CSS expands headquarters with Diener und Diener Architekten
Lucerne/Basel - Diener und Diener Architekten have won the CSS Group's architecture competition. The Basel-based architectural firm will expand the headquarters of the Lucerne-based insurance company and integrate an existing commercial building. The project, known Lambris, should be ready for occupancy by mid-2027.
The jury of an architecture competition organized by the CSS Group has unanimously selected the design by Diener und Diener Architekten. According to a statement, the Basel-based architecture firm has been commissioned to expand the CSS headquarters of the health, accident and property insurer in the city of Lucerne. A commercial building on Tribschenstrasse, which CSS purchased in 2015, will be integrated.
A total of ten designs were submitted. «Lambris,» says CSS CEO Philomena Colatrella, «embodies urban elegance and best meets the architectural, conservational and functional requirements of the building». Originally, CSS had wanted to demolish the commercial building designed by Lucerne architect Carl Mossdorf. However, together with conservation and planning associations, it finally agreed to preserve it. Now, the building is to be restored to a state as close to its original as possible.
In the Lambris design by Diener und Diener Architekten, the historic building is encircled by the new building. According to CSS, the winning project connects the different streets and squares, thus blending seamlessly into the cityscape. A bistro open to the public will be incorporated on the first floor.
The planning application for the «urgently needed» office building is due to be submitted in the fourth quarter of this year. Provided no appeals are lodged against the building permit, the new building is scheduled to be occupied in the first half of 2027.
