The ‘Flarz’ is a vernacular building type characteristic of the Zurich Oberland. These closely packed units of use arose from the growing need for living and working space on predominantly agricultural plots. The corner house on Bachgasse had already been renovated several times over the decades and featured an atypical extension with a flat roof. At the same time, the original ceiling height of 2.05 metres – which, by today’s standards, is rather low – remained unchanged.
The two rear rooms – out of a total of four on each floor – were rebuilt as part of the renovation project. These were in a poor state of repair, suffered from inadequate light and air quality, and offered little scope for improvement. Instead of a compact staircase and a small adjoining room, the new vertical circulation system extends across the entire width of the house like a topographical landscape, blurring the boundaries between circulation and usable space. This enables unexpectedly generous spatial relationships and cross-views, as well as a fluid movement from the entrance to the roof. By structurally utilising each individual step as a joist, it is possible to realise this spatial sculpture using 55mm-thick monolithic concrete. This construction minimises resource consumption, creates headroom and allows for a seamless connection to the complex, oblique existing walls.
Direct commission
Nominated for the ARC Award 2025, Betonpreis 2025
Invited to Archithese "Swiss Live Performance 2024"
Architecture: Stefan Wülser + Didier Balissat + Joni Kaçani
Realization in close cooperation with the monument preservation authorities and the cityscape commission of the city of Uster
Civil engineer: Neven Kostic
Sprayed concrete: Theo Bürgin 3D-Creations
