ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECT
Gerhard Kaufmann (1932-2023 †)
YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION
1959
RENOVATION
2022-2024
STORY
The residential building at Kannenfeldstrasse 15, cleverly designed by architect Gerhard Kaufmann (1932–2023), was one of his early works, completed in 1959. Influenced by his internship in Paris and the designs of Le Corbusier, Kaufmann created this exposed concrete building amidst Wilhelminian-style structures, just a few houses away from Karl Moser's concrete church, upon his return to Basel. The narrow plot demanded a keen design sensitivity and a deep understanding of living quality, especially given the challenge of optimizing small units. Kaufmann achieved this by structuring the compact spaces with high-quality wooden fittings, creating flexible, well-furnished interiors.
The residential building at Kannenfeldstrasse 15, cleverly designed by architect Gerhard Kaufmann (1932–2023), was one of his early works, completed in 1959. Influenced by his internship in Paris and the designs of Le Corbusier, Kaufmann created this exposed concrete building amidst Wilhelminian-style structures, just a few houses away from Karl Moser's concrete church, upon his return to Basel. The narrow plot demanded a keen design sensitivity and a deep understanding of living quality, especially given the challenge of optimizing small units. Kaufmann achieved this by structuring the compact spaces with high-quality wooden fittings, creating flexible, well-furnished interiors.
The residential building at Kannenfeldstrasse 15, cleverly designed by architect Gerhard Kaufmann (1932–2023), was one of his early works, completed in 1959. Influenced by his internship in Paris and the designs of Le Corbusier, Kaufmann created this exposed concrete building amidst Wilhelminian-style structures, just a few houses away from Karl Moser's concrete church, upon his return to Basel. The narrow plot demanded a keen design sensitivity and a deep understanding of living quality, especially given the challenge of optimizing small units. Kaufmann achieved this by structuring the compact spaces with high-quality wooden fittings, creating flexible, well-furnished interiors.
THE
OTHER
SIDE
OUR COMMUNITY GARDEN EQUIPPED WITH HAY GARDEN FURNITURE.
NEW BEGINNINGS
In collaboration with Beer Merz Architects in Basel and Studio Greiling from Berlin, we developed a concept focused on preserving the original floor plan typology, apartment sizes, and building structure. The project includes energy-efficient upgrades with photovoltaic systems and underfloor heating, facade renovation of exposed concrete, addition of sun protection elements, and the renewal of infrastructure and loggia parapets.
In collaboration with Beer Merz Architects in Basel and Studio Greiling from Berlin, we developed a concept focused on preserving the original floor plan typology, apartment sizes, and building structure. The project includes energy-efficient upgrades with photovoltaic systems and underfloor heating, facade renovation of exposed concrete, addition of sun protection elements, and the renewal of infrastructure and loggia parapets.
A CONCEPT FOR PRESERVING THE FLOOR PLAN TYPOLOGY
ORIGINAL
CONCRETE
BUILDING
COLOUR CONCEPT ACCORDING TO LE CORBUSIER’S PALETTE 1959
EVERY DETAIL
The functional wooden fittings were to be restored, with any damaged pieces replaced. The attic was planned for conversion into two residential units, while the ground floor would be redesigned as a communal space with garden access. Additional plans included the installation of curtain rails, basic furnishings, a color scheme inspired by Le Corbusier's 1959 palette, garden revitalization, and enhancement of the entrance area with bicycle parking.
The functional wooden fittings were to be restored, with any damaged pieces replaced. The attic was planned for conversion into two residential units, while the ground floor would be redesigned as a communal space with garden access. Additional plans included the installation of curtain rails, basic furnishings, a color scheme inspired by Le Corbusier's 1959 palette, garden revitalization, and enhancement of the entrance area with bicycle parking.
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UNIT-15 BASEL 1959 - 2024
TELLING STORIES
ORIGINAL PHOTO BY ARCHITECT GERHARD KAUFMANN 1959