Swiss Life, Splügenstrasse, Zurich
completed

New building
Direct order
The new construction near the Enge railway station fits seamlessly into the existing block.
Planning 2008-2010 / Construction 2010-2012

Three residential buildings once stood on this street corner in the Enge quarter of Zurich. They were listed for heritage preservation, despite having been unoccupied for a long time. Approval for a new building to replace them was granted on condition that their essential form would be retained, with the heights of the eaves and the lines of the former structures reflected in the new office building. The architectural concept was informed by these requirements. The vertical offsetting of the windows across a single storey makes it possible to discern the three separate original buildings from the façade itself. The rough-cast plaster finish takes its cue from the materials and textural finish once used here, while the wide aluminium window surrounds are reminiscent of the ornate cornicing on the earlier buildings.