Sustainable Wooden Architecture in Residential Buildings: Beck Oser Architekten's Replacement Buildings in Elgg
This article explores Beck Oser Architekten's sustainable wooden residential project, blending historic context with innovative, eco-friendly architecture.
Architecture continuously evolves to embrace sustainable and efficient construction methods while honoring historical context and local aesthetics. In Elgg, Switzerland, Beck Oser Architekten exemplifies this approach with their "Replacement Buildings Old Carpentry" project. Completed in 2021, this innovative residential development redefines the former carpentry site by integrating modern wooden architecture with thoughtful design, sustainable materials, and a sensitivity to the local environment.
Historical Context and Site Transformation
Retaining the Spirit of the Original Site
The site, formerly a carpentry workshop, featured structures in poor structural condition. Rather than preserving these buildings, the architects opted for a replacement and supplementary structure, maintaining the dimensions, story, and roof forms of the original. This decision reflects a commitment to preserving the spirit of the site while introducing modern architectural solutions.
A Unified and Purposeful Layout
The project comprises two buildings: a replacement building on Flühstrasse and a supplementary structure on Hutmattweg. The layout emphasizes dense development with functional forecourt and courtyard spaces, characteristic of the location. The supplementary building, detached from the replacement structure and shifted toward Hutmattweg, creates a shared backyard, enhancing the residential quality of the site.
Design and Materiality
Blending with Historic Fabric
The new building on Hutmattweg complements the historic architectural context, adopting similar roof pitches, materials, and ridge orientations. Subordinate to the main structure on Flühstrasse, the supplementary building's two floors maintain harmony while being distinct as a modern addition.
Facade Innovation and Spatial Dynamics
The wooden facades, designed with a contemporary interpretation of traditional carpentry materials, symbolize the site’s legacy. Openings are arranged asymmetrically, introducing subtle modernity. The structures follow the terrain’s natural slope, creating stepped forms and dynamic rooflines. This approach not only integrates the buildings into the environment but also generates unique interior spaces with angled walls and dynamic room sequences.
Functional and Aesthetic Features
The angled first-floor facades define the covered entrances, while the courtyard facades incorporate roofline shapes to optimize lighting. Generous seating areas and balconies enhance outdoor living, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Inside the apartments, angled wall configurations provide pleasant room proportions and fluid spatial transitions, further emphasizing the modern yet context-sensitive design.
Sustainability and Construction Techniques
Hybrid Wooden Construction
Wood, a nod to the site’s carpentry roots, plays a pivotal role in the hybrid construction method. While the lower floors and staircases are built using solid materials, the attics, facades, and roofs are constructed with prefabricated insulated wooden elements. This approach ensures efficiency and precision while reducing environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Solutions
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project, with ecological materials used throughout. A central wood pellet heating system, residential ventilation with heat recovery, and an inconspicuously integrated photovoltaic system on the south-facing roofs contribute to energy efficiency. These features demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable living.
A Reflection on Modern Wooden Architecture
The "Replacement Buildings Old Carpentry" project by Beck Oser Architekten is a testament to the transformative potential of sustainable wooden architecture. By reinterpreting historical elements and integrating modern construction techniques, the architects have created a harmonious, efficient, and context-sensitive residential development. The project highlights how architecture can honor a site's legacy while addressing contemporary needs for sustainability and innovation.
The thoughtful design and sustainable execution of the Replacement Buildings in Elgg showcase the potential of wooden architecture to blend history with modernity. Beck Oser Architekten's project serves as an inspiring example for architects and developers, demonstrating how careful planning, innovative design, and ecological responsibility can redefine residential spaces for a more sustainable future.
All Photographs are works of Börje Müller
