Generational Living, Winterthur (CH)

The requirements of the “Interior Hybrid Cluster” rules and regulations are consistently implemented. The housing estate “Generational Living” ties in with the semi-public interior and benefits from the open space qualities of the superior connectiosn and recreation areas. There are no private terraces in this zone. Just as community life within the cluster takes place in the inner rooms, so does the cooperative’s public life in the inner courtyard.
The courtyard floor is characterised by studios, shops, common rooms or restaurants. The generous balcony layers above are oriented towards the interior space. In the courtyard, as in the interior of the cluster, free space plays a supporting and mediating role. The border between inside and outside is broken open over the balconies with climbing plants.
At the yard level, a circulating green ribbon of herbaceous plants and a sitting frieze form a central lounge with restaurant, playground or garden room. The restaurant benefits from its location right next to the Eulachpark. Outdoor, an urban area on the street and a quiet area in the elevated courtyard are offered. The restaurant zone again plays a mediating role between public and semi-public. The KITA is placed as a terrace in the south and inside the cluster. The raised position and a veil of trees and bushes formulate the limitation of the free space and provide the necessary protection for the children.

Client: GESEWO
Architecture: Dietrich | Untertrifaller
Competition: 2009, 3rd prize

Partner
structural engineering: Merz Kley Partner, Dornbirn / landscape: Balliana Schubert, Zürich