Office Building, Zurich, 2009
Competition

This project utilizes the maximum volume set by the property lines and presents itself as a freestanding volume on Stampfenbachstrasse. The façade adopts the horizontal structure of the neighboring street-facing office buildings. By offsetting the building along Leonardstreppe at street level, an open corner is formed, making a central, generous and weather-protected access to the property.

The offices are organized around a compact core that is nevertheless spacious—comprising the vertical circulation, service rooms, as well as utility shafts. The stairwell is lit from above by a skylight and is glazed along three sides.

The façade is structured by simple yet striking brick balustrades. A loose, striated drawing is created around the entire building by subtly rotating each individual brick, bringing into dialogue the otherwise strict geometry. Although massive, these bricks give a lightweight, textile appearance. Depending on the sunlight and one’s point of view, this sensuous building material bestows an ever-changing identity to the office building. This haptic experience is taken into the stairwell, where the balustrade is also made of brick. In a reversal of the façade, these brick bands come into the inside and, in another light, take on an effect of both transparency and load-bearing.

Credits:
Gramazio Kohler Architects, Zurich

Client: Kanton Zürich (Baudirektion)
Collaborators: Raffael Gaus, Gabriel Cuéllar, Peter Heckeroth
Selected experts: Walt+Galmarini AG (structure), Raumanzug (building physics), Mebatech AG (facade)