Stücheli Architekten: Grünenhof - "Delphin" - best architects 12

Stücheli Architekten

Grünenhof - "Delphin"

best architects 12

office/administrative buildings

Place

Zürich | Schweiz

Photos

Reinhard Zimmermann

Description

Within its urban setting, “Delphin” occupies a distinctive corner position and refers directly to its environment in terms of height and form. The theme of urban integration is also continued in the building’s façade. Two floors have been added, as an extension of precast concrete elements that fit in with the existing horizontal sections. This preserves the fixed and durable materiality of the adjacent buildings. The sand-blasted concrete elements respond to the dialogue between the sandstone of the Astoria building and the plaster surface of the Grünenhof. The courtyard façade and recesses contribute with their smooth formwork surfaces, but are simple and robust. The two different levels of glass respond to the dimensionality of the existing buildings, while the aluminium frames and windows come together as a single element of design. The new building has given the entire urban block a new appearance with its contemporary, minimal detailing and materialisation.