Use: Affordable Housing Location: Bern, Switzerland Client: City of Bern Scope of work: Project Lead Joint Venture with Jungheim Architekten Bern
The "Velour" project proposes a compact residential building within a heterogeneous urban context near Europaplatz in Bern. The design responds to its unique location between the existing urban fabric and the adjacent wooded hillside, strengthening connections to the surrounding neighbourhood through new pedestrian paths and a footbridge.
A courtyard-like public space, together with carefully designed open areas, creates new places for recreation and social interaction. The access gallery is conceived as an open social zone and, together with the building's clear architectural form, defines the project's overall architectural expression.
Constructed using a modular timber system, the building combines efficient and flexible apartment layouts with shared communal spaces, supporting a variety of living arrangements. The dual-aspect apartments benefit from both the landscaped eastern side and the communal western side. Thanks to its efficient floor plan concept, the project offers high-quality yet affordable housing.
