Reconstruction of A Townhouse in Zurich by idA Architekten

Originally built in 1983, this apartment building in Zurich has been given one hell of a face-lift by idA architects. Bit of a whack commission in the first place, the building has been re-modeled to accommodate six three-bedroom apartments, a basement art gallery and a motorcycle workshop. Undoubtedly however, the star of this project is the impressive shared courtyard canopy shrouded in steel framework.

Linking the apartments by adding a shared canopy, idA architects capitalised on their limitations. As they weren’t able to build another apartment due to local densification regulations, they’ve abstractly and beautifully installed a steel framed canopy; thereby implying new construction is inevitable. Predicting a future rezoning of the area, idA has created the canopy to pre-empt the apartment typology to come. Hell of a move! Until then though, the canopy provides the surrounding apartments with further shared and private spaces.

Allowing idA to exercise some pretty mean creative license, the steel structural framing is imbued with a beautiful sense of symmetry whilst comprising some pretty wicked angles. Moulding the once daunting void space between the two apartments into a fuller more vibrant one where the occupants of the rest of the building, and their collective green thumb, will further evolve the structure. In essence, idA have used the limits of the project to their advantage by creating a notable piece of architecture out of relatively little. Too bloody admirable!

The project as a whole demonstrates a restrained and almost ‘calculated’ aesthetic that seems all too Swiss. Pairing the building back to its historic essentials, idA has applied a modernist touch to frame and offset these elements. From the ornate skirting and window frames to the white rendered external facade; the celebration of the old building through the addition of new elements is spot on. Acing it all round idA. We love it, and we love you for it.