Silo Erlenmatt

Dating back to 1912, it was converted into a hostel, restaurant and atelier space in 2020. What makes it so special is that original character of the filigree concrete structure has largely been left intact. Carefully chosen design interventions bestow style and personality: in the restaurant, concrete-filled pyramidical grain hoppers hang from the ceiling, skillfully staged by ring-shaped lights. Upstairs, concrete bridges with railings made of raw black steel lead across the empty silo chambers to the studios and hostel rooms. Outside, porthole-like windows with royal blue sunshades exude an unexpected air of Parisian café flair. Talking of which: the cocoa beans now take pride of place in the restaurant's roasting machines, waiting to be served to brunching locals and travellers from all over the world. Plenty of house plants and lounge corners make this a hip urban hangout place. But there’s more to explore: the car-free Erlenmatt quarter boasts plenty of innovative, eco-friendly architecture and the expansive Erlenmattpark.

For more information about Brutalist buildings in Basel, visit heartbrut.com