Concrete-lined living spaces extend out onto angular balconies at this low-cost housing block in Zurich, designed by locally based studio Gus Wüstemann.
The monolithic block is surrounded by 1950s housing in the suburb of Albisrieden. It was designed by the Swiss architecture studio for the Baechi Foundation and contains nine apartments.

The new block is slotted in among its linear neighbours, with the aim of offering affordable housing with a high quality of living based on the provision of ample natural light, privacy and generosity of space.
Each floor of the angular building accommodates a three-bedroom units at its wider end and a smaller two-bedroom apartment at the other end. A one-bedroom residence occupies one side of the roof, with the other side providing a communal terrace.
A staircase and lift are positioned between the residential units, which feature living spaces occupying large openings carved into the solid concrete volume.
"Morphologically [the building] is a solid concrete block, organically formed, from which two courtyards were cut out," explained Gus Wüstemann.
"In these courtyards the living spaces float like bridges, from the morning sun to the evening sun."

Living areas of each apartment are lined on both sides by sliding glass doors that can be retracted to open the rooms up to the open air. Spaces are connected by cantilevered concrete balconies or terraces that are protected from the sun and unwanted overlooking by s...