The Frauenwohnkolonie Lettenhof, constructed in 1927, was an architectural ensemble designed to accommodate single women in Zurich. However, during that time, society did not widely accept women living alone. To address the housing shortage, the Frauenzentrale, along with three women-only cooperatives, acquired a piece of land and built four buildings. Initially, one of the buildings served as a public restaurant and canteen for the tenants. However, over time, the restaurant was converted into apartments, resulting in a reduction of social interaction within the ensemble.
Recognising the significance of shared spaces and community, the Frauenküchentreff Lettenhof focuses on transforming the southern building into a community space centered around a spacious kitchen. This project provides various indoor and outdoor areas of different sizes and functions. As one moves from the city towards the private apartments, the intensity of activity, size, openness, and brightness gradually decrease. An intervention in the apartment buildings around the courtyard includes opening direct access from the vertical connection in the residential buildings to the courtyard.
Traditionally considered a workspace for women, the kitchen transforms from being a hidden or isolated room in the house into a generous and central space with a counter in the middle. Community activities revolve around the kitchen and the counter, fostering stronger bonds, support, and shared experiences. The kitchen serves as a Treffküche, not only for the tenants but also for other members of the community. It offers various activities and services, including affordable meals prepared by a cook, language or sewing classes, live music events, gardening activities, cooking classes, and spaces available for rent to host private events or celebrate together. Additionally, it provides personal spaces for individuals to work, read, pursue hobbies, or socialise with friends.
The central counter in the kitchen is designed to accommodate multiple people engaged in cooking, chopping, kneading, and other culinary tasks. It allows people to cook together, rather than side by side. The counter's structure offers flexibility in usage, with knobs on both sides to hang towels or bags, and stainless steel drawers that can be inserted under the counter. These drawers can be used to store cooking tools and ingredients or for waste disposal. After use, they can be cleaned and stored again. While the sink and stove side of the counter offers several surfaces, the other side allows instead seating. Built-in furniture along the kitchen walls is used to store cooking tools, as well as eating and drinking utensils, ensuring accessibility for everyone at all times. The building itself includes spaces for cool and dry food storage, reducing the need for energy-intensive refrigeration. The surrounding gardens not only provide green spaces but also yield fruits, herbs, flowers, and vegetables, supporting the kitchen's local and sustainable food production. Rainwater from the roof is naturally filtered, stored, and utilised for irrigation.
Regarding construction and materials, the south terrace is paved with unbound concrete plates, and the building is provided with a layer of cork insulation on the walls, ground floor, and roof. Both floors feature a floor heating system. The wet areas are tiled with 15x15 ceramic tiles to match the existing materials in the ensemble. The kitchen elements are tiled with 5x5 tiles, with a focus on the central counter using Turchese tiles. The surrounding rooms retain the original cork tiles, creating warmer and quieter spaces. Wooden surfaces contribute to the overall aesthetic and comfort.
To provide sun shading, the south facade is equipped with awnings and a pergola in front of the kitchen. The flourishing glycine plant not only offers shade and protection for the outdoor kitchen space but also shields the kitchen from direct sunlight and overheating during the summer months. The building's open structure allows for counter ventilation, keeping the space fresh on warm days.
