On the former site of the Wasser Energie company, the city of Bern has planned a new neighborhood of approximately 350 dwelling units that should eventually house 500 to 600 residents. After subsequent bids selecting the developers, urbanists, and participating architects, our plot was one of the last to be issued.

Working closely together with Bern-based architecture studio Fritschibeis, we proposed a building in two apparent volumes, containing 50 affordable family apartments in three types with double heights, balconies and collective spaces. All types fit together like a jigsaw.

Ultimately the building reflects both Swiss and Dutch perspectives on housing in an integrated whole: experimentation and fun in the dwelling plans are coupled with honest materialization, controlled aesthetics, and tight detailing.