Benninger Areal

Uzwil, Switzerland

Photo © Peter Tillessen

Drawing © Hosoya Schaefer Architects AG

Architects: Hosoya Schaefer Architects

Year: 2022
Client: Benninger Immobilien AG
Landscape architect (competition): Müller Illien Landschaftsarchitekten Zürich
Traffic (competition): IBV Hüsler AG
Landscape architect: PR Landschaftsarchitektur
Traffic planning and traffic engineering: Nagel + Steiner GmbH
Engineering: Nänny + Partner AG
Engineering and planning work: Oekoplan AG
Electrical and building services engineering: R+B Engineering AG
Implementation planning: BGW Huber GmbH

In 2015 Hosoya Schaefer Architects was asked to develop a masterplan for the inner city of Uzwil. Our masterplan proposal pointed out the importance of crossroads between Benninger street and Linden street as a new core zone in town. Due to its prime location and its mixed-use program, our design proposal, the Birkenhof, on-site can define a new local center for Uzwil and set the guidelines for the future conversion of the Benninger industrial area.

Our design proposal is arranged by three essential architectural volumes and landscapes responding to programmatic needs. The plinth contains the commercial public functions. It activates the surroundings with housing entrances, restaurant and shop windows, while its reduced height minimizes impacts to the neighborhood. The housing volumes are placed on top of the plinth alongside the large courtyard. This courtyard on top of the plinth functions as an outdoor living room including gardens, balconies, and communal areas. The six-story tower forms a notable contrast to the town hall along the Linden street. The flexible layout allows for a variety of spaces for a wide range of tenants such as a restaurant, fitness studio, offices, and housing.

Finally, the new piazza at the street level along Linden street will be an expansion to the town hall square and serve as entrances for the store and outdoor area for the restaurant. For that reason, the Birkenhof will bring shopping, gastronomy, and quality living together in one place.