Fischer Architekten AG

In the Zurich district of Enge, two listed buildings from the late 19th century were to be renovated. As the location is exposed to noise, the property on Stockerstrasse was kept as an office building throughout. The building on Gartenstrasse now offers 17 very small apartments of a high standard, while the upper and lower ground floor levels continue to be used for offices.
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Erected in 1889, the solidly constructed buildings at the corner Garten-/Stockerstrasse in Zurich’s Kreis 2 are part of a block perimeter development dating from that time. To facilitate an earlier use the two buildings had been connected, their autonomy has now been restored by reactivating the original main entrances. The facades, which are mentioned in the inventory of listed buildings, were carefully renovated, and painted in a traditional colour scheme.

The office building on Stockerstrasse was completely renovated, while retaining its listed layout. The stucco ceilings and the wood and terrazzo floors were retained. Thanks to a digital power infrastructure and cooling ceilings the offices now offer an innovative technical standard.

The quality of the small apartments results in particular from the high-ceilinged rooms on the first three floors and the generously sized balconies that face south or towards the courtyard. On the fourth floor by cutting away part of the ceiling to the roof space some two-storey areas were created, and generous spaces were made with a view of the roof structure. The park-like design of the garden enhances what was formerly a backyard for all residents and makes it an attractive place to spend time.