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Kirchplatz Office + Residence by Oppenheim Architecture + Design

By Sophie Johnson

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This project by Oppenheim Architecture + Design gives a new meaning to the term ‘home office’ and new life to a historic farmhouse in Muttenz, Switzerland.

It was created in 2012 and features sustainable materials and energy.

Kirchplatz Office + Residence by Oppenheim Architecture + Design:

“The design of this adaptive re-use project was born initially out of a design competition initiated by the City of Muttenz/Basel. The design was based on the renovation of an historic farmhouse situated within the historic center core of the city. The original farmhouse was constructed in 1743. 

Today the converted farmhouse serves as an office for an architectural design company, provides community meeting space, and serves as a compelling link to a new, adjacent private residence.

The new design aimed to provide a fresh interpretation to the existing traditional features of the historic farmhouse building and its interior. This is achieved by creating new openings for natural daylight and by using a crisp white finish in the interiors, which juxtapose against the texture of the old wood and through the way in which the spaces open up, overlap, and merge together with one another.

The sustainability considerations included maintaining an energy-efficient building through the use of current MINERGIE (energy efficiency) construction standards, solar roof panels, a sustainable choice of materials such as reclaimed wood used for the facade, and the restoration of existing architectural elements where possible.

The project also included the design of a new single family house adjacent to the adaptively re-used historic farmhouse that was converted into the office. This elegant contemporary residential structure juxtaposes with the historic building.

The new and old share commonalities of materials and colors, yet have distinctly different expressions with the interplay of modern and historic delighting the senses.

The 3-floor house is organized with the master bedroom and guest bedroom on the top floor; the kitchen, dining and living spaces on the ground level; and the children’s bedrooms below ground with a ramped outdoor backyard terrace leading up to the ground level.”

Photos by: Borje Müller

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About Sophie Johnson

As the senior editor for HomeDSGN, Sophie is the ultimate authority on all things home. With years of experience and a deep passion for home decor, she brings an unparalleled level of expertise to everything she does. From decorating and interior design or from cleaning to organization, her insights and guidance are invaluable to anyone looking to transform their living space. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.

1 thought on “Kirchplatz Office + Residence by Oppenheim Architecture + Design”

  1. Absolutely stunning, from the building inwards. I love the split levels, and how the workspace is done so simply and cleanly – makes a great contrast to the more homey library.

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