holm° in Hortus: A Place Pointing to the Future
04/06/2025
With the Hortus, a building has emerged in Allschwil that breaks new ground in many respects. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron on behalf of Senn Resources, it is constructed almost entirely from wood and follows a consistently sustainable concept. Within around 30 years, the building’s entire carbon footprint is expected to be neutralised – making it energy-positive within a single generation. An impressive vision that goes far beyond architectural ambition.
“HORTUS is radical and cosy at the same time. It is both futuristic and historical. It is cosmopolitan and private. It is sufficient and efficient, raw and chic, understated and luxurious all at once. And most importantly: anyone who visits HORTUS naturally wants to stay.” – hortus.ch
We had the opportunity to help design the co-working space on the first floor, which is operated by the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area – a task that excited us from the outset. The aim was to develop a furnishing concept that reflects the building’s ecological ethos while also creating spaces that support both focused individual work and creative collaboration.
Together with Montana Furniture and Fredericia Furniture, we opted for durable materials, calm, clear forms, and high flexibility – suitable for individual workstations as well as changing team setups.
What fascinates us most, in addition to the architecture, is the indoor climate, the light, and the acoustics. These elements create a distinctly tangible atmosphere that has an immediate impact – on the body, the mind, and one’s concentration.
The co-working space in the Hortus is, for us, an example of how interior design, sustainability, and ethos can come together. This project was far more than just a commission – it was our contribution to a place that sets new standards without making noise. And one that already demonstrates how we can build and work in the future.
Learn more about this project.
Client: Senn Resources
Architecture: Herzog & de Meuron
Co-Working Space Operation: Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area
Furnishings: Montana Furniture, Fredericia Furniture
Photography: Simone Vogel
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Anna Berg
Interior Design Lead
The founder of holm, Anna Berg, was born in Sweden and has been running holm for 20 years. As Interior Design Lead, she is responsible for all our interior design projects.
Marcel Szalata
Interior Designer
Marcel Szalata uses his in-depth analysis and creative vision to develop customised living concepts that are tailored to the needs of our customers.