Sonnenhof, Regensdorf | Fischer Architekten

The positioning and staggered layout of the nine buildings in this housing development in Regensdorf create different kinds of continuous spaces, newly defined between the surrounding settlement typologies and their flowing green spaces. In the study commission procedure this proposal was awarded first prize.

Sonnenhof housing development is in Regensdorf, a community near Zurich that has a definite urban stamp. Central courtyard-like spaces form the heart of the development. Groups of three buildings are positioned in relation to each other to form similar but not identical courtyard geometries at the centre. The restrained variety, which results from the placing of the buildings, establishes different kinds of spatial relationships that offer room for a variety of neighbourly contacts. From various positions there are views that allow one to grasp the entire perimeter.

Organised around staircases serving three or four apartments on each floor, the 141 apartments have a clear systematic internal structure. This is based on the addition of groups of rooms that are always the same, which allowed a conventional and economic construction system to be used and makes apartments of different sizes possible. The side of the building from which the balconies project into the green space changes from floor to floor, resulting in double-height outdoor spaces that help to bring more light into the living rooms.