Wooncomplex Sulaga

Serge Schoemaker Architects has won the design competition for a housing project in the Swiss town of Sulgen. The winning proposal includes seven detached buildings with more than 50 apartments, designed for different target groups. The jury was particularly impressed with the careful integration and the way the firm established a connection with the local history.

The competition was organized to find a development proposal for a plot of approximately 9,000 m² located in the heart of the rural town of Sulgen. Serge Schoemaker Architects’ proposal is inspired by the old village center of Sulgen: stone and wooden buildings with traditional gabled roofs, slightly rotated in relation to each other. The spatial quality, intimate atmosphere, and craftsmanship with which these houses were built formed the primary inspiration for the winning competition design.

In the design, the differences between the buildings in orientation, size, and color create attractive and varied sightlines. The cohesion of the project is ensured by the uniform materialization and detailing. The facades of the designed residential buildings radiate craftsmanship and traditional simplicity. For instance, the wooden structures, beautifully shaped gutters, and downpipes have been deliberately left exposed. The design of these architectural details also references the architecture of the historic village center.

The green, car-free park in which the buildings will be located is an integral part of the design, as is the underground parking garage to be built beneath the park. The park is attractively designed for various age groups, with bike and walking paths, play areas, seating, and public artworks. To enhance the sense of community and vibrancy in the living environment, some buildings will offer space on the ground floor for social, cultural, and recreational activities.

The residential buildings will be constructed using a hybrid construction method of wood and concrete. This building method is also connected to the local history, particularly the traditional timber-framed houses that can still be found in the village today. By using wood for the main structural elements, the project not only ties in with a regional building tradition but also gives it a boost: the wood construction project will increase local employment, knowledge, and training opportunities.

The plan includes two building types and five apartment types, ranging in size from 80 m² to 160 m². The floor plans are based on a grid of 3.5 x 3.5 meters, derived from the proposed wooden construction. Within the flexible wooden framework, various layouts are possible. Later modifications can be relatively easily implemented without altering the structural elements or facades. This makes the housing project sustainable and resilient in the long term.

Construction of the housing project is set to begin in 2026.