langensand

The Langensand-Matthof development represents a significant urban expansion during the post-war era in Lucerne. Originally constructed as a cohesive ensemble in 1959, the Matthof neighbourhood underwent various redevelopment initiatives by different owners, resulting in a heterogeneous appearance over time.

The renovation of the Langensand block opposes its replacement and emphasises the preservation of the building as an integral part of the ensemble, along with its associated resources. The aim was to preserve and expand the affordable living space as well as to transition the residential block into a new life cycle.

While the existing structure had already maximised its utilisation ratio, the proportions of living spaces and outdoor areas posed a challenge as they no longer met contemporary needs. Additionally, the stairwells were too narrow to install lifts.

The concept lied in the approach to combine winter gardens and lifts in a new building layer, both of which are not factored towards the utilisation. Hence, a new thermal buffer zone of glazed balconies grants new points of access and becomes a multifunctional place to arrive and linger.

With the facade refurbishment, the residential block received a new dress made of corrugated sheet metal. The gentle reflection taps into a “yearning for modernity,” where crystalline forms rise among trees on vast green spaces and reflect their surroundings. The undulating movement of the corrugated sheets continues in the curtains of the new building layer. The horizontal articulation of the east facade echoes the facade bands of the original design.