Koch Areal Residential Building, CH-Zurich
A new type of residential development with an integrated circus hall is to be built on the Koch site, which will contribute to a more socially inclusive and livable city. Due to the size of the building mass, it will be structured vertically.
The base, ground floor, and mezzanine are enveloped in a transparent glass-and-metal facade and concrete walls to create connections and views. The first-floor level, finished to a high standard, serves as a transition to the upper floors. The residential floors are constructed of clay and wood, ensuring a cozy atmosphere. The clay brick also helps give the masonry building an urban character. The bay window, as an urban element, reinforces this appearance.
The apartment floor plans are simply structured and open on two sides, giving them a spacious feel. The reduced number of core shafts and access via the terraces allow for vertical mixing, as each stairwell provides access to the entire range of apartments. Shared laundry rooms on the penthouse level complement the apartments. The circus hall is centrally located within the building and is visible to both outside visitors and residents. The hall is recessed into the floor so that the performers can be observed without being disturbed.
The building’s clay and wood surfaces help improve the urban climate. Thanks to a rigorous structural system, the interior walls of the apartments do not serve a load-bearing function and can be removed as needed. Since the walls are made of clay bricks, this can be done without leaving any residue. Thanks to the use of clay and the prefabrication of the wooden ceilings, the energy required for the building’s construction, operation, and demolition is minimized. It is a simple, self-regulating system.
