

GRUNER&FRIENDS were the lead designers to transform the obsolete building into a comfortable and modern residential building. We created the concept for an environment where every resident can feel at home and experience a quiet space of a courtyard in the city center of Basel.

The building has been remodeled and modernized beyond Swiss standards. In addition, each apartment received an outdoor space to relax. We upgraded the apartments, integrated additional student rooms, and added new terraces towards the inner courtyard.  Our proposal for the existing apartments was to open up the living room and kitchen area to enhance the sense of the connection between the two sides of the building and to provide better natural light through the apartment.