Kirchplatz Residence + OA Europe Office / Oppenheim Architecture + Design

Architects: Oppenheim Architecture
Area: 6007 ft²
Photography: Bōrje Müller
Project Manager: Beat Huesler
Architect In Charge: Chad Oppenheim
Architects Team: Frederic Borruat, Aleksandra Melio, Sabrina Equilino, Jessica Gutzwiller, Philippe Bernard, Christoph Omlin
Location: Muttenz
Country: Switzerland

The Kirchplatz Residence and OA Europe Office together form a dual intervention set within the historic core of Muttenz, combining a newly constructed single-family dwelling with the adaptive reuse of an eighteenth-century farmhouse. The project balances contemporary design with the architectural character of its surroundings, integrating a restrained palette that maintains visual continuity between the two structures. While the residence offers a modern counterpart to the renovated office, the historic building’s interior is transformed through carefully positioned openings and bright finishes that heighten its textural contrasts. Energy efficiency and sustainable material strategies support the project’s environmental objectives, while spatial adjustments emphasize openness and continuity. The result is a cohesive ensemble that respects local heritage while accommodating modern living and working requirements.

Kirchplatz residence + oa europe office / oppenheim architecture + design

Oppenheim Architecture approached the Kirchplatz commission by exploring how new construction might coexist thoughtfully with a protected historic context. Rather than establishing a visual hierarchy between the residence and the repurposed farmhouse, the design allows each building to reinforce the other’s architectural presence. The residence adopts a restrained expression that avoids overshadowing the earlier structure, establishing a balanced relationship within the dense fabric of the village center.

Within the new residence, spatial organization is guided by simplicity and clarity. Two above-ground levels and one subterranean floor are arranged to emphasize functional flow, linked by an exterior terrace that rises gently toward street level. This connection creates a quiet transition between private outdoor space and the surrounding urban environment, grounding the residence within its compact site.

The office component, developed through a competition called by the city, demanded a more delicate intervention. The farmhouse, constructed in 1743, required preservation of its defining features while accommodating a contemporary workplace program. Openings cut into its massive stone walls introduce daylight without compromising the integrity of the original structure, allowing the spaces to evolve without erasing their historical character.

Interior treatments reinforce this balance between preservation and renewal. Smooth white surfaces draw light deeper into the rooms and heighten the contrast with exposed beams and stone, giving the interior a layered visual quality. The approach underscores the building’s shifting identity, revealing its age while supporting the practical needs of a modern office environment.

Sustainability guides both the new residence and the renovated office. MINERGIE standards ensure energy efficiency, and solar panels support renewable energy use. The integration of reclaimed wood and restoration of existing elements reflect an effort to reduce environmental impact. Together, the two buildings create a unified architectural statement, demonstrating how historic structures and contemporary design can align to serve present-day needs without diminishing the significance of the past.