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The historic residential and commercial building at Rennweg 53 in Zurich is entering a new chapter. At around 25 meters in height and with seven floors, it is one of the defining buildings along Rennweg.
Its central location in a densely built urban area presents challenges: limited space requires carefully planned construction logistics. A crane portal makes it possible to efficiently integrate the construction process into the constrained urban environment – a key prerequisite for carrying out this complex refurbishment project.
The transformation balances the preservation of the historic structure with targeted structural interventions. These include a new base slab, ground floor adjustments to create step-free access, a new elevator shaft, and measures to improve earthquake resistance.
All work is carried out in close coordination with heritage conservation authorities. Accompanying building archaeology investigations provide fascinating insights: dendrochronological analyses reveal those parts of the load-bearing structure date back to the early 17th century.
A project that preserves the past while making room for the future.
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The former commercial area of Leutschenbach, located on Zurich’s northern edge, is currently undergoing a transformation into a mixed-use neighborhood with a strong residential component. Along Hagenholzstrasse, the nearly 80-metre-high tower stands as a solitary landmark, with a generous park space opening up on its street-facing northern side. This open space links the new development to the green corridors, pathways and planted areas that will in future run through the district.
The publicly accessible ground floor accommodates a café, retail units and other service-oriented uses. The 26 upper floors comprise 224 rental apartments, predominantly 2.5- and 3.5-room units, primarily aimed at a younger demographic. Residents enter the building via a double-height entrance hall. With a roof terrace and shared facilities, the sixth-floor functions as a communal meeting space. The top four floors house maisonette apartments, lending an exclusive character to living at elevated heights.
