Repurposing of a Former Wine Storage as an Apartment Building

In Basel, Esch Sintzel Architekten have transformed an old industrial building into a multistorey apartment block. The pre-existing structure has been cleverly repurposed and set in the spotlight. 

Monumental remnants

The materials and colours of the new facade refer to the former use of the existing building. Until 1973, the wine warehouse had three storeys above ground; the two storeys added in 1973 could not be converted and had to be demolished. The three above-ground storeys from the existing 1955 building are now followed by three new residential storeys and a sixth storey with a common room, laundry rooms and roof terrace. The long block has been given a completely new appearance. The most striking feature of the existing building is the mighty concrete mushroom columns. They run the entire length of the building and thus determine the floor plan design. There is a very special focus on them, as they are essential elements that show the original state of the building.

Imposing mushroom-shaped supports

Esch Sintzel Architekten have succeeded in integrating the broad mushroom heads into the apartments. They take centre stage in the rooms in which they are visible or develop their effect as a sequence in the corridors. Their prominent position reveals that the pre-existing architecture certainly had decisive influence on the current design.

Various apartment types

The organization inside the building is quite complex. A broad variety of apartment types and accesses has led to an interesting overall framework. From small, 1.5-room flats to larger maisonettes, many apartment forms are available in terms of social diversification.

Colourful design

The building stands apart from the surrounding urban space thanks to its eye-catching, colourful facade. Green and red metal elements work together to create a lively overall look. The two ends of the building are clad with bright corrugated sheeting. The ground floor rounds out the structure’s residential character with commercial units and a café. On the long sides, continuous balconies made of a steel construction are presented in front of the large window areas. The interiors are also defined by an original combination of colours and materials. The building represents a successful repurposing project that works intensively with what came before.

Read more in Detail 5.2024 and in our databank Detail Inspiration.