Lehenstrasse Zürich

The project is located at the intersection of Nordstrasse and Lehenstrasse in Zurich. The existing residential building, a structure typical of the city dating from 1929, is set back from the street and framed by a green front garden zone. Its position within the sloping topography shapes the site and forms the starting point for the design of the new building.
The new construction occupies the possible building area up to the natural boundaries. Horizontally, the gap between the existing building and the street space is of use, while the structuring floor slabs trace the slope in vertical dimension. Through this placement, the building volume becomes closely interwoven with the topography.
The main level of the building is defined by five massive concrete slabs, which function as spacers between the two primary ceilings. Inserted between these elements is a prefabricated wooden façade, whose transparency lends the office spaces a close connection to the surroundings. This creates a balance between heavy and light building components, giving the structure both stability and openness.
The basement floor accessed by an internal staircase connects with the existing building. Here are the shared areas such as meeting rooms and workshop spaces. These rooms are located on the lower floor, which has direct access to the street space, thus creating an opening to the public. The new building thereby connects private working spaces and communal areas in a compelling way.
The materialization of the project follows a consistently raw approach. Basic elements remain visible and uncoated, making the construction legible in its honesty. Complementing this, the walls are accented with deliberately applied color schemes, giving the interior warmth and orientation. This results in a restrained, clear expression that emphasizes both the constructive logic and the spatial quality.
The new building on Lehenstrasse develops from the existing urban situation and links the old building and the street space through a precise placement. It responds both to the topographical conditions and to the demand for openness, public presence, and functional diversity.

Client: Peter Schmid, Werner Fuerst

Planning: Rossetti+Wyss Architekten, Lüchinger Meyer Partner AG, Amstein+Walthert AG

Photos: © Walter Mair

Costs: CHF 0.9 Mio

Competition: 2003, 1. Prize