Project

Ziegelei Areal . Dättnau

- Winterthur, Switzerland

A revitalized landscape in Dättnau, Winterthur, where architecture and nature coexist, reflecting a legacy of industrial history and sustainable innovation.

Modern building with glass and brick facade, large windows, flat roof, surrounded by trees and grass.

A modern building with a combination of glass and brick elements, featuring large windows and a flat roof. The structure is surrounded by a natural landscape with trees and grass.

Story

Ziegelei Areal . Dättnau

A revitalized landscape in Dättnau, Winterthur, where architecture and nature coexist, reflecting a legacy of industrial history and sustainable innovation. The Ziegelei Areal project in Dättnau, Winterthur, is a testament to the harmonious integration of architecture with its natural surroundings. Situated on the site of a former brickyard, the development respects the historical and ecological context of the area. The buildings are strategically positioned along the site's edge, parallel to a stream and the forest border, allowing a central meadow to flourish unimpeded. The project comprises two elongated residential blocks, a pavilion, and a series of outdoor spaces that create a seamless transition from common land to garden living, meadows, and forest. The residential buildings, each 80 meters long, serve as the gateway to the development, with dual-aspect apartments offering diverse landscape views. The architecture employs materials such as clay walls, recycled bricks, and steel windows, evoking a post-industrial aesthetic that connects past and future landscapes. The pavilion acts as a community hub, featuring monolithic rammed-earth elements combined with a hybrid steel and timber structure. This innovative approach commitment to ecological sustainability, utilizing materials like trass lime and recycled concrete to minimize environmental impact.

Design Highlights

Integration of architecture with the natural landscape, allowing a meadow to spread freely. Use of sustainable materials such as rammed earth, recycled bricks, and CO₂-enriched concrete. Dual-aspect apartments providing varied landscape views. Pavilion with a hybrid structure and monolithic rammed-earth elements. Ecological innovation in construction methods and material selection.

Key Facts

Detail Description
Location Dättnau, Winterthur, Switzerland
Architect Boltshauser Architekten
Year 2023
Status Built
Programs Residential, Community
Key Materials Rammed Earth, Recycled Brick, Steel

Technical summary

Updated 4/14/2026

Finishes

  • Facade: The facades feature clay walls, recycled brick, and steel windows, providing a post-industrial and earthbound aesthetic.
  • Interior: Rammed earth columns and walls are used, providing a natural and minimalistic interior finish.

Materials

  • Rammed Earth — Used for structural elements and facades, providing sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Recycled Brick — Used in facades and as a structural material, contributing to sustainability.
  • Steel — Used in windows and structural elements, providing a modern contrast to natural materials.

Construction / Systems

  • Monolithic Construction: Rammed earth elements are used monolithically for structural walls and facades, reducing environmental impact.
  • Cavity Wall Construction: Used in the garden living apartments, incorporating recycled materials to reduce emissions.

Products

  • Building Material — Rammed Earth Elements — by Keller Enterprises (Structural and facade elements)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: earth tones, natural brick, steel gray
  • Lighting: Natural lighting emphasized through large windows and open spaces.

Images

Modern building with glass and brick facade, large windows, flat roof, surrounded by trees and grass.
Modern residential building with glass windows and brick elements, featuring balconies and a grassy area with a bird in the foreground.
Modern building with recycled brick and clay facade, surrounded by grass and trees.
Modern residential buildings with brick facades in a green meadow with trees and a pathway.
Modern residential buildings with brick facades and large windows, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Spacious interior with rammed earth columns, large windows, a wooden bench with wine, and children's toys on the floor.
Minimalist interior with dining table, chairs, large window, and exposed beams.
Aerial view of a site plan showing residential buildings, roads, and surrounding forest and meadows.
Architectural elevation drawing of a residential building with repetitive windows and vertical elements.
Architectural elevation drawing showing a building with a sloped base.
Site plan with residential buildings and landscape design including trees and pathways.
Floor plan of a residential building with multiple apartments, each featuring rooms and staircases.
Floor plan of connected residential units with central staircases and symmetrical layouts.

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