point of interest
dulliken, Switzerland
SITUATION: An adaptive reuse turns a 1960’s railside building into a sign to attract more attention.
IDEA: attract interest by turning the building into a point of interest seen by train passengers
1.background
The project is an adaptive reuse of a 1970’s light industrial building in Dulliken, Switzerland. The small town is located along the main rail line between Zurich and Bern. Although the site is not centrally located, an average of 52 trains per day pass the building. The idea was to attract the attention of those passengers.
2. concept
The 1st concept approached the facade as a huge sign. Seen by passengers from one direction the word "Bern" is visible, and from the opposite way- "Zurich". the names emerging as one passes. The 3 story tall building becomes a point of interest in between cities.
Similar to a classic 70’s train info board, The facade uses a double sided effect. Clad with extruded shaped foam and sheet metal paneling, the triangular trim is colored differently on either side. As trains pass, the names become visible turning the building into a point of interest that stands out - in the landscape and market.
3. tullichon
The concept impressed the client - but in an unexpected way. While the idea of making a point of interest made sense, the supergraphic was too much. As a REIT they avoid building designs that could be seen as frivolous or would make the property difficult to sell. To me the supersized approach would do the opposite.
In the end, using the building to make a point of interest was done with backlit roof signage. ‘Tullichon’ is the old Romanisch name for Dulliken, and is now seen by passing trains daily. The black corrugated facade texture of the concept was adopted in the final as built version.
4. signband
A white backed signage band at the mid portion of the facade faces the tracks. This linear sign incorporates directions for Zurich and Bern into directory of building tenants.
5. showroom
A ground floor double height space was created for an auto showroom tenant. Its large operable glass doors allow for cars to easily be moved inside and out.
6. building entrance and loading
Along the street side a new stair platform and loading area was created. Its yellow canopy identifies the main building entrance as well as location for loading and unloading.
information
Completion: 2023
Gross floor area": 47,500ft²
Client: EcoReal Swiss Real Estate Foundation
Design architect: RESITUATED Architecture
Local architect: Architektengruppe Olten AG
Facade engineer: Stager + Nageli AG