The "L'Éclisse" project at 31 Schliengerweg in Basel, designed by Solanellas Van Noten Meister, is a pioneering example of circular, resource-efficient and socially responsible construction in an urban environment. On a plot of approximately 1,300 m², a compact building is being constructed, comprising six affordable apartments for large families, as well as a kindergarten and a specialized nursery school on the first floor. The aim of the project is to combine environmentally-friendly construction methods with a high degree of social friendliness, in perfect keeping with Basel's "1,000 + homes" program, which aims to create affordable, energy-efficient housing.
The systematic reuse of building materials is at the heart of the design. Over 85% of the load-bearing structure is made up of recycled elements, including columns and ribbed slabs from the demolished Lysbüchel parking lot. These components were catalogued in a specially developed catalog, sorted and integrated into the load-bearing structure in a completely modular, seamless fashion. This means that the building can be completely dismantled at a later date and returned to the materials cycle.
The project's construction also demonstrates consistent sustainability: the basement was eliminated, ancillary rooms were created on the ground and upper floors, and the internal staircase allows compact access. The building envelope consists of a lightweight prefabricated timber construction, complemented by a photovoltaic system on the roof and façade, enabling a positive energy balance after just a few years.
Despite its high ecological standards, the project has dispensed with an official sustainability label. Instead, it is a pragmatic contribution to the building revolution: economical, energy-efficient and socially responsible. Spacious floor plans and a mix of educational activities on the first floor create a space conducive to a diversity of lifestyles and families.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, "L'Éclisse" on Schliengerweg demonstrates how circular construction, sobriety and social responsibility can be combined in a modular, reusable and forward-looking urban housing project.
