Linde

On the shores of Lake Constance, about 15 km west of Kreuzlingen, lies the up-and-coming town of Steckborn (TG), with a population of over 3,800. The city held a design competition for the approximately 8,000 m² Linde site—which had previously been severely underutilized—located across from the Hub school complex. This led to the concept for a development featuring 48 cooperative apartments within walking distance of the historic old town, public transportation, schools, shops, and recreational areas along the lake. In collaboration with the Linde Steckborn Housing Cooperative, HRS Real Estate AG realized this intergenerational development offering a high quality of living.

The three- to four-story complex consists of four buildings that resemble rows of houses in an old town, thereby continuing Steckborn’s established urban fabric. Inwardly, they form the boundary to a publicly accessible inner courtyard, which is connected to the surrounding area via footpaths. In addition to the 48 apartments (2.5 to 5.5 rooms), service spaces and a Thurgau cantonal police station were built. The underground parking garage offers 74 parking spaces, with an additional 14 available above ground.

Sustainability and energy efficiency were key priorities: The project meets the requirements of the 2,000-Watt Society; heat is sourced from geothermal probes; and a large-scale photovoltaic system supplies both the residents and the “Steckbornsolar” solar power pool. Natural landscaping, a flower meadow, and vegetable gardens for the cooperative members round out the sustainability concept.

The biggest challenge was optimizing costs by three million Swiss francs; without this, the project would not have been feasible. The large canopies and sliding window shutters, as well as soil remediation, a new pumping station, and the installation of utility lines, also posed significant challenges for the team.