Sempach 50 Zürich

The apartment building at Sempacherstrasse 50 in Zurich forms part of a semi-detached ensemble dating from 1950. Positioned on the slope towards Forchstrasse, it underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2019. The existing structure was retained, while the roof was gently extended. The addition of a further story was deliberately avoided, preserving the ensemble’s urban presence. Despite this careful intervention, a reserve of potential floor area remains. Two maisonette apartments have been created within the upper and attic levels, complemented by double-height dormers that integrate harmoniously yet assertively into the roofscape, recalling the form of a central projection.

The proposed solution is both functional and site-specific. In the Hirslanden neighborhood, numerous crenellations and roof terraces are found on historic as well as on contemporary buildings. This development increasingly defines the district’s identity, endowing the architecture with added urban qualities. The interventions at Sempacherstrasse continue this local tradition in a coherent way, inserting themselves naturally into the existing context.

The measures constitute minimal adjustments to the existing fabric. Fire safety regulations and urban design parameters remain fully respected; indeed, the added crenellations offer new possibilities for safety. The proposal is at once restrained and effective: it enhances the architectural quality of the building while noticeably improving the living conditions of its residents.

Client: ReCon Bau Property AG

Planning: Rossetti+Wyss Architekten, bba Bauingenieure AG, Classen Haustechnik GmbH, Bünder Hydroplan AG, Bakus Bauphysik & Akustik GmbH

Photos: © Jürg Zimmermann