Merzenacker Housing Estate in Berne
Situated on the edge of town this new housing estate takes both surrounding landscape and existing development as its reference, yet achieves an individual design mix of clearly defined open spaces and continuity, housing density and privacy. On the garden side, a glass-canopied steel structure creates an intermediate zone between inside and outside. 34 terrace housing units and 8 maisonettes are divided into linear, largely south-facing rows. Some ground floor accommodation is suitable for businesses or studios. A clear network of walkways, in part covered, crisscrosses the estate. Each unit allows for individual residents' preferences - living areas can be arranged to suit around a staircase located at the side and often lit from above.
