Bellariarain
On the hilltop of the lateral moraine between Sihltal and Wollishofen lies the Bellariarain with a view of Lake Zurich. The impressive tree population originates from the Belt Walk, which framed a mansion at the beginning of the 20th century. After the Second World War, the villa gave way to a housing estate for the upper middle class, with landscape architect Gustav Ammann preserving much of the original tree population. A good seventy years later, the 172 flats of the new replacement building, which emerged from a successful competition in 2015 and was completed in 2021, specifically benefit from the high qualities of the site.In reference to its landscape history, a continuous network of paths runs through the settlement and connects with the neighbourhood. Like fingers, four longitudinal and four point buildings each reach into the sloping topography. The park-like outdoor space is brought into the flats by stepping, twisting and canting the volumes. These are organised around a central column that separates the living room from the dining room and offers the kitchen a prominent place with a view over the lake via a loggia. The tiles of the façade reflect the play of light from the mighty treetops and the massive buildings appear delicate, playful and organic.
