The story of Gaia’s Home begins long before the apartment itself existed.
In 1803, at the dawn of industrialisation, cotton merchant Christian Näf acquired the old hammer mill on today’s Spinnereistrasse 40 and transformed it into one of Switzerland’s first mechanical spinning mills – a bold step in a time of change. In the same year, he commissioned the construction of an elegant residential building west of the Stadtbach. Originally a rectangular house with a prominent front gable, it later evolved into an L‑shaped residence that stood freely in the landscape and reflected the rise of the textile industry.
This manufacturer’s house is more than an architectural witness; it is a symbol of pioneering spirit and new beginnings. Today, it is recognised as an industrial heritage site of cantonal significance and still carries the energy of that era.
In 2024, the building was carefully renovated. Modern apartments were created on the upper floors, while the ground floor became Gaia’s Home – a place where the history of the house meets contemporary comfort: generous, warm and full of character.
Photo: Stieger Raumwerkstatt
