The Forage Mill in Buchs, Switzerland is a noteworthy industrial relict in the direct vicinity of the rail station and town center. As late as the present century, animal feed products were manufactured here and prepared for transportation. The one-time forage mill has now been given a new function as a high-rise trade and office building. With its strong presence in the urban landscape, this outstanding building forms a new landmark for this small municipality that is characterized by a busy town center in the direct vicinity of the rail station. With its exposed position, height and substance, the revitalized building makes an important contribution to the identity and compactness of the town. The unusually visible existence of different levels in the Buchs region offers not only economic advantages in respect of a substantially higher area utilization ratio but also gives an imposing view of the Rhine Valley. Especially in the southern part, the location of the building at the rail tracks is charac-terized by an unobstructable view.
Concept. To maintain the character of the former industrial building, the dimensions of the outer shell of the Forage Mill have been retained and the structure given a new purpose in the course of its revitalization. In the dialog with the adjacent built-up area, the building has been provided with two different window formats, forming a bridge between the small forms of the neighboring buildings and the high-rise edifice. The unusual window arrange-ment resulting from this lends the heterogenic solidum an innate tranquility, blending visually through the outer façade with the low wing and its tower. Sheet-metal frames in dark blue, contrasting with the metal surface of the façade, additionally underline the presence of the windows.
Construction und material. The silo chambers of the high-rise building were gutted and reinforced on the inside by a new supporting wall. The other parts of the structure were removed and replaced by a new structure The planned window arrange-ment has been incorporated in the outer shell to blend with the appearance of the former factory building. In this way, the resulting 10-floor structure naturally forms an harmonious part of the area dominated by industrial buildings. The well-insulated outer façade is covered with large-area sheet-steel panels with trapezoidal corru-gations.
Interior presentation. The industrial past of the Forage Mill is also reflected in the presentation of the interior. Inner walls and ceilings are very largely in the basic state and show much exposed concrete and many service installations. The factory character lives on. A striking color concept emphasizes important elements of the interior décor – the bright blue of the window frames is continued on all the interior walls. Doors and staircase undersides in a greenish-yellow finish provide the contrast in color desired.
