Refurbishment of the 'Im Kloster'

Property, Zurich, 2020

The landmark, heritage-listed residential and factory building 'Im Kloster' is an important contemporary example of industrial architecture on the shores of Lake Zurich. It combines elements of villa and industrial architecture and was built in the style of the neo-Renaissance.

The existing annexes on the attic floor, which do not comply with building regulations, will be removed and replaced with new, symmetrical annexes. A new steel structure will be installed on both sides of the attic floor, spanning both the outdoor areas and the roof extensions. The pergola is a distinctive stylistic element of the Neo-Renaissance. The space-creating pergolas reinterpret this historical stylistic element and references the building's industrial past as well as its internal supporting structure with steel beams.

The roof extensions are glazed on three sides with floor-to-ceiling windows. When the windows are fully open, the entire terrace becomes a continuous, open space. The green pergolas offer both terraces protection from the sun. Wisteria entwines over the beams and forms a colorful green canopy over the parapet in the summer months. The planting and the filigree steel structure give the impression of a private garden pavilion on the roof terrace on the shores of Lake Zurich.

The building envelope will also be renovated as part of the refurbishment to improve energy efficiency, including the replacement of all windows and sun blinds.