The 179-year-old Haus Myrte, part of the MEWA-Areal development in Wädenswil, underwent renovation. MEWA-Areal Wädenswil seeks to repurpose the Blattmann Metallwarenfabrik factory site for residential and commercial purposes, enhancing the neighborhood’s quality.

The building, formerly a men’s clothing store, retains its public ground floor for a project showroom, facilitating communication with neighbors and stakeholders. The first floor serves as an office, doubling as a client office during MEWA AREAL construction, while the second floor undergoes a spatial upgrade as an apartment. The removal of part of the attic slab on the top floor creates a loft-like living room, fostering spatial connections within the building. A two-story atrium links the showroom and office floor visually. New interior materials reflect the past industrial heritage, aligning with a material concept rooted in the site’s metal production history.

Structural improvements, including bracing and seismic measures, were implemented, with added insulation for energy efficiency. Underfloor heating replaced old radiators where feasible. Future plans involve connecting the building to a geothermal heating system. The green-themed stucco facade, reminiscent of historical factory interiors, features distinctive shutters paying tribute to the Landy chair’s design by Hans Coray in 1938.