The Rocket & Tigerli is situated in the city of Winterthur, Northeast of Zürich. Formerly known for its machine industry and locomotive production, Winterthur has become a progressive place for higher education and culture. In Lokstadt, a city within the city, remains of its glorious industrial past are still visible and considered inherent qualities that serve as guiding principles for the revitalisation of the area into a new vibrant neighbourhood. Here, the Rocket&Tigerli will stand as a beacon for innovation and modern urban living bridging the past with present day ideas of a more sustainable lifestyle.
With the timber tower undoubtable at the centre of attention, the Rocket & Tigerli consists of three additional low-rise buildings, each with their own expression and function. In wanting to create room for an accessible, including, and vibrant neighbourhood to unfold, the Rocket&Tigerli provides spaces for regular housing, student housing, retail at ground floor levels, a hotel, spa, restaurant, and sky-bar offering unobstructed views of the city.
In breaking with the initial closed block structure proposed by the masterplan for the area, the design for the Rocket & Tigerli seeks to connect the site with the social fabric of the neighbouring plots. This to allow for urban permeability, inflow of daylight, and public engagement, while also creating a stronger sense of belonging among the residents as each building will have its own distinctive expression.
Born out of advancements in building techniques, the Rocket & Tigerli takes an unprecedented step towards timber buildings reaching new hights. Paradoxically, the innovative aspect of the project lies in its reintroduction of one of mankind’s oldest and most well-known building materials as timber is no longer confined to matters of preference and typology; it is now receiving increased attention because of its immense potential as a more sustainable alternative to concrete and steel.