Maria Rat: housing for the next generation

For years, the Lötschental has lacked affordable housing for families, returning residents and older local people. Kippel therefore began not with a finished construction project, but with a broad needs assessment. It identified which apartment sizes were genuinely needed and whether the community would support a municipal delivery structure.

pluma accompanied the process from the outset and translated the findings into clear decision-making documents for the municipal council and the public.

Kippel chose a design study for the sensitive site on the edge of the village. Several teams considered not only the plot itself, but also the existing village, the protected ISOS townscape and the needs of the community.

The selected “GRIMMÄND Maria Rat” proposal comprises eight slender residential buildings with more than twenty homes. Lanes, squares and green outdoor spaces connect a contemporary development with the language of the historic village centre.

A central question was who would carry the project in the long term. The answer is a dedicated company owned by the municipality. It separates risks, establishes clear responsibilities and enables professional action beyond political terms of office.

pluma supported the design of the delivery structure, prepared the decision-making documents and organised the next implementation steps.

Maria Rat brings together housing, spatial development, communication and organisation. This connection is crucial: new homes only make a lasting difference when the community, financing, political decisions and long-term operation are considered together.

A good housing project begins not with the building, but with people and a shared vision of the village.

• Clarify needs before choosing an architectural solution.
• Define political and financial responsibilities early.
• Involve the community and specialists in clear stages.
• Plan the delivery structure as carefully as the buildings.