The housing development in Zurich-Höngg, designed in 1979 by Harald Scheifele and Hans Waldmann for the Maurer family, is a precisely composed ensemble of four identical buildings set within a green landscape. The proposal understands itself as a further development of this structure: densification and renewal are carried out in a way that strengthens the ensemble character while preserving the quality of the open space.

Inspired by the summer houses on Lindøya in the Oslofjord – pavilion-like buildings set in greenery and visually connected through clear design rules – we conceive the ensemble as a collective figure. It is not the individual house, but their interplay, that generates a shared identity. The existing buildings are extended outwards and renewed internally where necessary. An additional spatial layer to the south enlarges the living areas and creates generous balconies. Bay windows to the east and west reorganise the bedrooms. An optional extension to the north allows for a further spatial layer.

The reorganised circulation core enables efficient four-apartment clusters on each floor. Flexible housing models such as micro-living are introduced at ground floor level, while loft-like apartments with distinctive views are created in the roof. In total, 40 flats of varying sizes are provided that are robust, extendable and therefore future proof.

Targeted interventions reinforce the green centre as the central meeting point of the ensemble. The existing trees are retained and integrated into the lush communal square. Topography, planting and pathways clearly articulate public, semi-public and private zones. Private gardens offer protected retreat spaces, while the central courtyard remains legible as a shared landscape.

The extensions are realised in timber and recycled concrete. Prefabricated timber elements minimise interventions in the existing fabric and enable a resource-efficient construction process. The existing load-bearing structure is selectively reinforced and upgraded; the circulation core provides horizontal stabilisation. Material efficiency, re-use and component-based construction follow Cradle-to-Cradle principles. A high degree of prefabrication reduces construction time and emissions. The interventions follow a circular approach, in which the existing buildings function as material and resource banks.