Beck Oser Architects

The two-story terraced house with a pitched roof on Blauenstrasse in Basel dates back to the 19th century and has been converted into a spacious family home. The removal of the roof, the addition of a garden-facing extension on the ground floor, and the construction of two additional stories significantly increased the living space.

Stricter earthquake safety requirements necessitated the installation of bracing steel frames, which led to the demolition of the masonry garden facade, replaced with timber-framed walls and floor-to-ceiling openings. The extension is constructed in the same manner and, like the garden facade, clad with large-format metal panels. The partial demolition or relocation of individual interior walls creates open, bright rooms, often defined only by high-quality custom-made carpentry.

The unique character of this terraced house plot is explained by its location next to the corner building of the perimeter block development. The high fire wall creates a courtyard-like garden space with excellent spatial qualities. The floor-to-ceiling, partially frameless glazing allows this to be experienced from the inside as well, effectively extending the living space into nature.

The project was developed and implemented in collaboration with Melançon + Co.