Residential Park in Birrwil

Birrwil, Switzerland

We designed a functional residential park in Birrwil, Switzerland, that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. While designing a rational structure, the building also features a distinct architectural character.

Birrwil, Switzerland

Residental

Birrwil is located in the northern, German-speaking region of Switzerland. This small town of about 1,000 residents lies 50 kilometers west of Zurich, directly on the western shore of the picturesque Lake Hallwil. The narrow, north-south-oriented lake is a popular holiday destination for water sports and hiking enthusiasts. Birrwil is built on terraced hillsides along the lake, with a main road and a parallel railway forming the backbone of the town. Thanks to its proximity to Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and Basel, as well as its excellent infrastructure, the town is becoming an increasingly desirable place to live, leading to a rise in residential developments and related investments.

Residential Park in Birrwil

The site is located directly along Seetalstrasse, the main road, on the lakeside. Our task was to design a 20-apartment residential complex that shields residents from traffic noise while maximizing the lake views. Given the characteristics of the plot, we planned a development parallel to the road. The TT-shaped layout features terraced wings facing the lake with a light and open design, while the side parallel to the road has a more closed façade, acting as a protective shield against noise.

The two five-story buildings have identical massing. On the ground floor, which follows the natural slope of the land, parking spaces, storage areas, and a small studio apartment are partially embedded into the terrain. The three upper floors have a similar layout, each containing three apartments with 2.5-3-meter-wide terraces overlooking the lake. The top floor houses two spacious apartments with elegant terraces and breathtaking panoramic views.