buchner bründler architekten has converted a carriage house built around 1880 into a minimalist family residence in basel, switzerland. concrete in different colors, smoothly plastered surfaces and slurried natural stone walls characterize the home’s interiors, complemented by elements of oak and fir that add warmth. in order to bring in natural light, the architects have cut a double-story circular opening into the dividing wall of the structure, transforming the formerly separated parts of the building into a unified whole.images by rory gardiner unless stated otherwise

buchner bründler architekten has renovated the service building, which was part of a villa located on the property, converting it into the ‘missionsstrasse house’ for a family. built around 1880, the carriage house was separated by a massive quarrystone wall into a utility area with stables, carriage room and hayloft, and a living area for the servants. after the villa was demolished for the construction of a peripheral building at the beginning of the 20th century, the building was used for other purposes, such as an atelier, but essentially remained in its original typology.

the renovation tackles the building’s lack of natural light by creating an open room composition. its formerly separated parts are brought together by cutting a double-story circular opening into the dividing wall. in addition, the existing structural system is overlaid by a concrete structure cast in situ, which creates a variety of situationally-shaped spaces, including two atriums that bring in zenithal light to the garden level. new roof windows fill the building with a natural brightness, while openings in various shapes in the concrete panes lead the light further inside the different areas of the house.

‘the concrete structure appears like a colossal table with its striking supports and beams,’ notes buchner bründler architekten. the interior material palette is characterized by concrete in different colors, smoothly plastered surfaces and slurried natural stone walls. together with elements of oak and fir, the selection gives the interiors a haptic as well as lively materiality. the historic cement stone façade retains its characteristic appearance, while only the solid oak windows refer to the new purpose. the side façade generously opens up to the surrounding garden via a double sliding door.