Whether it’s the extension of a single-family home, the restoration of a historic monument, or the renovation of a rental property – we always regard existing buildings as valuable resources, both ecologically and architecturally.
We see architectural design as a respectful and creative engagement with the existing fabric – driven by our passion, attention to detail, and the ambition to preserve a building's soul.
Layer of Thought
We’ve been working consistently in 3D for years, investing in high-end graphics cards and laser scanners – and getting great results.
But when it comes to actual design, visual exploration, testing one idea after another – there are only two things we reach for: a pencil and a sheet of good old tracing paper.
HAGA Biotherm and Clay Plasterboards
During the renovation of the residential building in the old town of Brugg, we applied 50mm of HAGA Biotherm to the exterior walls on the inside. This breathable insulating plaster, made of lime, improves the U-value of the old rubble stone wall from 1.7 W/m²K to 0.7 W/m²K, significantly enhancing the indoor climate without altering the protected façade.
We covered the separating timber stud walls with clay plasterboards and finished them with lime plaster. HAGA clay products are free of fired binders and contribute to a pleasant living climate through their excellent moisture regulation.
Building Drainage in Historic Timber Frames
When working with historic buildings, finding a clear route for drainage from a new attic bathroom down to the basement can be tricky. Often, it requires several shifts in direction to avoid running straight into a living room. We map out the best path through the timber frame in 3D using the point cloud of the digital twin. Thanks to this technology, we continue to push new boundaries and are proud of the progress we’ve made.
Inauguration of the Women’s Changing Room at the Grasshopper Rowing Club, Zürich
At the traditional Christmas Eights Regatta, the rowing section of the Grasshopper Club Zürich inaugurated its new women’s changing room. The installation took place within the listed boathouse at Mythenquai – requiring sensitivity to both heritage and function. The project marks an important step in developing the women’s team, with the aim of being present in future competitions. We designed and executed the new showers and changing areas with future expansion in mind – ensuring they remain in the right place even as the space grows.
At the End of the Year
Every year, advent reliably reminds us just how quickly time passes. Seven years have already flown by – marked by a wonderful team spirit and our shared passion for architecture. We look back with gratitude and we’re excited for what’s to come: from 2025 onwards, our colleague Gisella will be a new partner in the office.
Construction begins at Riedmattstrasse, Zurich
Construction has begun at Riedmattstrasse in Zurich Wiedikon. The apartment building is getting a full makeover, with the attic set to become a bright new living space. To counter the low-pitched roof and short knee wall, we’re opening things up with two generous dormer windows and a sunken roof terrace – creating room in a confined space.
Old and new: The charm of subtle interventions
The original tiles were long gone – and to be honest, we didn’t find them particularly attractive. So, everything new? Not quite. It’s these small details that inspire us. How can we make more of what’s already there? We firmly believe that it is in moments like these that the most exciting work is created. Interventions like this reflect our mission: carefully crafted, a bit playful, pleasantly surprising, and resource-conscious. (By the way, the trick here lies in the changing grout colour.)
We Are Mould Experts
In architecture, there are topics that spark excitement – and then there are those that are a little less thrilling. Mould definitely falls into the latter category. However, for our work in existing buildings, understanding it is crucial. Mould and humans don’t get along. Mould needs more moisture than we do and prefers cooler conditions. In a way, it’s an indicator: a physically healthy building simply doesn’t provide an environment for mould to thrive. However, the path from treating symptoms to finding a lasting solution can be a challenging one.
Gisella Chacon deepened our knowledge on the subject through a seminar at TÜV Academy Rheinland and successfully passed the certification exam.
Anouk Zaugg
Anouk has just completed her studies as a draftsman in architecture and received her federal diploma of vocational education and training. She will now support us in the planning process. We congratulate Anouk on her successful qualification and are excited to have her join our team.
ecobau Course - Sustainable Construction
Our colleague Gisella has successfully completed the basic course offered by the ecobau association. Ecobau is very important to us, as the association certifies building materials based on health and ecological criteria, making sustainable planning and construction easier. With user-friendly reference works, checklists, and practical aids, we are able to work more effectively in the field of sustainable architecture.
The course covers the essential requirements – from architectural concept development to parameters for a healthy indoor climate, as well as the selection of ecological materials. We highly value these courses, as they help us align the knowledge we gain in practice with the theoretical foundation and promote valuable exchange.
Fotoshooting
New faces, new photos – today, Nici Jost was once again behind the camera for us. The updated team photos are now online. Assisting with the group shot was Astana, our youngest team member. A warm thank you to both!
Renovate and Expand, or Start from Scratch?
This question can be a real headache: Can we truly unlock the full densification potential through a renovation and extension, an attic conversion, or by adding additional floors — or does the old building stand in the way? What threshold must be crossed for it to make economical and ecological sense, to sacrifice the existing structure?
Fascinating questions! Sometimes, the only way forward is to directly compare the two scenarios — as we recently did with a single-family house in Zurich-Albisrieden.
A Residential House in Brugg’s Old Town
We are excited to renovate another historic residential building in the lower old town of Brugg. Dating back to the 16th century, the property will soon become home to a young family. We are undertaking a comprehensive yet carefully executed renovation. The work is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 2025/26 school year.
Start of construction at Bühlstrasse in Geroldswil
The rediscovered kitchen bench
There were existing waste-water pipes to the right, to the left and hanging from the ceiling and we wanted to cover them up. In the space in between we created a 'bench', for sitting, tying shoe laces or for placing shopping bags. It is somewhat reminiscent of the old waiting rooms at the train station.
Our secret pin board
We understand architectural design as the ability to recognise context through observation and to use this to develop independent solutions. But where do we record our observations? On Pinterest. Please take a look at our collection, which is now online. Feel free to keep pinning!
Changing rooms!
It was a long process, but now the time has come: the rowing section of the Grasshopper Club in Zurich is welcoming female athletes. We are pleased to be able to provide the new female rowers with changing facilities in the historical Boatshouse at Mythenquai. Building work will commence in June.
The breakthrough!
Happiness is having great neighbours: It was starting to get a bit cramped in our main office in Zurich, but we really didn't want to move. We like it where we are. We have been able to double the size of our working space by opening up the separating wall towards Tracy's side. No relocation needed. Tracy, thank you very much!
Jessica Wälti
Today we welcome Jessica Wälti to our team. Jessica completed her diploma at ETH Zurich under Miroslav Šik and earned a MAS in Construction Management from FHNW. She brings proven hands-on experience in site supervision and will strengthen our team as a project manager with a focus on execution.
We welcome our first intern
Five years in the making and we are finally ready. Fayun is a trained Polydesigner 3D and is currently completing an internship with us as a foundation for studying architecture. Welcome and thanks for rejuvenating our office!
Our renovation in Niederdorf is finished. We are delighted with the outcome and are happy to add another successfully completed project to our portfolio. We would like to thank our client, with whom it has been a pleasure to work with.
Office outing
This year, our office trip, which is becoming an annual tradition, had little to do with architecture. Instead we headed to Zurich Zoo for a family friendly outing. We had the opportunity to visit the new additions to the zoo and enjoyed a meander through the forest to our lunch spot at Degenried.
A terraced house on Bühlstrasse in Geroldswil
We are renovating a single family house from the 1960s on a steep slope in the village of Geroldswil. It will be converted and extended, and the outer shell will be newly insulated and clad with timber. Construction will start in spring 2024.
Stephanie Thioub, qualified architectural colour designer
After five joint projects in a row, Stephanie Thioub has become one of our most important consultants. As a qualified architectural colour designer, she is an integral part of the development of our colour and material concepts. Steffi works at Meier Schmocker AG, Baden, and often prefers to implement the concepts herself, using high-quality and sustainable paints.
Recycling in the old days
Reuse, recycle, 2nd-life - the trend for recycling and reuse in the construction industry is not so new: In Zurich's Niederdorf we uncovered a ceiling and what did they use for the formwork? Old, discarded doors!
The risks of project takeover
For the third time in three years, we are taking on a project already underway. This time for the energy upgrade and renovation of a villa in Geroldswil.
Why our new clients wanted to part with the architect in an ongoing project is irrelevant to us. We are happy to get on board and do the job better.
The challenge of such take-overs is twofold: the knowledge gap and the lack of time. In a short space of time we are required to get up to date with all aspects of the project and identify its flaws and stumbling blocks.
Watertight, please!
The watertightness of the building envelope is one of the most challenging topics in construction planning, for example in the case of loggias or below ground. In 2021, the SIA published the revised standard 271 "Waterproofing of buildings". The Association of Swiss Building Envelope Companies has now published an excellent compendium on the subject. We were informed about the main changes to the topic at a recent presentation and we took valuable knowledge home with us.
Larissa Hunger
And then there were seven: Today Larissa Hunger starts with us. She will support us in our internal work, namely in marketing and administration. Welcome Larissa!
Feasibility study on Militärstrasse, City of Zurich
District 4, two neighbouring plots near Europa-Allee. Four historical buildings and a big potential to densify. An exciting task with urban development quality. We are looking forward to the challenge!
One and one make one.
We are delighted to annouce a new client and two new projects on apartment buildings in the city of Zürich. One is an alteration to an apartment in the historical core of the city and the second is a larger renovation project in the district of Wiedikon. We would like to thank our client, a community of heirs, for their trust.
Shooting - even with limited mobility
The Zollikon Shooting Club is breaking new ground. Shooting is an attractive sport for people with impaired mobility and the club is planning the first wheelchair-accessible 25m pistol shooting range in Switzerland. Our initial plans are complete and the board will now go on a publicity tour to raise funds. Donations are very welcome!
Five questions on the topic of heat protection
Cool even without air conditioning? We have a very summery contribution from Robert Minovsky from the Minergie® Association (article in German).
New study Seeblickstrasse in Zurich Wollishofen
Our study focuses on a building from the 1930s, worthy of preservation, in a beautiful location. The building lies in a protected building zone and the plot has a large utilisation reserve. Our study aims to show how the utilisation potential can be activated, with the greatest possible consideration towards the existing building.
New insights into Brugg's old town
Together with our colleagues from Architheke, we are currently renovating the former "NumberOne" in Brugg. The work next to the black tower is nearing completion. The owner of the property, the Altstadt cooperative, is looking forward to the new tenants. Papa Oro's, a friendly family business from Baden, will be serving Filipino specialities, opening for the first time at 10am on 9th of April. There will also be the best barrista café from Kape Hiraya.
