‘Treehouse’ concept by LAND Suisse and Campana Herrmann Pisoni wins competition for Swiss campus overhaul

European studio LAND Suisse has won a competition for the redesign of the Cantonal School Campus in Biasca, Switzerland. Named the “Treehouse” project, and designed in collaboration with Campana Herrmann Pisoni Architects, the winning design for the campus’ open spaces seeks to blend education, nature, and community engagement. 

The landscape redesign, centered around the existing middle school, double gymnasium, and swimming pool, introduces 100,000 square feet of green spaces, 196 new trees, and sustainable water management features, including green roofs and rain gardens. The concept envisions an “Arboretum of Culture,” a multifunctional green corridor connecting the campus with the nearby train station intended to create ecological, social, and cultural interactions. 

The scheme also aims to establish a “Connected Campus” and a “Structured Campus,” creating an environment with biodiversity islands, recreational zones, and cultural event spaces. The design process emphasized sustainable practices, including permeable surfaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect and promote rainwater capture. 

The interdisciplinary team behind the scheme also included BONALUMI engineering SA, mawi energie SA, Ecocontrol SA, and studio Celio Brenno.