Property: AltiPapieri, Switzerland
Architect: Oliver Seidel, baubüri in situ
Project: Planeco and Sonnenhof
Carpet used: tretford INTERLIFE Tiles
Photos: Tobias Sutter
The focus is on the preservation of existing buildings, the reuse of existing materials and a systematic scaling back of carbon emissions (CO₂). This project highlights the importance of preserving, rather than succumbing to the pressure of demolishing, old structures. The use of salvaged and reclaimed materials is helping to create affordable workspaces - especially for small craft businesses, which are increasingly being displaced from city centers.
Some 350 m² of tretford carpet tiles were installed in the offices of Planeco GmbH, a provider of innovative and sustainable photovoltaic solutions. The company is heavily engaged in decentralized, renewable energy supply, having also installed solar panels on the building’s rooftops. The understated interior design, featuring INTERLIFE carpet tiles in various gray and beige hues, achieves a tranquil, harmonious working environment – a deliberate contrast to the technical complexity of the projects that Planeco tackles day-to-day on behalf of Germany's energy transition.
A unique re-use scheme was implemented in the Sonnenhof Arlesheim AG offices. People with disabilities are supported here and an inclusive working environment is actively fostered: The tretford carpet tiles that cover approximately 180 m² of floor space were sourced entirely from resellers. A sophisticated flooring concept was developed for used but fully intact materials. tretford carpet tiles make this possible, thanks to their robustness, outstanding durability and modularity. New and reclaimed tiles can be flexibly combined, mixed and matched without having to replace the entire floor covering.
The Alti Papieri cooperative epitomizes this approach. Putting sustainability into practice, some 30 establishments, skilled trades, companies, and social services all use this space under one roof. Reconditioned old windows, refurbished staircases and wooden structures – along with solar panels and decentralized power systems – this is the norm here. Not the exception.
Architect Oliver Seidel explains: “tretford has been a mainstay for us across generations, in particular for high-profile projects.” The rationale for choosing tretford was straightforward – it’s down to tretford‘s superior quality, durability, and also the option of reusing this floor covering even after many years of service.
A project that shows: Sustainability begins with what’s already there.