Like many other villages, Kaltbrunn is characterized by a heterogeneous, disparate settlement pattern as well as the linear expansion of the town centre along the two development Axis. With the linear placement of the buildings and the proposed courtyard typology, we see an opportunity to develop the village centre in depth and at the same time to preserve the linear order of the street village. We see the frequently criticized heterogeneity of settlement structures in agglomeration communities as a potential. Our aim is not to create harmony and uniformity with a large-scale form, but to transform the unmediated small-grained juxtaposition of three different building types into a contrasting coexistence.
The area appears permeable, is accessible to all and forms a common centre. The surrounding streets, with which the new building blocks enter into an individual dialogue, are morphologically determining. In opposition to this, the semi-public centre forms a courtyard that can become a pulsating heart of the housing development thanks to the floating roof of the community room.
The new neighborhood Square with the existing "Rüegg Haus" forms a new meeting place. Typologically, all the houses are built in the same way, but instead of standardized living models, diversity, individuality and also resilience provide a contemporary answer to the emerging developments: Differentiation of life forms and styles, turning away from the classic family model. Increase in one-person households, as well as demographic change.
The rental flats are efficiently accessed via an arcade, which is also an important place for single people to meet informally. The property flats are accessed via a common, external staircase which is designed in such a way that it can also be used as a common balcony area. The ground floor can be converted thanks to a mobility concept. This creates reusable rooms that can be used for new purposes in the future.
Wooden elements from the existing halls are reused for the outdoor furniture. The façade appearance is also inspired by today's halls. Along the arcades and loggias, the façades are planted with greenery as a contribution to a healthier "urban climate" and for the best quality of stay. The main living spaces are dimensioned according to the flat sizes and each offers a spatial zoning for the living and dining area with direct access to the loggia. The kitchens are arranged in such a way that they can be either closed or open, which creates a wide range of options for different individual needs.
