Renovation

Designed by Glarner architect Hans Leuzinger and built in 1952, the Kunsthaus has been largely preserved in its original condition. Only a few interventions were made prior to the renovations undertaken by Conen Sigl Architects in 2018–19. In addition to upgrading the building’s technical systems, many structural elements had to be refurbished. The glass roof was prone to leaking and the windows were in poor condition. The interventions, made necessary by the new demands, are designed so that they do not interfere with the overall spatial and atmospheric impression of the building: original elements have been retouched or supplemented by new, inconspicuous components. The natural feel of the design has been maintained. Wherever the interventions are evident, a clear design language has been sought out—one that respects the existing structure but also has its own design autonomy. Required fire-exit stairs as well as new furniture in the foyer, for instance, have been designed as independent elements. Created on the below-ground level, in the spaces once used to house the natural history collection, are the Schaudepot [Viewable Storage Area] and another area that can be used for hosting social events and for art educational purposes. These spaces deviate more significantly from the building’s original architectural language and feature a more autonomous formal design.

The images are excerpted from the publication whose release marks the reopening of the Kunsthaus. Presented is an associative sequence of images documenting the renovations carried out by Conen Sigl Architekten and the thorough examination of the holdings and original documents from the Hans Leuzinger archive (gta Archive at ETH Zurich).

The publication, designed by Studio Martin Stoecklin and featuring photographs by Roman Keller, is available for purchase at the Kunsthaus or from the architects.
www.conensigl.com

Kunsthaus Glarus: Form – Raum – Umbau, Conen Sigl Architekten
ISBN 978-3-9524882-3-2