Bahnhofsareal Erlenbach

Erlenbach, Switzerland

Visualització © KCAP, Ponnie

Dibuix © KCAP

Architects: KCAP Zürich

Localització: Erlenbach, Switzerland
Any: 2021
Client: SBB Immobilien
Program: Transformation of railway station area with retail, gastronomy, small business spaces and apartments
Role: Urban Design, Architect
Participating parties: Chavez Biedermann, IBV Hüsler, WaltGalmarini, Raumanzug

In the village of Erlenbach on the Lake of Zurich, the real estate department of the national railway (SBB Immobilien) seeks to improve and revitalise the station area. Therefore, the client has launched a single-stage project competition in a selective procedure.

The proposed transformation at Erlenbach station and the “Musketeers” project concept underline the importance of the location as a multimodal hub and mixed-use area within the urban structure. The urban design proposal strengthens the centre’s radiance and integrates Bahnhofstrasse into the new identity.

The three buildings arranged on a plinth are slightly set back from Bahnhofstrasse and continue the spatial structure of the existing buildings. The setbacks create a range of public to private spaces with small green squares and pockets. Thanks to the low profile and set-back of the station roof, the station square fits in well with the village-characteristic sequence of front zones and squares on Bahnhofstrasse. In the future, not only will it form a spatial, but also a social hinge in the village structure. The street space is framed by tree plantings, which calm traffic and have a positive effect on the microclimate.