Metropolitan garden — Bären Tower

In the changing Mett district of Biel (Switzerland), Basel-based HHF architects have designed a striking nine-storey residential tower set atop a commercial rotonda. Its morphology nods to Eduard Lanz’s Maison du Peuple (1896–1972); its horizontal rhythm of ceramic and photovoltaic bands references Max Schlup’s Farelhaus (1917–2013); and its slender, curtain-like façade recalls Schlup’s brutalist Palais des Congrès. The Bären Tower thus fuses Biel’s architectural icons into a contemporary landmark — a cornerstone for a new neighborhood. Composed of three cubic volumes organized around a naturally lit staircase core, the building combines bold design with local references. The ground-floor rotonda contributes to the area’s urban revitalization, while its 16 apartments — from 2.5 to 5.5 rooms — offer panoramic views of the Jura mountains. Designed for families, couples, and shared living, the units enjoy optimal orientation, careful acoustic design, and access to shared green roofs and private loggias. The building is also a model of sustainability: geothermal heating, double-flow ventilation, and above all, a fully active photovoltaic façade. With 400 m² of solar panels generating 55 kWp of power, the tower produces much of its own energy. The ceramic-and-solar façade seamlessly merges aesthetic design and technical performance — blending textures, durable materials, and discreet integration of technology. The result is a timeless, efficient, and elegant building, designed to stand as a beacon of sustainable urban living in Biel’s evolving cityscape.

Press kit upon request