# Industrial-Inspired Housing Units Conen Sigl Designs the Westhof Housing Block in Zurich By Amy Duong | Published 2024-08-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/westhof References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/08/05/conen-sigl-westof-housing-switzerland/)  Architecture studio Conen Sigl completes the Westhof, which is a [cooperative housing block](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collective-housing-building) by Zuich. It is complete with a [greenhouse-style pergola](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-wiz) that is integrated to honor the area's history rooted in both [industrial and agricultural foundations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1960s-warehouse). The block has 87 flats with six commercial units and is part of a larger transformation project of turning the area into a residential community. Conen Sigl speaks to Dezeen about the design project, noting "Inspired by the site's history as a plant nursery, the cooperative housing project with complementary communal uses creates an identity-forming place that fosters a strong sense of community and ecological connectivity. With its robust and simple materialisation, it echoes the functionality of the previous structure, while the proximity to a nature reserve reinforces its connection to the area's ecosphere." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 26% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Greenhouse-integrated Designs:** Combining industrial elements with greenhouse features creates versatile living spaces that honor historical roots and ecological practices. - **Community-centric Housing Blocks:** Designing housing units that include communal spaces fosters stronger neighborhood bonds and cultural cohesion. - **Ecological Urban Transformations:** Transforming industrial areas into residential communities with a focus on ecological connectivity rejuvenates urban spaces sustainably. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture and Design:** The integration of historical and ecological elements in design strikes a balance between functionality and sustainability. - **Real Estate Development:** Developing residential properties with mixed-use spaces and communal facilities attracts diverse demographics and enhances community living. - **Urban Planning:** Planning urban transformations that incorporate green and communal spaces helps create more livable and eco-friendly urban environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rural Slope Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rtiboden-housing.md) - [Housing Collective Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-comunidad-habitacional.md) - [Steel-Cladded Social Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-housing-1.md) - [Large Headquarter-Transformed Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hayes-park-central.md) - [Golden Age-Honoring Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seestadt-aspern-housing.md) - [Wood-Framed Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/common-woods.md) - [Reinforced Concrete Housing Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residenza-carsg.md) - [Social Housing Unit Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/54-social-housing.md) - [Rurally-Inspired City Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ziel-highrise-building.md)