Construction history

The historic building at Schwertgasse 18 in 9000 St. Gallen looks back on over 200 years of building history and is firmly rooted in the old town. Between 2022 and 2025, the property was completely gutted and rebuilt to a high standard as part of an extensive total renovation. Structural framework, building envelope, building services and interior finishing were carefully renewed and supplemented by a new roof structure.

The renovation prioritized the highest Swiss building quality: durable materials, precise craftsmanship, and collaboration with local entrepreneurs from St. Gallen and Appenzell. The historic building fabric was respected and deliberately integrated into the modern concept.

Today, Schwertgasse 18 combines traditional building history, sustainable renovation, and modern living in the St. Gallen old town – an exemplary project for high-quality architectural art in Eastern Switzerland.

The historic building at Schwertgasse 18 in 9000 St. Gallen looks back on more than 200 years of construction history and is firmly rooted in the old town. Between 2022 and 2025, the property was completely gutted and rebuilt to a high standard as part of a comprehensive complete renovation. Structural framework, building envelope, building services, and interior construction were carefully renewed and supplemented by a new roof structure.

During the renovation, the highest Swiss construction quality was the priority: durable materials, precise craftsmanship, and collaboration with regional entrepreneurs from St. Gallen and Appenzell. The historical substance was respected and specifically integrated into the modern concept.

Thus, Schwertgasse 18 today combines traditional construction history, sustainable renovation, and modern living in the old town of St. Gallen – an exemplary project for high-quality construction art in Eastern Switzerland.

Construction history

The historic building at Schwertgasse 18 in 9000 St. Gallen looks back on over 200 years of building history and is firmly rooted in the old town. Between 2022 and 2025, the property was completely gutted and newly built to a high standard as part of a comprehensive total renovation. The structure, building envelope, building services and interior fittings were carefully renewed and complemented by a new roof structure.

The renovation focused on the highest Swiss construction quality: durable materials, precise craftsmanship, and collaboration with regional entrepreneurs from St. Gallen and Appenzell. The historic substance was respected and purposefully integrated into the modern concept.

Thus, Schwertgasse 18 today combines traditional building history, sustainable renovation, and modern living in the St. Gallen old town – an exemplary project for high-quality architecture in Eastern Switzerland.

Complete renovation of a listed building in St. Gallen

The core renovation of the listed building at Schwertgasse 18 in the St. Gallen old town has been successfully completed. What appears calm and orderly today was behind the walls a complex construction adventure that required craftsmanship, planning, and patience.

Historical Stock and Significance

The property at Schwertgasse 18 is a historic workers' house, built with traditional craftsmanship. For over 200 years, the building has told stories of everyday life, work, and change.
Historical elements such as facade details and wooden beams have been preserved and, where possible, integrated into the renovation. The new layouts are based on the original design, preserving the historical logic while allowing for modern living requirements.

Work in existing structures

Inside, the true condition was only revealed when breaking open the walls and floors. Each room told of old interventions, undiscovered damages, and surprising structures.

Preserve where viable substance remained
Replace where safety and function demanded it
Rebuild where no alternative existed

Inside, the true condition was only revealed when the walls and floors were broken open. Each room spoke of old interventions, undiscovered damage, and surprising structures.

Preserve, where sustainable substance remained
Replace, where safety and function demanded it
Build anew, where there was no alternative

Work in existing structures

Inside, the true condition was only revealed when the walls and floors were opened. Each room told of old interventions, undiscovered damage, and surprising structures.

Preserve where sustainable substance remained
Replace where safety and function required it
Rebuild where there was no alternative

Structure, building envelope and building services

The core renovation included the reinforcement of the structural framework, the renewal of the building envelope, the installation of modern building services (heating, plumbing, electrical, and ventilation), as well as high-quality interior finishing and a new roof structure.

Structure, building envelope and building services

Monument protection

The monument preservation department of the city of St. Gallen continuously accompanied the project. Decisions were openly discussed to harmonize substance and modern use.

Monument protection

The monument preservation department of the city of St. Gallen continuously accompanied the project. Decisions were openly discussed to harmonize substance and modern use.

Financing & Thanks to Partners

Unexpected findings and adjustments demanded constant flexibility and liquidity planning. Trust of the financing partners was crucial for the successful completion.

Financing & Thanks to Partners

Unexpected findings and adjustments demanded constant flexibility and liquidity planning. Trust of the financing partners was crucial for the successful completion.

Thanks to companies and construction helpers

Without craftsmanship, experience, and commitment, the project would not have been possible. Thanks go to everyone involved – architects, planners, craftsmen, and construction helpers.

Thanks to companies and construction helpers

Without craftsmanship, experience, and commitment, the project would not have been possible. Thanks go to everyone involved – architects, planners, craftsmen, and construction helpers.

Sustainability, inventory, and Normalkonsum

The renovation represents a conscious approach to existing structures and resources. Substance was used where possible, renewed where necessary – always with a focus on longevity, functionality, and resource conservation. Today, the building is clearly structured, functional, and can be used in the long term. It demonstrates how honest, responsible renovation can succeed without romanticizing history.