Baslerstrasse 129 / 131,
Umiken-Brugg
Energy and structural renovation
The apartment building at Baslerstrasse 131 in Umiken, located on the southern slope along the Aare, was extensively renovated in terms of energy efficiency and structural integrity in 2023. As part of the renovation, two new small apartments were also created. The renovation of the one-sided apartment building from 1963 took place in a partially occupied condition. The old, small balconies were replaced with new, free-standing and more spacious balconies. The outdated bathrooms and kitchens were completely renovated, including risers. All apartments were equipped with controlled ventilation. An air-water heat pump replaced the old oil heating system for heat generation. A rooftop photovoltaic system was installed on the flat roofs to generate electricity, and the railing of the attic terrace was equipped with bifacial photovoltaic panels.
In the following year, the property 129 to the north was also comprehensively insulated and the old, small balconies were replaced with more spacious ones, and preparatory work was carried out for future ventilation and replacement of the gas heating system. Here, too, photovoltaic systems were used on the flat roofs and the railings were fitted with bifacial photovoltaic panels. In addition, parking space tenants have access to a charging infrastructure for e-mobility and a spacious lockable shelter for bicycles. And a new, safe path allows all tenants to reach the Aare from Baslerstrasse to Kindergartenweg.
Project: Freiestrasse 87, 8032 Zürich
Energy-oriented renovation with roof extension
This semi-detached apartment building at Freiestrasse 87 in Zürich was built in 1939 as part of an overall development with 4 double-apartment buildings and is in the district preservation area in the English quarter of Zürich-Hottingen.
The structure and equipment had not changed since the property was built. In particular, the position of the kitchens and bathrooms was no longer suitable for today’s requirements. Re-situating the kitchens and bathrooms on the ground plan gave the apartments more space and a more open connection between the individual rooms. Extending the unused second attic storey gave the existing penthouse apartments an extra room.
The whole building envelope is well insulated and, with controlled domestic ventilation, meets the Minergie standard for new builds. There is a photovoltaic system installed on the pitched roof, which covers the energy demand for the brine-to-water heat pump.
Seebahnstrasse 143, Zürich
Addition of an extra storey and extension on the courtyard side
The renovation added an extra storey to the building. The courtyard façade was reconstructed from prefabricated wooden elements and moved outwards by one and a half metres. Kitchen and bathroom could then be redefined. The apartments were given balconies and access provided by a lift. Two new shops, six 3-room apartments and two 5-room maisonettes with a large roof terrace with views over the city were added. Specific measures were taken to reduce energy consumption to the Minergie standard for new builds.
Magnusstrasse 28, Zürich
Affordable cooperative apartments
This apartment building in Zürich needed complete modernisation. By taking full advantage of the building regulations, it was possible to raise the new roof on the courtyard side by enough to add one complete storey and therefore more living space.
A large balcony could be added on the courtyard side.
On the normal storeys, the whole bath, kitchen and corridor area was redesigned, while cabinet units with fanlights divide the rooms and provide a lot of storage space. The new part is characterised by a seamless floor covering, contrasting with the refreshed parquet flooring in the rooms.
The building meets the Minergie standard for new builds.
Awards:
Swiss Solar Prize 2007 and Watt d'Or 2008
Urdorferstrasse 36, Schlieren
Renovation of apartment building with new penthouse storey
