The "Rondo" residential building project by AXA Anlagenstiftung is characterised by its outstanding location in the Brünnen district of Bern-Bümpliz. In addition to 54 flats (2.5 to 5.5 rooms), the building offers 67 car parking spaces, 10 parking spaces for electric cars, 7 parking spaces for motorbikes and spacious bicycle rooms. The circular shape allows the majority of the flats to enjoy the unique, rural view to the west. The flats on the top floor are designed as duplexes with an additional room and a roof terrace. Under the project management of Frutiger AG from Gümligen, a building was designed by LVPH architectes in Fribourg that stands out from the linear structure of the neighbourhood thanks to its rounded shape and at the same time blends in pleasantly with the surrounding area close to the edge of the city. Thanks to its curved shape, the building is smoothly approaching the surrounding buildings without facing them head-on. This architectural realisation enables a visual permeability to the western landscape.
A remarkable detail that emphasises the special features of the building design is the fitting of 72 MHZ curtain rails - 60 of which adapt to the curved shape of the building - and 116 high-quality MHZ "Soft-Screen white" balcony curtains. The weatherproof curtains are 4000 mm wide and 3000 mm high and protect the balcony, conservatory, terrace or loggia from the sun and heat. They protect against harmful UV rays and also help to keep the temperature pleasant by blocking out sunlight and heat. This keeps the balcony cooler while allowing air to circulate. MHZ outdoor curtains are also a design element for balconies and exterior façades and discreetly emphasise the special design of the building. They also provide additional comfort as wind and rain protection. The curtains also keep out prying eyes from outside, so that the balcony remains an undisturbed oasis of well-being. The curtains can be folded up quickly and securely using tie-backs when they are not needed. In addition to their high-quality workmanship and modern aesthetics, MHZ balcony curtains impress with their bendable guide rail, which can be smoothly adapted to the structural conditions. Robust trolleys with aluminium rollers enable convenient operation, while a wide range of colours provides plenty of scope for design. The installation of these elements in the "Rondo" construction project was carried out professionally by Huber Montage Service GmbH.
The building resembles a garden pavilion, whereby the typological structure benefits from the striking design. The planted inner courtyard provides access to all the flats via arcades connected by monumental staircases. This inner courtyard, to which all kitchens face, functions as a meeting and socialising space for the residents. The private entrance terraces of the flats, which can be individually designed by the tenants, enliven this special place and at the same time create a filter that gives the flats intimacy. While the kitchens and dining areas face the communal inner courtyard, the living rooms, balconies and bedrooms offer a more intimate orientation towards the diverse outdoor landscape. The materialisation of the façades in wood, the planting of the terraces and inner courtyard as well as the design of the outdoor space reinforce the building's connection to nature and emphasise the idea of a building in a park.

Architect

LVPH architectes Fribourg

Project Partners

Frutiger AG

Property Owner/Client

AXA Anlagenstiftung