Location | Pilatus Kulm, Alpnach OW |
Client | PILATUS BAHNEN AG, KRIENS |
Commission | Competition on invitation 2008 |
Planning | 2008–2010 |
Construction | 2010–2011 |
Architects | Graber & Steiger Architekten, Project Architect: Philip Käslin |
Consultants | Construction manager: Jürg Gabthuler, Structural engineer: Dr. Schwartz Consulting, Cost management: Büro für Bauökonomie, Façade engineering: Metallprojekt GmbH |
Photographer | D.M. Wehrli |
The impressive, crystalline silhouette of the Pilatus massif was integrated into the design for the panorama gallery and developed further in an architectural form. The new structure is subtly fitted into the Alpine terrain and develops between existing buildings and striking rocky outcrops into an artificial topography. The polygonal, meandering ground plan and the gentle cross-sectional modulation are spatial strategies that evoke gentle transitions between the developed and undeveloped landscape. The polygonal connecting section choreographs a series of spectacular perspectives and breath-taking viewpoints, while also acting as a perceptive amplifier that stages the reference to the landscape to the fullest extent. The underlying crystalline theme of the volumetrics is also reflected in the structure, construction and materialisation, and is based on a hybrid steel and concrete composite system.
In March 2021, the residential and commercial building Denkmalstrasse 21 in Lucerne was completed. By adding three more storeys to an existing building from the early 20th century, it was possible to achieve a vertical densification in the historical context not far from the famous Lion Monument. In addition to commercial uses in the renovated and converted existing building, loft-like town apartments are located in the additional storey. Access to the apartments is via a suspended, open steel staircase, from which the view sweeps across the courtyard. The project on Denkmalstrasse is a densification in the core in two senses: not only is there an inner densification in terms of the site, but the housing concept also shows a typology that is densified in the core: bedrooms, bath and kitchen are moved to the center of the floor plan. Living and circulation zones extend in a ring along the building envelope and provide a buffer layer to the nearby neighboring buildings.