Location: Cham | Switzerland
Type: Residential
Program: Mixed-use (residential, hotel, office, retail)
Client: HIAG Immobilien Schweiz AG
Team: Patrice Gruner, Anna Bijak,
Bianca Arciero, Calvin Sin,
Lewis Booth, Panagiotis Dimakidis,
Shin Jinho, SunChoi, Tom Benson
GRUNER&FRIENDS took part in an extensive urban study focusing on the potential of the site “Cham North”. Its 26,231 m2 lot is characterized by a gentle slope towards the Lorze stream.
“Cham North” lies along the Knonauerstrasse, where the future Cham–Hünenberg bypass will begin. Thus, the area is directly related to the transit system and acts as a town gate into Cham.
The project serves as a landmark and city gate at the same time. Inspired by the neighboring peaks, the project is envisioned as a mountainous landscape. It lifts the user from an otherwise flat topography to allow for unhindered views of the lake and the mountains Rigi and Pilatus in the distance.
The urban design concept is inspired by the ancient Roman cities. Together with its two neighbors, this project forms a clear city unit, working together as a whole.
We collect data from the site and its environment in order to create, evaluate and optimize our designs. This data focuses on views, surfaces, and costs. This method allows us to create valuable spaces, smarter designs, and enjoyable atmospheres.
We can then quantitatively evaluate the various iterations generated, select the best and ensure architecture of optimal quality with regards to: views, interior-exterior spaces, circulation and materials.