Market Street 52 and 52a were revitalized and redensified at the rear as part of the ongoing development of market street. The first building depth involves a renovation carried out in accordance with historic preservation regulations. In the second building depth, the gap in the building line—as defined by the zoning plan—is being closed.
The building at market street 52 forms one half of a facade. The facade had been altered multiple times over the decades. On the ground floor, a shared courtyard entrance separates the two commercial facades. The building blends into the ensemble of buildings aligned along the eaves. To improve usability, the roof was raised by 1 meter.
To ensure compliance with building codes, the building required a new staircase. Since the existing staircase was a later addition, it was replaced. The existing building structure—a brick-clad timber-frame building—was completely renovated and preserved as a timber structure.
The ground-floor retail space can be opened up to the street via folding sliding windows. The floor plan of the upper floors had to be modified to maximize natural light. To complement the façade, a curved wall divides the rooms.
The building at market street 52a, set back a second building depth, encloses the courtyard with Market Street 52. It is the final building in a row.
The inner courtyard will be made traffic-free, and a passageway to the community gardens will be created.
The wooden facade stems from the simple construction method used in this building depth. The Bordeaux-red facade connects the building, in terms of urban design, with houses and structures throughout the city that are typically painted red.
Despite the poor spatial accessibility and logistical challenges, the timber construction allowed for a smooth process. The solid wood ceilings remain exposed, contributing to a warm and high-quality interior.
The new building, reminiscent of the oxblood-colored historic structures, is defined internally by its wooden construction. The top-floor loft features a spacious loggia that gives the building its distinctive presence on the garden side.
