AXA Investment Foundation renovates large Winterthur housing estate and creates 80 new apartments

The 'Unteres Bühl' housing estate in Oberwinterthur was built between 1974 and 1990 in three phases and has since shaped the townscape of the old village centre. Today, some of the apartments no longer meet current standards in terms of technology and sustainability and are therefore to be renovated. Additionally, BNP Paribas is expanding the estate for the AXA Investment Foundation by adding 80 more apartments. The project has now been approved, with construction expected to start in early 2027.

Renovation while occupied
The residential buildings of 'Unteres Bühl' not only evoke the architecture of the 60s but are also considered a distinctive feature of Oberwinterthur. It was decided early on that the residential buildings should be preserved in their original form.

Alongside preserving the architectural heritage, social sustainability is also a focus. With careful planning, the AXA Investment Foundation has managed to design the renovation process so that tenants can remain in their apartments. Tenants were involved early in the planning and maintaining dialogue remains central during implementation. 'Our tenants have been an integral part of the estate for years and have helped shape it. We are pleased to now make it fit for the future together,' said Pascal Messmer, Asset Manager at BNP Paribas Group.

About 300 apartments are to be renovated. The level of intervention varies from building to building, as some were already renovated in 2015 while others remain largely in their original condition.

Space for 80 additional apartments
In addition to renovating existing buildings, the estate will be selectively expanded with extensions that mirror the character of the existing buildings. Two new buildings will also be created, carefully integrated into the estate. The 80 additional apartments will primarily provide small apartments with 1.5 to 2.5 rooms, complementing the site's offering.

'With the new buildings, we also have the opportunity to further develop the area,' said Pascal Messmer. Barrier-free small apartments will be created to address a supply gap within the estate. The ground floor will offer space for innovative living concepts, such as residential studios that allow for diverse community uses. Additional offerings are also planned to promote the estate community and the neighbourhood. A commercial space is part of the estate project as well.

Broad estate offering and more biodiversity in the outdoor area
The 'Unteres Bühl' offers a space for community with its generous park-like outdoor area, community rooms and gardens, and the kindergarten, which has been part of the estate since 1977. The renewal of the outdoor area will revitalise the estate and community interaction. The park with its niches, generous spaces, playgrounds, and recreational areas will be preserved. A public use is planned, such as a daycare centre, for the one-storey pavilion at the heart of the estate.

The landscape architecture firm 'ghiggi paesaggi' is responsible for designing the park. They are guided by the original open space concept of Fred Eicher, who placed great value on flowing green spaces. With a diverse array of plants, new highlights are to be set and biodiversity promoted. Together with the landscape architecture firm and other professionals, interested tenants participated in a workshop to contribute their ideas for the outdoor area design.

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