Giessliweg extension, Basel

The project
Recognizing the qualities of existing buildings and building on this basis is an important task for architecture. Inward settlement development has several advantages: it stops urban sprawl and saves grey energy because fewer new building materials are needed. Well renovated buildings are often comparable to new buildings from an energy point of view and satisfy the needs of the users. The Giessliweg extension in Basel is a good example of inner densification.

The construction method
Hollow box elements with a spilt filling and mineral wool in the ceiling element were chosen for the construction of the floor ceilings. These wooden ceilings remain visible in the apartments and give the rooms a pleasant, homely atmosphere. The construction also performs very well in terms of acoustics. Acoustic measurements prove that the increased requirements are met in this building. On the one hand, this testifies to a good construction of the ceiling, and on the other hand to a clean execution of the construction work. When buildings are ring-horny, this is often due to poor workmanship. This is because sound seeks its way through leaky joints, fasteners that have been driven in too deeply or incorrectly installed setting strips of underlay floors.