A new residential development in Lucerne, Switzerland, has successfully integrated a historic 18th-century building into a modern housing complex, creating 47 new apartments while preserving an important piece of the city's architectural heritage. The project, located on Eichwaldstrasse at the southwestern edge of Lucerne between the city center and the Allmend recreational area, was completed last year by Zurich-based Blättler Dafflon Architekten.
The centerpiece of the development is a former salt magazine building originally constructed in 1711, which served as an economic and storage facility for a hospital before being relocated to the Allmend in 1883. The building has been designated as a protected monument since 2015, and when the Geissenstein Housing Cooperative (EBG) received development rights for the site in 2016, the city gifted them the historic structure with the requirement that it be renovated.
The restoration project carefully preserved the building's original character while modernizing it for contemporary use. Structural and energy efficiency improvements were implemented, along with the addition of sanitary facilities and a new annex containing an elevator. The ground floor now houses a café and bicycle storage, while the attic level features a multipurpose room. The hall on the first floor remains available for future use, and the building's rear features an 18-meter-long spiral slide that serves as an additional attraction for visitors.
Two new five-story buildings were constructed to complement the historic structure, featuring a light purple-glazed wooden facade that creates a friendly and inviting appearance. The larger building, with its southern orientation and stepped design, includes an open stairwell at its core and contains 35 apartments. The smaller building offers conventional access and provides 12 residential units. Both new structures include 1,000 square meters of commercial space at ground level, designed to activate the small plaza that forms the heart of the development.
The residential units range from one-and-a-half to five-and-a-half rooms, benefiting from abundant natural light and views extending across the Allmend to the Pilatus mountain range. Interior finishes include light-colored floors and white-glazed wooden ceilings that enhance the bright, welcoming atmosphere throughout the apartments.
The project represents a significant investment in sustainable urban development, with construction costs totaling approximately $24.7 million for the new buildings and $5.4 million for the renovation of the salt magazine. The landscape design was handled by Balliana Schubert Landschaftsarchitekten, also based in Zurich, creating outdoor spaces that complement the architectural ensemble and provide community gathering areas for residents and visitors alike.
