hortus in basel

Sustainable construction is becoming a reality at the "house of research, technology, utopia and sustainability" (HORTUS). The name HORTUS, Latin for "garden", reflects the commitment to a vibrant and thriving community. On a site in Allschwil near Basel, various innovative players – including the renowned architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron and SENN – have jointly realized a forward-looking office building with around 10,000 m² of floor space for environmentally conscious (tech-) companies. The building sets a new standard for sustainability with an ambitious goal: HORTUS will offset the energy required for its construction, known as grey energy, within a generation.

Climate and ventilation technology from Erich Keller AG

From construction to interior design, the entire project is focused on minimising energy consumption. Low-tech heating and cooling systems from Erich Keller AG ensure maximum energy efficiency and a pleasant indoor climate. Thanks to the Rio-Therm convector unit and innovative convector fan vents that work on the displacement air principle, conventional horizontal ventilation ducts were not required. A clay ceiling also regulates humidity. The heating and cooling systems were manufactured in Sulgen in a resource-efficient manner and optimised in terms of design and dimensions to standard sizes. Natural, SNBS Platinum-certified materials were used. No adhesives were required. The development was carried out in close cooperation with the client and architects.

More than just an office building

Tenants benefit from fully equipped and partially furnished workstations with high-quality surfaces, state-of-the-art technology and flexible room concepts that can be individually adapted. The ambience is enriched by natural microbiomes and a biodiverse inner courtyard. HORTUS is not just a building, but a community and a living example of how New Work can increase employee well-being. It is a vision and an investment in a sustainable, prosperous future.

Ecological responsibility

HORTUS will be energy-positive after just 30 years – a milestone in ecological responsibility. The building consists of an innovative mix of natural materials such as clay, wood and recycled paper; only certified wood is used. An impressive 1 km of solid oak panels are used to clad the Rio-Therm peripheral windowsill system.

Reusability in mind

The long-term vision for the project includes the reuse of building materials: after 100 years, the oak boards will be dismantled and reused – a clear commitment to the circular economy and resource conservation.

Client: Senn Resources, St. Gallen
Architecture: Herzog & de Meuron Basel, Basel
Civil engineer: ZPF Ingenieure, Basel
General planer: SENN Construction

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