Max Towers by Max Dudler: A New Residential Landmark in Aesch, Switzerland

Max Towers, designed by renowned architect Max Dudler, stand as the defining centerpiece of the emerging Aere residential and commercial quarter in Aesch, Switzerland. Positioned within the former industrial district of Stöcklin—between Reinach and Aesch, just south of Basel—the project transforms a once-utilitarian landscape into a vibrant urban living environment. Completed in 2024 and spanning 26,500 m², the twin towers introduce a bold architectural presence rooted in clarity, proportion, and contemporary urban living.

A Vertical Neighborhood with Garden-Like Living

Rising approximately 40 meters, the two towers immediately distinguish themselves through a continuous ribbon of wraparound balconies. These balconies, extending around each level above a recessed ground floor, offer residents panoramic views while creating a unique architectural gesture that merges high-rise living with the spatial generosity of a private garden.

This design strategy—framing each floor with a balcony girdle—blends the urban character of tower architecture with the domestic comfort of outdoor space, creating a hybrid typology where vertical density meets horizontal openness. The result is an elevated landscape that supports social interaction, relaxation, and a strong connection to the outdoors.

Sculptural Exterior and Layered Façade Design

On the exterior, Max Dudler employs a tectonic system of solid columns paired with integrated cornices. These monolithic elements create a rhythmic architectural language that enhances the verticality and structural clarity of the towers.

Behind this robust outer shell lies an inner façade conceived as a second skin. Freed from structural constraints, this layer moves fluidly—stepping forward and back to optimize the residential footprint. This creates a meandering balcony zone that activates the interface between interior and exterior spaces. The zone functions as:

• A spatial buffer enhancing privacy
• A climate-responsive filter
• A flexible transition space adaptable to different living needs

This dual-layer façade is central to the project’s identity, balancing expressive architectural form with functional and environmental performance.

A Connected Community Space

At the ground level, Tower 2 features a generous entrance hall that establishes a welcoming sequence from the public realm into the development’s internal landscape. These entrance zones not only serve as arrival points but also form a spatial link between the exterior public space and the central communal garden.

The garden acts as a protected yet open hub for the new quarter—both social and ecological in character. This landscape reinforces community life, offering shared outdoor space that complements the private balcony zones above.

Photography and Material Atmosphere

Captured by photographer Stefan Müller, the imagery highlights the interplay of materials—concrete, wood, and glass—as well as the project’s strong geometric rhythms. Interior views reveal warm material contrasts and daylight-rich rooms shaped by the tower’s strategic setbacks and balcony envelopes.

A New Identity for a Former Industrial District

Max Towers is more than a residential development; it is a symbol of urban transformation. Rising from a former industrial zone, the project sets a new architectural tone for the Aere district—bringing density, identity, and a refined architectural language to an area undergoing rapid regeneration.

All photographs are works of  Stefan Müller