KraftWerk1 housing cooperative development, Zurich
completed
Bau- und Wohngenossenschaft "Kraftwerk 1", Zürich

New buidling
Study
The composition of four solitaires creates a stable, orthogonal system within the heterogeneous Hardturm quarter with its diverse uses and grains.
Planning 1998-2001 / Construction 1999-2001

A development for mixed social use and combined living and working was designed for a 6,700 m2 site in the former industrial quarter of Zurich West, which was rather run-down at the time. The development consists of a main building and three smaller related structures. The mix of uses and internal configuration vary according to the respective orientation. As part of the project, the structure was adapted to its planned use but never to the detriment of inbuilt versatility, so as to leave leeway for future changes. In the eight-storey main building, two overlapping access systems allow for many different apartment sizes and types. The ground floors house the communal facilities, including a kindergarten, after-school club, launderette and restaurant.