Epic Community

Next to the Villa Bally-Marty in Schönenwerd, two new buildings with a total of 26 apartments have been built, where people of all generations live. The new buildings were largely constructed in timber with reduced use of cement. In addition, upcycled building materials were used – waste products that are recycled and put to new use. Geothermal probes and state-of-the-art photovoltaics play a central role in the energy supply. The aim was to preserve the historic estate and embed it in the economic and social environment of modern Schönenwerd. The history of the Bally empire lives on in the former industrialist's villa, shaped by entrepreneurial spirit, architectural ambition, sociability and social commitment. The estate stands for these historic values in the 21st century too: the Villa Bally-Marty and its park of almost 8,000 square metres have been preserved. A co-working space with six offices, where people and ideas meet, has been created in the villa. The heart of the house is a café on the ground floor that brings residents and guests from the village together – because the residence and the park are open to the public.