Aarau’s Telli shines in new splendour: with the official opening event on 25 August 2023, one of Switzerland’s largest energy-related renovations in an inhabited state came to an end.
Raise your glasses! The Telli building complex in Aarau was officially opened last weekend in a festive atmosphere. In addition to the opening ceremony on Friday, 25 August, the new neighbourhood meeting place was also inaugurated the following day.
The B and C wings of the building were renovated to bring them up to today’s energy standards while they were still occupied. The fact that the tenants did not have to leave Telli during the renovation makes the project one of the largest of its kind in Switzerland. “An occupied refurbishment of this magnitude presented us all with enormous challenges. The fact that we were able to master them together was something we wanted to celebrate properly with everyone involved,” says Frederick Widl, Head of Real Estate at AXA Investment Managers.
More living comfort – less CO2
In addition to new façade insulation and the installation of district heating, the flats also received modern ventilation. This will save around a thousand tonnes of CO2 per year. Residents also enjoyed 90 cm larger west-facing balconies. In addition, meeting zones and a neighbourhood meeting point with community rooms were created. The spacious green areas were designed in the spirit of the original park with native trees and flower meadows. “In the redesign, it was important to us to make the far-sightedness and power of the park perceptible again and to promote the community life of the residents in the outdoor space with new offerings,” says Rita Illien of Müller Illien Landscape Architects. The renovation also took into account the protection of historical monuments: although the buildings were given a new shell, the original appearance was preserved.
Sustainable in all areas
In addition to the energy-related refurbishment, social aspects also played an important role. It would not have been socially acceptable to strip the 581 flats of their tenants. Nevertheless, an inhabited refurbishment is a challenge for all involved. “A project of this magnitude required transparent communication right from the start,” says Manuela Gnehm, project manager at AXA Investment Managers. The entire tenant community was regularly informed and actively involved through various channels. “The
Among other things, the Tellicafé provided tenants with a place where they could share their concerns, questions and ideas with the administration and trained estate coaches,” continues Manuela Gnehm.
Telli Quartierstreff: Meeting place for big and small
On Saturday after the official event, the festivities continued in the form of a neighbourhood party. This was open to all residents, the entire city of Aarau and other curious people. In addition to a colourful programme and a variety of gastronomic offerings, guided tours through the Tellipark and visits to the newly renovated flats were also offered. The centrepiece of the event, however, was the inauguration of the neighbourhood meeting place, which forms the heart of the “Tellipark” and offers community rooms for the residents. “We look back on an eventful weekend and are happy about the enthusiasm with which the participants celebrated the opening of the new Telli with us,” says Manuela Gnehm.
