Are decisions regarding the place made jointly and transparently?

The former infants’ and mothers’ home on the outskirts of Bern has undergone many transitions in its almost one hundred years of existence. The latest chapter in its long history began in 2015, when the hospital network Spital Netz Bern sold the listed building by architects Salvisberg & Brechbühl and a newer building from the 1980s to the Tilia Foundation for Long-Term Care. The new owner and the Bernese architectural firm Aebi & Vincent, together with the monument preservation authorities, adapted the old building to its new use and designed the new replacement building.

Does the place serve its purpose?

Adapting a listed building to meet today’s standards of care is a challenge. The old building dictated built structures that were not compatible with the new use, and solutions were sought that would be welcomed by the staff. For example, it was not possible to create a dining room on all floors of the old building. So all the residents have to be taken down to the ground floor for meals and then be brought back up again using a single lift. On the other hand, the balconies around the perimeter allowed all the bedrooms to have their own outdoor space – an amenity not offered in the new building.

Does the place promote biodiversity?

The care centre has a large garden and many old trees and shrubs. Adjacent to its own grounds is a nursery, followed by grassland and woodland down to the river Aare, where a large nature reserve stretches out. Also nearby is Elfenau Park, with a garden run by the non-profit organisation ProSpecieRara.

Are the construction materials and methods durable, require little maintenance, and maintain or even enhance the place’s value?

Built in 1930, the infants’ and mothers’ home has been restored to its former splendour and colours following the renovation completed in 2022. The refined spatial atmosphere of the interior contributes to the well-being of the residents. The new replacement building adopts the proportions and colour palette of the old building and enhances the existing architecture by supplementing it.

Does the place foster community?

In its facility on the Elfenau meadow, the Tilia Foundation offers accommodation for 77 long-term residents, divided into three living areas – with 28 beds in the old building and 49 in the new building. Each living area has both indoor and outdoor communal areas. Residents and visitors meet in the connecting building between the two main buildings, in the cafeteria and in the garden.

Does present-day design improve the quality of the existing?

Soon after its completion, the old building, with its wraparound balconies on three sides, was popularly nicknamed the “ocean liner”. Built entirely in the modernist style, the “ocean liner” still looks elegant and contemporary today. The new building, which is slightly angled towards its predecessor, adopts the horizontal articulation, generous curves and façade colour of the historic building.

Is the place notable for its distinctiveness?

The combination of old heritage-protected architecture and new construction is quite unusual for a nursing home facility. The Elfenau centre also stands out in comparison to the five other Tilia Foundation sites in the Bern area. In addition, the adjacent green space integrates the care centre into the verdant rolling landscape.

Does the place’s beauty contribute to people’s well-being?

The old and new buildings feature an unusual choice of colours and materials inside. The white that is ubiquitous in hospitals and other care facilities is absent here. The rooms are finished in unusual and appealing colour combinations. They exude a delightful sense of comfort. The principles of modernity – light, air and sun – are also reflected in both buildings with their large windows.