2024, Langgrüthof, Zürich-Albisrieden
In a camper van, all the functions of an apartment are organised in the smallest possible area. There is a small kitchen, a sleeping area, a dining table and a tiny bathroom. This compactness fascinates us. Less space means lower rents. Two-thirds of the residents in Zurich live alone in their apartments. A 2½-room and a 1½-room apartment are accessed alternately via an arcade. These two flats form the two-floor plan typologies of the building. An entrance hall with a wardrobe leads to the kitchen and bathroom, which form a single unit and are also access areas. The kitchen is wide enough to accommodate a table for two.
Situated on the upper floor, the floor plan makes use of the different floor heights given by the topography. This makes it possible to create a lofty living area, which further enhances the spatial qualities of the apartment, which is planned with all the comforts – such as two entrances, a dressing room, a bathroom with daylight and a fully-equipped kitchen. The outdoor areas, which are oriented in different directions, also enhance its appeal.
Changing social conditions, combined with a more flexible working environments, lead to changed demands on living and thus apartments. Outdoor space is becoming ever more important and, along with the kitchen and bathroom, is often the reason for renting a flat. A continuous south-facing balcony with a view of Zurich's local mountain defines the floor plan. Large sliding windows connect this versatile outdoor area with the bedroom, the living/dining room and the kitchen.
Diverse circulation options make a small flat appear spatially larger. In addition, a specific access room can be eliminated. The doors are in the correct place and make it possible to perceive the effective room depths of the floor plan.
