Römerstrasse Baden Apartments by Michael Meier Marius Hug Architekten: A Harmonious Blend of Industrial Legacy and Contemporary Living

Located on the serene, wooded hillside of the Limmat River in Baden, Switzerland, the Römerstrasse Baden Apartments project by Michael Meier Marius Hug Architekten showcases an exceptional transformation of mid-century industrial architecture into sustainable, high-quality residential living. This adaptive reuse development not only revitalizes four modernist pavilions from the 1960s but also preserves the site's historical identity linked to Switzerland’s industrial powerhouse, Brown, Boveri & Cie (ABB).

A Legacy Reimagined

The site’s historical significance is rooted in its proximity to Baden’s thermal springs and industrial heritage. The Römerstrasse, named after ancient Roman builders, connects the city center to its industrial past. Nestled here, the original office pavilions once served a thriving business district. Thanks to a design competition win in 2010, these structures have been skillfully repurposed into 78 elegant condominiums, completed and occupied by 2022.

Intelligent Design & Structural Efficiency

At the heart of the architectural concept is the enfilade of sottoportegos—ground-level public passageways that unify the four buildings while maintaining accessibility and permeability throughout the site. The architects reoriented the core access routes and placed stairwells within the “belly” of each structure, strengthening the buildings with minimal intervention and ensuring efficient use of material resources.

The concrete cassette ceilings—once functional elements of office architecture—have been preserved and emphasized through the addition of massive structural columns and walls, subtly organizing space within each apartment. This design maintains both structural integrity and spatial clarity, blending heritage with innovation.

Modern Façade with a Nod to the Past

Perhaps the most visually striking feature is the building envelope: a lightweight, apron-like façade system. Wrapping each pavilion is a choreographed array of textile awnings that soften the strong lines of the architecture and recall the elegance of mid-century modern design. The façades are not just aesthetic; they provide shading and energy efficiency while enhancing the buildings' unique identity.

Site-Sensitive Urban Integration

The design respects and celebrates the site’s riverside setting, preserving key sightlines and maintaining harmony with the surrounding forested hillside. By retaining the original building skeletons and emphasizing minimal intervention, the architects ensure a sustainable urban renewal that extends Baden’s architectural narrative with authenticity and care.

All the photographs are works of Markus Bertschi, Roman Keller