2018, Binz111, Zurich, 1st prize

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BINZ Ortho v3

Social, low-cost, urban and a Goethe staircase in addition. Two residential buildings (accommodation) for students and staff of the University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, 2013–2018

At first glance, this is not a noble address for residential construction. Nevertheless: the public ground floor with studios, restaurant, common rooms and laundrette, together with the residents, enliven this urban district. Considering the history of this area and its politically sensitive location, the intense urbanity in action is almost an obligation.

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BINZ EG v7
Two residential buildings (accommodation) for students and staff of the University Hospital, Binz111, Zurich 2013–2018. Ground floor plan.
1 4og v3
Two residential buildings (accommodation) for students and staff of the University Hospital, Binz111, Zurich 2013–2018. Standard floor plan.
Schnitt Goethetreppe v5
Two residential buildings (accommodation) for students and staff of the University Hospital, Binz111, Zurich 2013–2018. Section.
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The houses are both rough and colourful, playful and austere, but in every case thought through down to the tiniest detail. There are no unnecessary layers. The colours are used as a spatially effective and cost-effective means of design. They are not adornment, but part of the architecture. The Goethe staircase is the nucleus, the soul of the house: a staircase that pierces the entire house diagonally and takes your breath away at the right moment, in the right place. We treat ourselves to so much temper!

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BINZ Goethetreppe
Two residential buildings (accommodation) for students and staff of the University Hospital, Binz111, Zurich 2013–2018. Model of the Goethe staircase.
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DSC01986 Gabriela ftp

Another obligation was to build cost-efficiently. We used two methods: prefabrication of the non-load-bearing walls, of the bathrooms and of the concrete socle – and a massive, solid construction. We renounced unnecessary layers.

Axo Vorfabrizierte Elemente
P1080922 v2

Address
Uetlibergstrasse 111, 8045 Zurich, Switzerland

Study contract 2012, planning and execution 2013–2018

Builder/ client
Foundation Stiftung Abendrot, Basel

Spatial program
272 studios and 40 shared flats, a restaurant with bar, ateliers and common areas

 

Architecture
Patrick Gmür, Michael Geschwentner

Project team
Sybille Besson (project manager), Gabriela Kappeler (deputy pm), Jasna Strukelj Gmür, Jarolim Antal, Lukas Prestele, Susanne Bartholomé, Aiste Plentaite, Samuel Tobler, Gabriel Gmür, Manca Starman, Jan Zangerl, Peter Roesch

FullSizeRender v2
IMG 8504