Villa Preiswerk
The location, on the corner of Missionsstrasse and Maiengasse, is exciting and full of contrasts. Here, the neo-Gothic gem stands stoically in a neighbourhood of six-storey apartment blocks. These include buildings by architects Christ & Gantenbein and Urs Gramelsbacher. On Maiengasse, accessed via the garden gate, Villa Preiswerk blends harmoniously into a row of prestigious residential buildings. On this side of the villa, there is an original conservatory that overlooks the extensive and exclusive green area with heat-resistant cork oaks. Two concrete platforms, precisely placed and referred to as “carpets”, create a habitable garden space. A gravel path connects house and carpets, and leads to the garage. A massive Gothic-style wall borders the garden and links it to the intact ensemble of the Maiengasse. The villa was occupied by Dr Paul Sarasin and his family from 1919. He was a naturalist and initiator of the Swiss National Park.
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Villa Preiswerk and Poeticwalls featured in Konfekt magazine
Discover the story behind the villa that was once home to Paul Sarasin, the founder of the Swiss National Park. And learn why Basel is the logical location for the establishment of Poeticwalls.
Reconstruction and successful novelties
Interior design and spatial layout bear witness to a prestigious standard: the vaulted, wood-panelled entrance leads directly into the imposing vestibule. The generous skylight provides daylight.
This neo-baroque staircase, with four flights of stairs and mezzanines, forms the heart of the house and is directly connected to all rooms. The exciting spatial constellations and visual references give the villa its special character. ARTEC Architekten were commissioned to further develop these strengths with a reduced and uniform interior design.
The redesigned kitchens and wet rooms, as well as the fixtures in the offices and dressing rooms, are refined and timeless. Large mirrors and wall openings, for example from the bedroom up to the dressing room, contrast charmingly and skillfully with the imposing original structure. The main kitchen was nominated for the Swiss Kitchen Award.
Colour concept
A contemporary interpretation has been achieved via a monochrome treatment of walls and ceilings: The colour scheme is a play on historically typical colours. In the imposing rooms on the ground floor, three shades of green create a connection to the garden and the historic Maiengasse. In contrast to the overall matt colouring, the vibrant green in the conservatory is high-gloss.
Working, living, guests
The client's desire to combine working, living and entertaining was a typical lockdown idea, but works brilliantly. Thanks to Bettina Götz and Richard Manahl from ARTEC Architekten.
"Exciting dialogue between restoration and contemporary reinterpretation," says the cantonal monument-preservation authority of Basel-Stadt in praise of the project.
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