Assignment

The extension and renovation of the Center for Elderly People in Netstal was published as a project competition in winter 2020/2021. Bob Gysin und Partner BGP Architekten was invited as a team to spend two months developing a design that meets the requirements of a contemporary Elderly Home. The focus was on the development from a mere care center to apartments for the elderly. The project was awarded 1st place and later came to realization.

Concept

The setting of the existing building on the valley floor between the rivers Löntsch and Linth is characterized by the striking landscape: The distant view into the depths of the valley and of the Glärnisch mountain range as well as the close-up view of fields and trees are motifs that create a sense of identity and contribute to the well-being of the residents.

In order to preserve these qualities, a minimal invasive extension to the west wing is proposed. This creates a common address for all uses in the north, while all outdoor spaces in the south are retained in their spaciousness.

By connecting the extension to all floors of the existing building without obstructions, optimal operational processes and a variety of pathways between the existing building and the extension are created, which residents can use independently and allow employees short and direct routes. Meeting points, laundry rooms and option rooms on the floors offer informal meeting opportunities that encourage interaction and activate the residents. The apartments have a very spacious feel thanks to the balanced sequence of rooms and varied views and can be individually furnished.

The existing building will be upgraded on all floors with little intervention and taking into account the structural conditions: on the first floor and second floor, the public areas (reception, restaurant, etc.) will be made more attractive and a larger outdoor terrace will be added to the south. On the other floors, optimum spatial quality will be achieved with a minimum of interventions so that the conversion time is short and the costs are low.

The overall result is a networked complex that ensures “living, care and nursing from a single source” on the one hand and, on the other, represents a spatial structure that is not perceived as an “institution”, but instead offers a sense of comfort and a home for all residents.

The project can be found at the website of Bob Gysin und Partner BGP Architekten “Alterszentrum Bruggli, Netstal”.