Housing Cooperative Thierstein: Study on the Spatial and Structural Future of the Cooperative
Participation, collective ownership and self-governance – these three principles form the foundation of housing cooperatives. Unlike private real estate companies, the focus is not on maximising returns, but on the long-term preservation of housing, stable cost-covering rents and social responsibility.
Anna Stärk
12. March 2026
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The origins of this housing model can be traced back to the early 20th century, when industrialisation brought profound social change. Factory work, rural exodus, housing shortages and precarious living conditions in cities led many people to seek alternative housing models. Supported by labour movements, non-profit organisations and reform-oriented actors, the concept of housing cooperatives emerged with a clear objective: to create healthy and affordable housing.
Today, more than 120 years later, this model is gaining renewed relevance. Ageing societies, changing household structures and increasing cost pressure present challenges that also affect the Thierstein Housing Cooperative. Founded in 1943, the cooperative is located in the popular Gundeldingen district of Basel and comprises 117 apartments. In order to ensure that its housing offer continues to reflect current societal developments in the future, our architectural office was commissioned to conduct a study on the spatial and structural future of the cooperative.
The developed concept includes both renovation and new construction and aims to reconcile diverse needs. The Thierstein Housing Cooperative intends to continue providing affordable housing while promoting diversity through a range of apartment layouts that accommodate different living models. Particular emphasis is placed on barrier-free living. In addition, the project seeks to improve the buildings’ energy performance, which will also contribute to long-term housing affordability. To achieve these objectives, extensions are planned that will further develop the existing row buildings into a courtyard structure.
A key challenge lies in organising the construction process in a way that allows cooperative operations to continue throughout the entire building phase. To ensure this, internal relocations within the cooperative – so-called tenant rotations – are planned.
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Anna Stärk
12. March 2026
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