In 2019, bbz landschaftsarchitekten took on the challenge of redesigning a significant piece of Biel’s industrial history: the conversion of a former watch factory into modern living space Despite their extensive experience, the team of planners faced unexpected challenges when trying to preserve the historical substance while developing a sustainable use. How they overcame this challenge and what has become of the former factory is presented by the office itself in the following project presentation.
In 2019, bbz landschaftsarchitekten took on the challenge of redesigning a significant piece of Biel’s industrial history: the conversion of a former watch factory into modern living space Despite their extensive experience, the team of planners faced unexpected challenges when trying to preserve the historical substance while developing a sustainable use. How they overcame this challenge and what has become of the former factory is presented by the office itself in the following project presentation.
The city of Biel established itself as an important center of industrial watch production in the early 19th century. The proximity to the craftsmen’s workshops in the Jura and the convenient transport links encouraged the growth of numerous watch factories in the city center. In order to meet the growing demand for space, a gradual relocation of industrial activities to the outskirts of the city began in the middle of the 20th century. The industrial sites in the city center, many of which were easily accessible, offered great potential for redevelopment.
The “La Centrale” project is the result of such a conversion, which begins with the history of the Swiss watch manufacturer “Omega”, which dates back to 1848. The company first set up shop on Bözingenstrasse, where a factory building was erected for the watch manufacture. After various expansions up to the four-winged building and its extension in 1928, “Omega” gave up this production site. The building then housed the watchmaking and microtechnology school. In 2020, the complex was extensively renovated and repurposed. The aim was to create central living space and revitalize the inner courtyard as part of the urban space.
The history of the place has been continued through a gentle renovation and valuable building fabric has been preserved. Where watchmaking history was written for 150 years, there is now space for extraordinary apartments. The mix of lofts, family apartments and studios caters to a variety of different needs and ensures an attractive mix of residents. The building fabric of the rooms has hardly been altered and the industrial character of the former watch factory has been visibly preserved. Staircases have been preserved and the exterior façade has been carefully restored. The large former factory windows create an unmistakable ambience.
The central courtyard of the four-wing complex, last used by the School for Microtechnical Professions, forms the heart of the residential complex. Accessible via a gate on Bözingerstrasse, it serves as an entrance and communal vestibule to the newly built apartments. As soon as you enter the inner courtyard, the noise and pedestrian traffic of the busy street behind the large entrance gate fades away. This newly designed open space offers an island of calm in the urban hustle and bustle and becomes a new meeting place for the residents.
During the redesign of the building and the further development of the open space, a sustainable approach was taken to the existing building. The existing paving was removed, cleaned and relaid, which not only conserves resources but also preserves the character of the courtyard. The open joints and chaussured surfaces allow rainwater to seep away on site. Shady trees and an open water area create a pleasant microclimate in the sheltered courtyard. The trees, shrubs and perennials thrive harmoniously between the historic façades and have developed into dense, lush planting over the years. The minimalist furniture made of spruce wood and simple metal chairs draws the eye to the architecture and the planting. Spots in the courtyard are bathed in a warm, diffuse light by pendant luminaires attached to long wire cables.
The inner courtyard is characterized by two chaussiered pavement inlays surrounded by shrubs. The specific planting and simple furnishings give each of the newly created spaces their own character. The larger of the two inlays, sheltered from the wind and weather, was designed as a “living room” in the Mediterranean style. This well-sunlit area with outdoor kitchen, dining table and lounge with fireplace is characterized by the scent of the jasmine flowers that entwine the pergola. Small trees such as the Judas tree and the olive willow provide additional shade, while herbs such as sage and lavender add to the Mediterranean fragrance. The “fern room”, located in the shade of the building, offers a place of contemplation in the inner courtyard with its water element, which provides a pleasant rippling sound, and its lush planting of ferns and funkia.
The conversion of the former watch factory is an example of how historically valuable industrial buildings can be transformed into modern living and working environments without denying their industrial past. This approach makes a significant contribution to overcoming the housing shortage in Switzerland and at the same time promotes sustainable, resource-conserving urban development.
Location: Bözingenstrasse 31, 2502 Biel/Bienne
Client: PAT-BVG Pension Fund for Doctors and Veterinarians, Kappelenstrasse 5, 3011 Bern
Total contractor: MLG Generalunternehmung AG, Zikadenweg 27 A, 3006 Bern
Planning: 2019
Construction time: 2020
Competition: 1st prize 2019
Size: 500m2
Construction sum: 2250’00 CHF
With offices in Germany and Switzerland, bbz landschaftsarchitekten have a wealth of experience in dealing with cities and landscapes. With curiosity and passion, we work on the entire spectrum of open space design, from small roof gardens to the recultivation of large-scale open-cast mining landscapes. Based on a careful analysis of the site, we develop tailor-made solutions for the respective uses. The contemporary and sustainable solutions are characterized by reduction to the essentials, clarity and elegance. The core of bbz landschaftsarchitekten’s work is a clear and precise spatial constellation. The quality of the spatial and design solutions can be experienced in a sensual and real way. Our designs offer new and unusual perceptions and spatial experiences. We are committed to the requirements of the public space; fashionable playfulness and excitement are far from our minds. We pay particular attention to plants as a dynamic element of growth and change. In interdisciplinary teams with architects, urban planners, artists and specialist planners, we support our clients in all phases of planning and implementation. bbz landschaftsarchitekten has made a name for itself in the design of prestigious squares and the redesign of city centers. In recent years, bbz landschaftsarchitekten has also increasingly developed private and communal open spaces in the area of new residential construction and public building environments.
Our September issue is all about urban oases. Find more exciting projects here.
By the way: The 6th bdla Designers’ Talks will take place in November 2024. Find out more here.
