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| CLIENT | PRIVAT |
| Commission | Competition on invitation 2009 |
| Planning | 2010–2013 |
| Construction | 2013–2015 |
| Architects | Graber & Steiger Architekten, Project Architect: Philipp Käslin |
| Consultants | Construction Manager: Kaufmann Partner, Structural engineer: Emch+Berger WSB, Landscape architect: mayo, Building physicist: RSP AG |
| Photographer | D.M. Wehrli |
In further developing the specific atmosphere of the small town of Sempach in a contemporary way, the new residential and commercial «Mühle» building reacts distinctively to the different adjoining urban spaces. Organically grown structures and pathways are traced and strengthened in subtle folds in the volume, while a respectful dialogue is engaged with the neighbouring «Hexenturm». The placement of the building formulates different exterior spaces, reflecting different levels of publicity and moods. An urban open space, narrow alleys and an introverted courtyard round off the existing spatial structure. The single-storey apartments are accommodated in the slim building wing around the courtyard, so that residents can benefit from lighting and views on more than one side. A spatial continuum that widens into a square and narrows into an alley spaciously mixes up the apartments and gives them their inner identity. The exciting effect of the interplay of light and orientation creates a playful relationship between the flowing inner spatial sequence and the medieval urban structure.

We are delighted to announce that our team has won the competition for a residential and mixed-use building in the centre of the municipality of Horw, south of Lucerne.
As the competition motto JANUS suggests, our approach is characterized by a multifaceted compound that responds subtly to the given heterogeneous context. The urban boullevard in the north is addressed just as the park-like open space towards the south.
The staggered and porous structure leaves maximum green space and accommodates a variety of apartment types, collective rooms and commercial premises that contribute to a vital a tivation of the neighbourhood.
The simple and robust structural and spatial concept enables a long life span while leaving flexibility for future adaptation. The deep, verana-like facade layers act as a climate-sensitive treshold space and expands the interiors multifunctionally.