Hagenbündten

Suitable land is scarce, and affordable housing is urgently needed. Instead of demolition and new construction, the Hagenbündten residential development in Arlesheim (Basel agglomeration) relies on an intelligent transformation: the former Baloise training centre is given a completely new function through targeted interventions. Eighteen apartments are created directly within the preserved structure, while two compact new buildings expand the ensemble to a total of 64 units.

The project—awarded with the first prize in an integrated-performance competition won by HHF architects and Halter AG—exemplifies how existing structures and new additions can merge into a permeable composition. Green ceramic façades give both the existing and new volumes a cohesive appearance and integrate the buildings harmoniously into the natural, wooded surroundings. By retaining the existing load-bearing structure, valuable grey energy is preserved. Ecological building materials, the reuse of components, and efficient building services ensure a high level of sustainability at moderate cost. Slim concrete structures significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions while keeping construction costs low and ensuring long-term durability.

The project impressively demonstrates that sustainable housing is created not only through new construction but above all through intelligent reuse. The transformation conserves valuable resources, reduces emissions, and simultaneously creates high-quality, barrier-free housing in a location close to the city, a forward-looking contribution to addressing the housing shortage and advancing a circular construction economy.