Do all those involved have the necessary experience and expertise?

The building cooperative Mehr als Wohnen was founded in Zurich in 2007 by a group of more than 30 existing cooperatives. Its mission was to become an innovation and learning platform for non-profit residential construction. Its membership has since grown to over 50 cooperatives and other organisations involved in non-profit housing. The Hobelwerk in Oberwinterthur is now the second site to be opened by Mehr als Wohnen. Together with a team of specialist planners, the building cooperative is testing new construction methods, green spaces and living concepts.

Does the place serve its purpose?

On the site of a former planing mill next to Oberwinterthur railway station, five different buildings have been constructed with around 160 apartments for over 400 people and commercial space for 10 businesses. In addition to units with traditional floor plans, the site will also offer cluster apartments, micro-co-living and live/work studios. Along with democratic membership rights for residents, a wide range of participation opportunities will contribute to the social sustainability of the development.

Are negative impacts on the environment minimised?

The site has been built according to the 2000-watt principle, the SIA 2040 energy efficiency path, with low rather than high technology, and with alternative cooling systems, generous outdoor spaces and permeable ground surfaces. Three of the buildings use the principles of low-carbon timber construction and reuse. On the site as a whole, the building cooperative has been testing four different means of achieving net zero. These four approaches are being analysed in a multi-year research project funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.

Is the place affordable thanks to economy of design, construction and operation?

The building cooperative does not aim to make a profit. Its apartments and commercial premises are rented out at prices that just cover costs. Each person has about 35 square metres of living space – 10 square metres less than the Swiss average. All the buildings are built to last and require little maintenance. One of the buildings uses salvaged components such as windows, shutters, balcony grilles and doors. These have been sourced from building sites or properties awaiting demolition.

Does the place hinder the separation of different social classes?

Thanks to the cost-based rent, living in the Hobelwerk development is affordable compared to standard market housing. Households with limited incomes are eligible for a subsidy. Additionally, both residential and commercial space is rented out to social institutions, thereby enabling the building cooperative to support people who are disadvantaged in the normal housing market. At the same time, a diverse neighbourhood is taking shape that reflects the composition of the city of Winterthur.

Do the green spaces enhance the quality of the place?

The Hobelwerk site operates on the principle of a sponge city, so soil sealing is minimised throughout the outdoor spaces. Both the paved and planted areas allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground. Retention basins have also been installed. In summer, the water stored in these basins evaporates and cools the surrounding area. The flat roofs of the new buildings are covered with greenery and in some places with deadwood. This slows down the rainwater run-off and helps promote a rich variety of flora and fauna on the roofs.

Are local, regional and historical values integrated into the design and management of the place?

People now live and work on the former industrial estate of Kälin AG. Two historic workshop buildings have been preserved and now form the heart of the 15,000-square-metre site. The planing workshop from 1904 and the planing yard with its roof from 1990 now accommodate some of the shared spaces. They are contemporary witnesses and bearers of identity.

Does the design of the place take the surroundings into account?

Two long, tall residential buildings form the backbone of the development, screening the site from the railway tracks. At the centre of the new project are an old, tall brick chimney and two historical workshop facilities. Three other new buildings that vary in colour, form and material surround the existing buildings. The diversity of the buildings you see today is surprising. But in a few years’ time, when the many shrubs and trees have grown, their leafy canopies will tie the estate together visually.