Glattpark ABZ Opfikon

The ABZ housing estate occupies the last large building site in Glattpark and constitutes the last block towards the Siriusplatz. With the distinctive shape and structure of the buildings, the cooperative housing estate has its own identity and yet fits naturally into the overall neighbourhood. Thus, with the clear characterization of the outdoor spaces that are divided into access ways, residential courtyards and park-like green corridors, the project ties in with the spatial qualities of the exceptional building regulations. The project makes use of this specific structure to gain a  differentiated urban form of the settlement by means of designing strong building-heads, which hold the housing rows and form a strong shape towards the park.Depending on the location and conditions, the buildings are of different depths and contain two different floor plans. Thus, within the overall form, different forms of housing and additional uses are possible, reflecting the differentiated spatial program.

A lush court-garden with playgrounds, allotments and communal spaces at the building’s fronts stretches throughout the area. For the apartments on the first floor private front yards are integrated into the landscape design. Generous crossings under the narrow residential rows link the settlement and provide access to the northernmost row. A pergola serves as a filter towards the south to the public beach promenade. It is a terrace to the lake for the residents and an outdoor space for the house community 60+. The central courtyard is the address and reference point for all common first floor uses. A detailed design with gravel and flagstone surfaces, lined with street trees, is used for play and for community events.