Anyone planning to renovate a house, refurbish a property or extend an existing building is often faced with many questions. Particularly in Thurgau and across Eastern Switzerland, a renovation or refurbishment project involves far more than architecture and construction costs. Existing building fabric, sustainability, local authorities, heritage protection and the future needs of the people who will live or work in these spaces all play an essential role.
Whether it is a single-family home, apartment building, terraced house, commercial property, school building or historic structure – every building project begins with an idea. Yet between the initial vision and the completed project lie many important stages
As an architectural practice specialising in renovations, refurbishments, extensions and vertical additions, we guide clients through the entire process – from the first analysis through to construction on site.
Good planning always begins with a careful assessment of the existing building. Especially with older properties in Thurgau and throughout Eastern Switzerland, only a detailed analysis reveals both the qualities and the challenges hidden within the structure.
A professional building assessment examines structural systems, load-bearing elements, building services, energy performance, fire safety and potential defects. An early hazardous materials survey is equally important today. Many older buildings still contain asbestos or other harmful materials which may later affect costs, construction processes and refurbishment works.
The earlier such issues are identified, the better a renovation or historic refurbishment project can be planned.
At the same time, collaboration with local authorities, specialist consultants and engineers already begins during this early phase. Contemporary architecture is no longer developed in isolation, but through close cooperation with structural engineers, energy consultants, heritage authorities, townscape commissions and other specialist bodies.
Particularly with protected or historic buildings, communication with heritage authorities is essential. In some cases, an initial “traffic light assessment” is required to determine which parts of the building must be preserved and where alterations may be possible.
Neighbours or local planning bodies may also have a voice in the project. Open and transparent communication from the very beginning is therefore invaluable.
Once the foundations of the project are clarified, the actual design phase begins. This is where the first concepts, layouts and material ideas for the renovation, refurbishment or extension are developed.
Especially when working with existing buildings, the aim is rarely to replace everything entirely. Good architecture recognises the existing qualities of a building and carefully develops them further. Original materials, established spatial structures and historic details often create an atmosphere that can hardly be replicated in new developments.
In a sustainable refurbishment project, the focus is therefore not only on design and functionality, but also on one important question:
How will people feel in these spaces in the future?
Architecture influences our well-being every day through light, materials, proportions and indoor climate. For this reason, people should always be more important than pure financial return or maximum spatial efficiency.
Particularly in Eastern Switzerland, with its historic villages and established townscapes, architecture requires sensitivity, respect and long-term thinking.
Today, sustainable construction means far more than high-performance insulation or a heat pump. Even during the early planning stages of a renovation or refurbishment, important questions arise regarding which materials should be used and which existing elements can be preserved.
A sustainable refurbishment aims to reuse as many resources as possible. Existing timber structures, natural stone, old doors or flooring often possess exceptional quality and can continue to serve their purpose with relatively little intervention.
At the same time, natural building materials are becoming increasingly important. Materials such as timber, clay, hemp lime, lime plaster, cellulose insulation or sheep’s wool not only create a healthier indoor climate, but also improve the environmental performance of a building.
Existing buildings offer enormous potential. Instead of demolishing structures, homes, commercial properties and public buildings can often be carefully transformed and adapted for the future. This not only preserves embodied energy, but also maintains the identity and character of a place.
Sustainable architecture therefore means acting responsibly towards people, materials and the environment.
At the same time, sustainable architecture also means reintegrating nature into the planning process. Not every challenge requires a purely technical or structural solution. A deciduous tree positioned in the right place can provide valuable shade, improve the microclimate and create natural cooling during the summer months. Green pergolas, planted façades and nature-oriented outdoor spaces can also reduce heat and significantly improve comfort and quality of life. Good architecture never views buildings as isolated objects, but rather as part of the wider landscape, the existing townscape and the natural environment surrounding them.
Many clients underestimate how important cooperation with local authorities is during a renovation or refurbishment project.
Depending on the project, different regulations and requirements must be considered, including fire protection, energy regulations, heritage protection or local townscape guidelines. Especially for vertical extensions, additions or historic refurbishments in Thurgau, early communication with the relevant authorities is highly recommended.
Today, successful projects are usually developed through close collaboration between architects, local authorities and specialist consultants. Many issues can be clarified before the formal planning application is submitted, helping to avoid delays and unnecessary additional costs later on.
Careful preparation of all documentation, reports and drawings forms the basis for a smooth planning permission process.
For many clients, the construction phase is the most rewarding stage of the entire project. This is when it becomes visible how an ageing or outdated building gradually transforms step by step.
Especially in renovation and refurbishment projects, something truly unique often emerges. Spaces receive new light, original materials become visible once again and older buildings are given a renewed future.
This transformation brings great satisfaction not only to the clients, but also to architects, consultants and craftspeople involved in the process. The smaller milestones during construction are often particularly meaningful – the moment when the future atmosphere of the spaces suddenly becomes tangible.
Of course, every building site brings challenges. Yet this is often where the real strength of a thoughtful refurbishment project lies: respectfully transforming existing structures rather than simply replacing them.
Not only in Thurgau, Eastern Switzerland, but throughout Switzerland, many existing buildings hold enormous potential. Rather than continuously developing new land, the sustainable transformation of existing buildings is becoming increasingly important.
Renovations, refurbishments, extensions and vertical additions not only create new living and working spaces, but also preserve valuable building fabric and established townscapes.
Good architecture is therefore not about creating spectacular buildings, but about designing spaces that function well over the long term and genuinely serve the people who use them.
A renovation, refurbishment or extension is far more than a construction project. It is a process in which existing buildings are analysed, understood and carefully developed further.
Those who plan early, respect the existing structure, consider sustainable materials and involve local authorities and specialist consultants from the beginning create long-term value – for people, buildings and the environment
Good architecture emerges where people, existing buildings and nature are brought into harmony, creating spaces that not only function well, but foster a lasting connection between people, place and the natural environment.