Project description
For three 100-year-old townhouses in districts 3 and 4 in Zurich, Schwarz Architekten have developed a comprehensive renovation concept with a specially developed matrix. The total renovation included the complete gutting, static modification, the installation of new elevator systems, new floor plans and a comprehensive façade restoration. The refurbished apartments comply with the latest standards both in terms of space and energy. Nevertheless, the Wilhelminian style houses with their characteristic facades have not lost their original charm.
In the former workers’ quarters, Kreis 3 and 4 in Zurich, Schwarz Architekten have renovated three 100-year-old residential buildings. For the three city dwellings, the architecture firm has developed a comprehensive renovation concept with a specially developed matrix. This included complete gutting, static modification, the installation of new elevator systems, new floor plans and comprehensive façade renovation with interior insulation. Thanks to significant improvements in thermal insulation in the façade, windows, roof and basement, the Minergie standard has been achieved for the three townhouses.
With their typical façades, the townhouses built in 1910, 1927 and 1935 characterized the popular residential areas for many years. To ensure that the facades retain their original charm, the buildings have been thermally insulated on the inside of the street. In addition, a special high-tech process was applied, which has completely preserved and preserved the original high-quality facade structure of the residential buildings. Thus, a piece of the old city structure could be conserved, without having to give up the contemporary standards. In addition to the facade renovation, the roofing was completely renewed and the heat and sound insulation massively improved. The vertical strands were completely redeveloped.
Particular attention was paid to the detailed training of the floors, where the wooden beam ceiling and the new heat-insulating wall meet. Likewise, the building technology had to be completely renewed. In addition, the apartment floor plans have been redesigned and a lift integrated, so that the apartments are now compliant with the disabled standards. The apartments were equipped with new, modern kitchens and bathrooms and replaced the windows. In addition, a window ventilator integrated into the parapet is used. This ensures optimum air exchange according to Minergie regulations and creates a healthy room climate, without generating complex wiring of the supply and exhaust air. For residents, the comprehensive refurbishment offers more living comfort and a new quality of life.
Professor Dietrich Schwarz, Managing Director of Schwarz Architekten: “The three residential buildings all date back to the Wilhelminian era and are characteristic of their group of inner-city old buildings. With energy-efficient total renovation, we have achieved the Minergie standard for the three residential buildings. The refurbished apartments comply both spatially and energetically with the latest standards ».
The architectural firm Dietrich Schwarz Architekten AG from Zurich sees sustainable building as a holistic, future-proof development of settlements that offer added value for the economy, society and the environment in the longer term. Dietrich Schwarz is the founder, managing director and board member of Dietrich Schwarz Architekten AG. He is also Professor of Sustainable Construction at the University of Liechtenstein.