“The multi-layered use of Rockpanel Natural symbolises the step-by-step change in the senior citizens’ residential situation”
Lärchenpark in Münchenstein, Switzerland, is a residential complex for senior citizens with a total of 46 homes designed for the 60+ generation.
Lärchenpark’s concept is focused on the needs of older people. Its aim is to bring the changing living environment created by a move from an ordinary home to a retirement home closer to the residents, step-by-step. The building is distinguished by a hotel-like infrastructure and has been built completely in accordance with the Swiss Minergie standard for energy-efficient construction. “I wanted to reflect the gradually changing living environment of the Lärchenpark residents in the façade design”, explains architect Dieter Gysin. “I imagined a strict alignment beside a wave movement. I was able to implement a special depth effect to the façade with Rockpanel Natural.”
3D effect The façade cladding is the most eye-catching detail in the Lärchenpark design. By attaching the wave-shaped natural boards onto a smooth base made of natural panels, the façade was instilled with a “physical? dynamic”. The building firm Stamm Bau AG from Binningen was responsible for the complex façade construction with an overall surface area of 2,200 square metres. Simon Merz, Acting Chief Executive at Stamm Bau AG, worked with Rockpanel products for the first time on this assignment.
Simon Merz: “What I noticed immediately was the user-friendliness of the panels. Rockpanel Natural is a diffusion-permeable product, which can be processed efficiently using standard woodworking tools. We were able to mount the panels invisibly on the facade. The result is something unique which complements perfectly the building’s architecture.”
Pure and natural Architect Dieter Gysin: “I decided to use Rockpanel Natural because of the construction-physics, aesthetic and ecological qualities of the material. Rockpanel Natural is moisture permeable and fire-resistant, as well as robust, natural and long-lasting. And the panels change colour through a natural reaction to temperature and weathering. In addition to all this, the panels are easy to process and maintain. So far the material has surpassed my expectations.”
