The empty office building in the north of Zurich has ceased to function. We have made it our goal to design a diverse, adaptable cosmos of living in the former office building by using fours steps of design and creative interventions.

First, create an infrastructural backbone by expanding the area between the existing supports with new infrastructure, including water, electricity, and gas connections. Next, zone the basic shape by dividing the total area into three types: S for open hall structures, M for cluster units, and L for closed units. Then, insert a common circulation core in the middle of the complex building shape to facilitate functional distribution, promote exchange within the building, and free up common areas. Finally, utilize the component catalog to offer a variety of options that cater to a wide range of living needs.


The building is to be specifically modernized and adapted in certain areas. A new infrastructure in the support area is essential for this. The exposed areas are a mixture of cellular and transparent space. This can be adapted to a wide variety of needs by means of orderly changes. One floor accommodates mainly communal areas, the second optionally co-working spaces or shared flats, the third private residential forms or offices. In principle, the uses in the building are not layered vertically, but distributed horizontally. This means that a mix of living, working and leisure can be created on each floor. At the heart is a circulation core that serves as the distributor and social generator of the home. A new facade made of glass, sheet metal and large-area openable elements gives the versatile building a differentiated and contemporary new look, which also reflects the new residential character.