Focketyn Del Rio Studio has completed a new restaurant in the heart of Basel, Switzerland by using pastel tones referring to the historical presence of the complex. 

Called Parterre One Restaurant, the new gastronomical space, which honors its historic past, is developed as part of the masterplan including a large, multi-functional concert hall completed in 2017 by Focketyn Del Rio Studio. Both buildings are connected with the introduction of a lavish courtyard. 

Situated in the center of Basel and prominently located in the Kaserne area, several heritage buildings hosting cultural and gastronomic programming were disconnected and lacked a collective identity. This architectural ensemble needed profound refurbishment and repurposing. 

The buildings of Parterre AG, a cultural events and gastronomy entrepreneur that is deeply rooted in Basel's thriving art and music scene, radiate with a radically refreshed presence in the center of the city.

The restaurant, already established as part of a flourishing gastronomical scene, is situated in a building which was originally a military barracks. Tasked with its transformation, FDR Studio chose to update the site while still preserving its historical character. 

"The original restaurant was furnished with dark floorboards and a big shelf showcasing books and magazines. This simple space contained bold features which were difficult to discern due to storage spaces which blocked visual connections and affected circulation," said the studio. 

"In general, the atmosphere was cluttered by service areas. Operating a bit like archeologists, we set out to recover the hidden potential of this space. We highlighted the original elements to carve a better future from the past."

FDR Studio restored the building’s facade, recreating its image according to standards set forth by the Heritage department. Furthermore, the structure and MEP were redone entirely, making the building aseismic and conform to contemporary comfort standards. New entryways were also added, making the building more permeable to the surrounding activities.

By removing several structures in the inner courtyard, the passageways and spaces between the buildings were unblocked. This newly found void becomes the center of the whole ensemble and the binding element between the restaurant and the adjacent concert hall. 

To address the varied heights of the separate buildings, FDR Studio introduced a functional yet aesthetic concrete topography, allowing for accessibility and multiple social uses within a walled courtyard.

The red color of the refurbished facade is maintained throughout the entire interior. Public zones on both the ground and first floors reflect the same shade, warmly guiding visitors through the building.

Project facts

Project Name: Parterre One Restaurant
Project Type: Restaurant
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Status: Project 2017-2018, Completed at the end of 2018

Size: 750 m2

Client: Parterre AG + Basel Stadt (IBS + HBA / Inmobilien Basel Stadt + Hochbauamt)
Project Team FOCKTEYN DEL RIO Studio: Hans Focketyn, Miquel del Rio, Letizia Fürer, Hajdin Dragusha, Francesco Di Giuseppe, Xenia Heid, Marina Dold, Raphaël Ratier, Josh Thompson.

Collaborators:

Site & Cost Supervision: Rapp

Structural Engineering: Schnetzer Puskas

Mechanical and Plumbing: Rapp

Electrical: HHM

Gastro: Profiplan

All images © Adrià Goula

> via Focketyn Del Rio Studio