Zurich: EWZ plans new building in Zurich West
The Electricity Works of the City of Zurich (EWZ) is planning construction measures on its site at Pfingstweidstrasse 85 in Zurich West at a cost of CHF 95 million. On the one hand, the main building is to be expanded and renovated, and on the other hand, a new building is planned.
The most convincing proposal for the redesign of the site from the jury's point of view was submitted by Meili & Peter Architekten together with the general planner Hämmerle + Partner from Zurich. The task of the study contract included the extension and renovation of the main building with office use, a replacement new building for the warehouse (bobbin hall) as well as various conversions to the storage areas in the outdoor area.
The extension of the main building and the new construction of the warehouse proposed by Meili & Peter fit into the tradition of mature industrial sites, where the date of origin of the individual buildings and their function are clearly separated and recognizable, according to a press release from the city of Zurich. Meili & Peter plan to add a storey to the main building, thus creating the required diversity of workplaces. The main building will reframe the Pfingstweidpark on the side and, with its carefully designed façade, lend additional character to the large park, it continues. The architects have placed the new warehouse building on the western part of the site. The buildings are designed to be extremely compact and can therefore be constructed in a way that conserves resources.
The project is one of the most favorable proposals for a solution while complying with the target costs, the report continues. According to the feasibility study, the costs for the new buildings, extensions and repairs amount to CHF 95.5 million. The new buildings, extensions and renovations are to meet the Minergie-P-ECO standard.
In the future, around 600 workplaces will be available at the Herdern plant yard site so that EZW can concentrate the workplaces in Zurich at the two main sites in Oerlikon and Herdern. The entire renovation and optimization measures are to be carried out during ongoing operations. Completion of all construction measures is planned for 2022, provided the municipal council approves the project planning credit and voters later approve the construction credit. (ah)
