Worblaufen Plusenergie-Quartier, Ittigen
In Worblaufen, a district in the municipality of Ittigen near Bern, one of Switzerland’s first plus-energy quarters is being developed along the banks of the River Aare. 189 apartments, studios and a children’s daycare centre offer an ecologically responsible environment for four hundred people that can be used in a variety of ways.
The character of the landscape around Ittigen is formed by the meandering, deeply incised River Aare and its steep wooded banks. This setting offers numerous, extremely popular areas for recreation and leisure. To preserve the riverbanks as an open public space the six new buildings of Aarerain development are concentrated on the upper half of the site provided.
A barrier-free route that follows the topography runs in a wave-like pattern through the development, connecting Worblaufenstrasse with the Aare. The polygonal buildings are arranged along this route and, although placed close to each other, they allow views of the landscape, the river, and the Alps. A car-free local public square creates a framework for neighbourly coexistence.
Defined as a plus-energy quarter (PEQ), over the course of a year Aarerain development produces more energy than it consumes, according to weighted criteria. This is achieved by, for instance, the use of photovoltaic modules on the roofs and the facades as well as geothermal probes to generate heat. The six buildings are clad completely with scale-like, slightly tilted photovoltaic panels in a green-blue shade that harmonises with the play of colours of the Aare and the surrounding landscape.
Site plan
Ground floor with surroundings
Typical floor
Longitudinal section
Cross section
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