Stairwell renovation Basel

Modern design for a six-unit apartment building

The stairwell is the calling card of an apartment building. It's the first area that residents, visitors, and potential buyers see. At the same time, this area is used daily and must meet high standards of functionality, durability, and maintenance. This project in Basel focused on the comprehensive renovation of the entire access area of an apartment building dating from the 1960s. The building comprises six condominiums on three floors. In addition to the stairwell itself, the main entrance, the mailboxes, and the connections to the basement and garage areas were also to be aesthetically enhanced. The goal was to create a timeless and high-quality appearance through targeted interventions, reflecting the quality of the apartments and ensuring long-term durability.

Stairwell renovation

The existing access infrastructure was badly deteriorated. A particularly striking feature was the carpet covering not only the stairs but also parts of the entrance area.

From a design perspective, this extension no longer met modern standards. At the same time, cleaning and maintaining the carpet was becoming increasingly problematic. Dirt was difficult to remove, and the overall impression was dark and uninviting. The existing structural conditions presented additional challenges for the stairwell renovation :

• Exposed concrete walls and ceilings

• red steel structures in the area of the stairs

• little daylight

• rather narrow development areas

• limited budget of the condominium owners

A particular challenge was reconciling the differing visions of the six owners. The residents had varying ages, priorities, and ideas regarding design and investment.

The new solution therefore had to be:

• have a timeless appeal

• be economically feasible

• to last in the long term

• Convince as many owners as possible

Renovation solution approach

The central question in the planning was how to renovate the stairwell while achieving maximum impact with as few interventions as possible. Instead of completely altering the existing architecture, the decision was made to consciously embrace and further develop the building's existing qualities.

The exposed concrete structure was retained and became the fundamental design element of the project. This was complemented by warm materials and a new lighting concept. The main planning objectives were:

• more brightness

• better orientation

• high-quality materials

• easy cleaning

• long-term value retention

Particular attention was paid to the entrance area. It was to be significantly enhanced as a transition between the outside and the stairwell, and to convey a friendly first impression.

The existing entrance door was replaced and the materialization of the entire access area was redefined.

Materialization of the staircase

The choice of materials played a central role in this project.

The existing carpeting was completely removed. This allowed the original reinforced concrete staircase to be revealed again.

The exposed concrete surfaces were refurbished and treated so that:

• the necessary slip resistance is ensured

• Cleaning is significantly simplified

• the materiality becomes visible again

Microcement was used in the entrance area. This material offers several advantages:

• seamless surface

• high durability

• easy cleaning

• calm and high-quality appearance

The existing apartment entrance doors were replaced with new EI30 fire-resistant doors. Materials were deliberately chosen to convey warmth and quality.

• Oak for doors and frames

• Oak for the handrails

• black metal elements as an accent

• finely glazed exposed concrete

This combination resulted in a restrained and timeless design that respects the existing architecture while simultaneously offering a modern interpretation.

---

Light in the stairwell

A key component of the project was improving the lighting. Since there was very little daylight, the atmosphere had to be created primarily through artificial light.

The existing stairwell offered ideal conditions for this.

A central lighting installation now connects all floors and ensures even illumination.

Additional light sources were also integrated:

• new ceiling lighting

• Accent lighting

• even illumination of the stairways

The result is a significantly brighter and more welcoming development area.

Decisions regarding renovation in Basel

The biggest decisions concerned which components should be replaced and which should be deliberately preserved. The budget constraints made it necessary to prioritize the interventions.

The following were received:

• exposed concrete walls

• Exposed concrete ceilings

• Basic structure of the staircase

The following were renewed:

• Entrance door

• Apartment entrance doors

• Handrails

• lighting

• Floor coverings in the entrance area

This strategy enabled a significant upgrade while remaining cost-effective. The decision to deliberately keep the range of materials limited was also particularly important. This resulted in a calm and high-quality overall effect.

Implementation - Stairwell renovation

The implementation required close coordination with all residents.

Since the stairwell remained the sole access point to the apartments during construction, all work had to be carefully planned. The following trades were involved:

• floor layer

• joiner

• Door builder

• painter

• electrician

• Specialists in microcement

• Construction cleaning

Removing the old carpeting presented a particular challenge. The glued materials had to be painstakingly removed before the concrete surfaces could be further processed.

Careful scheduling enabled the disruption for residents to be reduced to a minimum.

Added value of conversion and renovation

The finished stairwell now appears significantly brighter, calmer, and of higher quality. The interplay of the following elements is particularly successful:

• exposed concrete

• Oak wood

• black accents

• modern lighting

The new materials not only improve the appearance but also the functionality of the building.

Advantages for owners:

• easier cleaning

• durable materials

• timeless appearance

• higher property value

• improved perception by visitors and buyers

The project demonstrates how a significant upgrade of an apartment building can be achieved with manageable interventions.

---

Conclusion

The renovation of this stairwell in Basel demonstrates how existing building fabric can be modernized with targeted measures without losing its character. The combination of exposed concrete, wood, microcement, and a new lighting concept has created a high-quality access area that meets today's requirements for design, function, and value retention. The early consultation with all owners and the clear prioritization of interventions proved particularly valuable. This allowed for an impact to be achieved with a manageable budget that extends far beyond individual renovation measures.

Today, the project serves as a reference for how stairwells in multi-family buildings can be sustainably upgraded through targeted interior design and interior construction.