Artist's Studio in the Sitterwerk by Flury + Furrer

How can harmonious architecture be achieved with reused components? Architects Christoph Flury and Lukas Furrer present an exemplary approach to circular construction with the artist's studio in the Swiss Sittertal valley. Built in 2023 for Jim Dine by the Kunstgießerei St. Gallen art foundry, it is a prime example of circular construction. Thanks to the new elements designed for the location and the precise use of reused materials, the building has two stories from the outset. However, the most important thing is how old and new, or precision and pragmatism, have been used to create coherent architecture, ensuring that both stories remain recognisable and understandable. 

An interplay of old and new, which can even be seen in the renovated swimming pool. © Katalin Deér 

The entire atmosphere of Jim Dine's studio is clearly dominated by reused components. The main structure is an 8 x 20 m steel skeleton from Rotterdam that defines the shape of the studio. The perimeter insulation was salvaged from the flat roof of a neighbouring building that was demolished next to the Sitterwerk. The large delivery gate that characterises the east facade was repurposed from a demolished OLMA – Swiss Trade Fair for Agriculture and Food building. Four elegant tilt windows, a kitchen and bathroom, as well as a steel staircase and glulam beams came from Zurich. The kitchen was rescued from disposal during the renovation of the Hegibachstrasse building, which was designed by the Zurich architect Ernst Gisel. The steel staircase leading to the continuous gallery and the glulam beams came from the Huber Pavilion, which was located at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) in Hönggerberg. The iconic tilt windows originally came from an office building. They too have now found a new home in the studio. 

To avoid overdesigning the space and to provide context for all elements, Flury + Furrer Architects from Zurich decided to adhere to the industrial hall typology. The pitched roof combines the building's aesthetic with its functional use, blending in perfectly with its surroundings. It also provides the desired lighting in the studio. The facade retains its striking rhythm thanks to the reused steel structure and glulam beams. Light aluminium strips tie all the elements together, creating a further connection to the location. The north facade of the studio faces the renovated bathhouse. This ensures that the new bathing area blends in well with its surroundings. The former filled-in swimming pool transforms the area into a new space for workers and residents of the Sittertal valley to enjoy. The area for leisure activities on the Sitter has been revitalised. 

A new place enclosed by a bathhouse and studio, © Katalin Deér

The south facade is striking thanks to its four tilting windows. Two double-wing wooden doors pierce the tranquil, perforated facade. This design decision ensures that the proportions of the south and east facades are more closely aligned. The project demonstrates that reuse can be a powerful storytelling tool. Jim Dine's studio illustrates the demands this places on architecture: an architectural expression is created that reactivates the site while simultaneously subordinating itself to it. It also creates enough tranquillity to give the patinated components space for their history. Such projects require close cooperation between the architectural firm and the craftsmen, which proved very successful at Sitterwerk.  

The restrained design allows the focus to remain on the art. © Katalin Deér 

The art foundry is renowned and respected by artists worldwide. After collaborating with the foundry, Jim Dine was so impressed with the overall atmosphere at Sitterwerk that he wanted to be involved with it long term. This desire gave rise to the project. The art foundry implements its own construction projects in close collaboration with architects Flury and Furrer. This approach creates synergy between design and execution, expanding knowledge and training a new pragmatism down to the last detail. This combination of design precision and structural pragmatism is reflected not only in Sitterwerk's new swimming pool, but also in the tension created by uniting opposites.