Burkhalter Sumi Architekten: Gewerbebau Fluh - best architects 13

Burkhalter Sumi Architekten

Gewerbebau Fluh

best architects 13

commercial/industrial buildings

Place

Zürich

Photos

Burkhalter Sumi Architekten

Description

With its positioning on Belsitostrasse and its architectural expression, the laboratory building forms the endpoint of the newly created ensemble between the Fluh Housing Development (likewise by Burkhalter Sumi Architekten) and the factory grounds of Leder + Co. AG. As a link between the residential complex and the factory area, the laboratory takes its cue in terms of volumetrics from the old factory hall but also picks up on the characteristic wooden house facades, giving them a more industrial look and scale. Two notches break up the clean-lined, rectangular volume in a way that reflects the grain of its surroundings. Overall, what makes the building seem so fitting is its restrained, elegant appearance. Presenting a monochromatic silver face, the building takes the viewer by surprise just around the corner with coloured facade bands (sunshades on the ground and first floors, wooden fins on the second floor). The colours of the sunshades and the height of the ribbon windows map the functions inside the building. The lower level, ground floor and first floor serve as storage spaces for Leder + Co. AG, while the offices on the second floor are deliberately indicated by their higher windows and the divergent hue of the wooden fins.