Innovative concrete project in the heart of Rotkreuz: A water feature with precision and creativity
On December 31, 2023, our company was contacted by architect Philippe Müller from the AMA Architektur- und Designbüro in Lucerne. His request: To realize a unique fountain in the style of a skatepark in the center of Rotkreuz. The special feature of this project is the combination of urban design and handcrafted concrete art, implemented according to a design by the Belgian artist Ruben Castro.
Ruben Castro
Ruben Castro is a Belgian designer and architect from Brussels, born in 1990. In 2014, he graduated with honors in architecture from the University of Leuven in Ghent. Since 2015, he has worked with renowned offices such as Christian Kerez, Office Haratori in Zurich, and Raamwerk in Ghent. He also completed an artist residency at the Jan van Eyck Academy in Maastricht. In recent years, he has spent time in Haldenstein, Switzerland, where he headed the model workshop at Atelier Peter Zumthor. His work has been recognized with the Toegepast 20 Prize at Z33 in Hasselt, and he was a finalist for an award for young architects from the Flemish government. He has also lectured at the EPFL in Lausanne, the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture, and is currently teaching at Konkuk University in Seoul. His works have been presented in numerous exhibitions, including in Z33, Hasselt; C-Mine, Genk; FoMu, Antwerp; DeSingel, Antwerp; Bureau Europe, Maastricht; Schunk *, Heerlen; MAD, Brussels; the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center in Seoul, and the Bündner Kunstmuseum in Chur. Recently, a solo exhibition of his work was on display at the Flanders Architecture Institute. His creative work combines architectural design with artistic approaches, characterized by international influences and significant projects.
Project description and challenges
Over the next few weeks, we exchanged information intensively with the architect. The project presented a particular challenge, as the complex shapes – waves, hills and valleys – had to be precisely modeled from concrete. The aim was to create a surface that is not only visually appealing, but also functional: perfectly smooth and with guaranteed drainage.
Manufacturing and implementation
For production, a circular metal formwork was manufactured in our workshop. This was precisely assembled using laser-cut parts and welds. The stainless steel sanitary pipes were installed in such a way that there is no contact with the rusting iron, which guarantees a long-lasting and corrosion-free function.
Transport and assembly
The fully prepared iron formwork was transported to the construction site in Risch-Rotkreuz using special transport. A mobile crane facilitated precise unloading and positioning. The foundations were precisely prepared, with the intended shafts and pipes that were exactly matched to the water feature elements. The control systems and stainless steel nozzles were installed by our local partner, sanitary installer Hans Bachmann, who installed the components on site and had the appropriate nozzles manufactured by a regional mechanic.
Completion and opening
The structure was completed in early September 2024 and inaugurated in spring 2025 as part of the opening of the Chäsimatt development. The reactions of the visitors, especially the children, were consistently positive. The water feature attracted numerous visitors and enriched the urban environment with an innovative, artistic accent.
Our team – diverse craftsmanship from a single source
For our CAD design department, the metalworking shop and the concrete team, this project was an exciting collaboration in which we were able to offer all steps from a single source. We were particularly motivated to realize another object made of fine concrete – different from a skatepark, but just as demanding. We are convinced that specialists such as skate park builders achieve the best results in their precision.
Our thanks go to our dedicated team in the office, in the workshop and on the construction site, as well as to our customer, the architect Philippe Müller, Hans Bachmann and everyone involved.
Contact us!
Would you like to have unique concrete structures handcrafted? We look forward to your ideas and are happy to provide you with individual solutions. Trust in our experience and creativity – together we can realize extraordinary projects!
Location:
Address Chäsimatt, 6343 Risch-Rotkreuz
Google Maps 47°08’32.3″N 8°25’40.8″E
Links
Artist (water feature design)
Studio Ruben Castro
Brussels, Belgium
Architect
AM Architects GmbH
Philippe Müller
Fluhmattweg 5
6004 Lucerne
Switzerland
+41 41 412 29 82
studio@amarchitects.ch
Development
Sanitary
Anton Bachmann AG
Hans Bachmann
Buonaserstrasse 32
CH-6343 Rotkreuz
041 798 30 33
