CSS expands headquarters with Diener und Diener Architekten
Diener & Diener Architects have won the competition of the CSS Group. The Basel-based architectural firm will expand the headquarters of the Lucerne insurance company, integrating an existing commercial building. The project, named Lambris, is expected to be ready for occupancy by mid-2027.
The jury of an architectural competition organised by the CSS Group has unanimously decided in favour of the design by Diener und Diener Architekten. According to a press release, 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, is to be integrated into the project.
A total of ten designs were submitted. “Lambris”, says CSS CEO Philomena Colatrella, “embodies urban elegance and best fulfils the architectural, heritage and functional requirements”.
Originally, CSS had wanted to demolish the commercial building designed by Lucerne architect Carl Mossdorf. However, together with conservation and planning organisations, it finally agreed to preserve it. Now it is to be restored to as original a state as possible.
In the design by Diener und Diener Architekten called Lambris, the historic building is enclosed by the new building. According to CSS, the winning project connects the different streets and squares and thus blends seamlessly into the cityscape. A bistro open to the public is to be created on the ground floor.
The building 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.