New, green object breaks through the asphalt desert

Das neue Betriebsgebäude repräsentiert eine nachhaltige, kostengünstige und langfristig gedachte Lösung, die die bestehende Umgebung zwischen den Flüssen Sihl und Limmat sowie dem SBB Hauptbahnhof Zürich positiv transformiert.

^© Pictures: Jürgen Beck, Zurich | Holzhausen Zweifel Architekten
Timbatec Holzbauingenieure Schweiz AG

The location, a parking lot behind Zurich's main railway station, had long attracted little attention and had a negative reputation. The new operations building is intended to enhance this location by making it more accessible and friendly. The square will not only be used as a functional transport hub, but also as a place where people can spend time.

Instead of taking inspiration from typical long-distance bus stations, the architects were inspired by simple, functional structures such as garages and storage buildings. This design language suits the location well, as the building does not need to be overly prestigious, but instead stands out above all for its simplicity and practicality.

^© Plans, situation, ground floor plan, cross-section
Holzhausen Zweifel Architekten, Zurich

The project was implemented with a tight budget and a design-to-cost mandate. The material concept is deliberately simple: inexpensive materials were used, but the building still achieves an appealing effect thanks to color accents and careful attention to detail. The visible technology, such as pipes on the ceilings and walls, underlines the simple aesthetics.

In view of the limited useful life of the building (approx. 10 to 15 years), care was taken to ensure that it can be easily dismantled. The construction is designed in such a way that it can be easily dismantled into individual parts and recycled. No composite materials or glued joints were used, but individual components that can be separated as easily as possible.

Despite the simple materials and reduced design language, great importance was attached to detail. The architects wanted to perfect the expression of simplicity without the building lapsing into banal simplicity. The design takes into account the history of the site and gives it an open, inviting character.

The building is not only a functional operations building for the bus station, but also an example of modern, cost-efficient and sustainable construction. The choice of timber construction also promotes a positive ecological balance and fits in well with Zurich's urban context.

^© Pictures: Jürgen Beck, Zurich | Holzhausen Zweifel Architekten
Timbatec Holzbauingenieure Schweiz AG

Sebastian Holzhausen and Lena Stamm from Holzhausen Zweifel Architekten at Swiss-Architects provide in-depth insights into the building project and the architectural concept at

👉 www.swiss-architects.com/de/architecture-news/bau-der-woche/hin-und-weg