Bahnhofstrasse Aarau Building Refurbishment, The existing apartment and commercial building dating from 1900 was part of a protected building ensemble situated in the city center. The task was to converse in this building. During an extensive analysis of said building’s structure, planners determined that the historical structure was in a poor state.
Courtesy of Gautschi Lenzin Schenker Architects
The committee for urban design and the committee for the preservation of historical buildings in the county agreed that a new building is an appropriate solution.
Courtesy of Gautschi Lenzin Schenker Architects
The design was based on the idea that the new building should continue to be part of the existing ensemble, which was a set of three attached houses.
Courtesy of Gautschi Lenzin Schenker Architects
The characteristics of the ensemble are the horizontal arrangement, the sectioning into three parts; base, middle and roof section, and the mural openings in the façade with standing window formats. The typologies were included and interpreted in a contemporary fashion. The structuring of the building happens through outward shifted offsets.
Courtesy of Gautschi Lenzin Schenker Architects
The façade made of insulation concrete, a material of one substance only, offers a constructive analogy toward the existing buildings. Untreated timber windows and slender pull-out blinds complement this reserved, high-quality, and noble appearance.
Courtesy of Gautschi Lenzin Schenker Architects
The lower ground receives light via skylights, and the ground floor will be used for gastronomy. The upper floors can easily be sectioned and will therefore be used for commercial purposes. The top floors contain two apartments.
Project Info
Architects: Gautschi Lenzin Schenker Architects
Country: Switzerland, Aarau
Year: 2017
Photographs: Courtesy ofGautschi Lenzin Schenker Architects
Manufacturers KEIM, Hunziker Schreinerei, Kästli Storen, Liapor, Nuprotec, Semadeni Glasbetonbau: KEIM
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.