Miller & Maranta architects created 3 new residential buildings on the former commercial area at Hardstrasse 43, Basel, Switzerland.  The project is about an urban development outside of the historic city that aims to provide high quality living spaces according to the contemporary lifestyle. The three almost identical residential buildings, have a characteristic raw aluminium material covering their facades, a serial arrangement of the windows and corrugated aluminium roofs. These features, give an industrial aesthetic to the building complex, that continues to the interior spaces. 

The project is located on the former site of the General Poster Society on Hardstrasse in Basel. It is an example of urban development outside of the historic city after the city walls were torn down. In addition to the shape of the roof with steep gabled roofs – which give a commercial look through the gradation – and the serial arrangement of the windows, the raw aluminium material also evokes associations with industrial use.

The development takes into account the peculiarities of the quarter and creates high-quality living space. Inspiring living space that is seamlessly integrated into the quarter, but still stands out and allows for a contemporary lifestyle. It leaves open spaces and creates connections within the residential units.

On the former commercial area at Hardstrasse 43, Basel, 3 new residential buildings were designed by Miller & Maranta architects to fit with the history of Basel, in the former site of the the Allgemeine Plakatgesellschaft. The project is an example of urban development outside of the historic city after the city walls were torn down.

The three almost identical residential buildings plus shed hall comprise a total of 67 parties. The 3 buildings are very simple and have a visual connection to the adjacent shed hall through the double ridge. The façade and the roof are clad in corrugated aluminum that is produced using an extrusion process. On each side of the building there are 3 balconies on top of each other from the facade. All other windows on the upper floors have French railings.

The facade is the most technically demanding element of the entire building and a property-specific profile system was specially developed for the unusual “everything from a single source” look, which works both as a façade cladding and as a roof covering.

Particular attention was paid to the seamless construction with regard to thermal expansion. Expansions of several centimeters had to be accommodated over the entire height of the building between summer and winter.

When it comes to the railings, the architects Miller & Maranta claim to be “simple and functional”. This is reflected in the shape, the surface and especially in the railing filling. The curved raw construction consists of 1 inch tubes which are welded to a frame and then hot-dip galvanized. The raw construction is covered with a wire mesh which prevents protection against falling.

In addition to the shape of the roof with steep gabled roofs – which give a commercial look through the gradation – and the serial arrangement of the windows, the raw aluminum material also evokes associations with industrial use. The fine, metallic dress of the facade gives little indication of the inner brutalism.

The development takes into account the peculiarities of the quarter and creates high quality living space. Inspiring living space that is seamlessly integrated into the quarter, but still stands out and allows for a contemporary lifestyle, creating open spaces and connections within the residential units.

Credits:
Project: Hardstrasse 43 Loft 
Typology: Residential
Architects: Miller & Maranta
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Client: ECOREAL – Swiss Real Estate Investment Foundation
Photographer: Karina Castro

Miller & Maranta

Miller and Maranta architecture studio was founded in 1990 by Quintus Miller and Paola Maranta. Currently the studio is directed by Quintus Miller, Paola Maranta
and Jean Luck Von Aaburg.was born in Aarau in 1961. Studies in architecture at the ETH Zurich.
Quintus Miller graduated in 1987 from ETH Zurich. Design assistant at EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich between 1990 and 1994 and since 1994 permanent collaboration with Paola Maranta in Basel.
Paola Maranta was born in Chur in 1959. Architecture studies at EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich. Diploma in 1986 at the ETH Zurich. Master of Business Administration, 1990 at IMD Lausanne. Since 1994 permanent collaboration with Quintus Miller in Basel.
Jean-Luc von Aarbug was born in Liestal in 1975. Architecture studies at EPF Lausanne, TU Delft and ETH Zurich. Diploma in 2001 at the ETH Zurich.
Employed at Miller & Maranta since 2001, since 2007 as a member of the board of directors and since 2013 as a partner.

Karina Castro

Karina Castro (Portuguese, b.1990) is a visual artist and photographer based in Milan, Italy. Her practice focuses on the conditions of the territory social-political issues and architecture, prompting a dialogue about the current environment circumstances.
In 2021, she was the recipient of the New European Photography talent prize of 2021, curated by Gup. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally including the Royal Geographical Society in London and the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester curated by the Royal Photographic Society and has additionally been published in different books and magazines.
She was selected by ArchDaily, Archtizer and ElleDecor in the list of the 12 women professional photographers whose work is essential to communicate architecture. Over the years she has carried out visual research and editorial projects, collaborating with institutions, publishers and architects.