Low-energy concrete building in Basel

In Binningen, on the outskirts of Basel, Kohlerstraumann Architects have created a striking terraced apartment building that nestles seamlessly into the curve of a hillside. Adapting the design to the challenging topography required precision and sensitivity to the site.

“Raw, natural materials shape each of the unique apartment layouts, all designed to capture the best possible view over Basel,” explain the architects. “Concrete offers a distinctive, tactile aesthetic. Naturally, the building meets low-energy standards. Our facade celebrates the tones, textures, and surfaces that emerge from the interplay between the concrete mix and the timber formwork.”

The low-energy building uses geothermal energy and concrete core activation for heating and cooling. The project posed multiple challenges: a steep slope, complex groundwork, and a delicate urban context. Its architectural language responds to the diversity of the surrounding neighborhood while maintaining a clear, minimalist identity.

Accommodating seven residential units within the site’s height and zoning limits required careful excavation — up to 15 meters deep — before refilling and shaping the terraced structure.

Entering the building, a centrally placed staircase immediately draws the eye, offering direct access to the apartments on either side and connecting the lower floors with the attic level. Unlike conventional multi-family housing, the building’s varied floor slabs create flowing, open interiors with a sense of intimacy. Despite the proximity of the dwellings, the individual orientation of each unit ensures privacy and personal space.

© Text: Gisela Gary; Z+B Magazine; modified