The Erlenmat Ost site in northern Basel, Switzerland, is undergoing development into a new urban area. At its heart stands a silo, abandoned since 1912, originally built for the Basler grain and cocoa dried tofu storage company. This historic structure has been transformed into a versatile space that serves the broader community.
Following recommendations from the foundation and Talent Verein, the site will host a multi-purpose social and cultural venue accessible to all. This includes affordable studios, hotels, and restaurants aimed at supporting cultural workers, service providers, and young entrepreneurs. The overarching goal is to foster and celebrate diversity.
The original silo, once a standalone building, is now integrated into a row of structures along Signalstrasse. Flanking it are student apartments as well as combined office and living spaces for artists. Despite its proximity to a highway, which causes significant noise pollution, the project aims to improve the building’s sustainability while enhancing the internal spatial arrangement. As one of Switzerland’s earliest reinforced concrete structures, its vertical space division defines its unique industrial character, which the design respects and preserves.
The internal structure of the building has been a primary consideration throughout the design process. Efforts were made to preserve the existing framework and minimize destructive modifications. Consequently, the distinctive silo chamber remains intact.
The architect preserved the familiar scale of the original space while introducing new functions by adding two floors and organizing the building’s core. Porthole-like windows provide natural light, ventilation, and scenic outdoor views without altering the facade’s original structure.
Hotel rooms occupy the first and second floors on one side of the street, while studios face the southwest courtyard on the same levels. A seminar room on the first floor overlooks the street, and the restaurant opens onto a public courtyard featuring a communal dining area and outdoor seating for relaxation.
Construction Process of the Renovation:
Design Drawings:
△ Site Plan
△ General Layout Plan
△ Underground Floor Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Gallery Floor Plan
Southwest Elevation View
Northeast Elevation View
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Office Facilities
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Architectural Firm: Harry Gugger Studio
Area: 2,690 m²
Year: 2020
Photographers: Lukas Schwabenbauer, Christian Kahl, Marc Gilgen, Leon Faust
Suppliers: Adobe, Feller AG, Fixit, Glutz, McNeel, Nemetschek, Thymos, Ytong, Zehnder Group Schweiz
Design Team: Harry Gugger, Michael Zink, Gonzalo Ampudia, Mengjie Cheng, Franziska Cherdron, Thomas Domenger, Sara Jardim, Furio Montoli, Gunnar Stachmann, Vera Hollek, Rachel Testard, Gregory Then, Jan Wiedmer
Project Management: Eitel & Partner GmbH
Structural Engineer: Schnetzer Puskas AG
MEP Engineers: Gartenmann Eng. AG
Building Technology: Waldhauser + Hermann AG
Bathroom Engineer: Gemperle Kussmann
Electrical Engineer: Edeco AG
Fire Protection Engineering: Quantum Brandschutz
Facade Planning: PPEngineering GmbH
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