Transforming a Historic Brick Building into a Sustainable Work Complex In the industrial district of Binz, Zurich, the Werkhof 29 project by baubüro in situ breathes new life into a 1934 brick building, transforming it into a versatile working complex. The renovation extends the building's lifespan while ensuring maximum flexibility for commercial use. The main structure is enhanced with an internal gallery floor, constructed using prefabricated wooden elements and insulated with clay-plastered straw bales. The project emphasizes sustainability through the reuse of existing materials, including facade panels, windows, doors, and radiators sourced from deconstruction projects. These elements, with visible signs of wear, are deliberately incorporated as stylistic features. The design adheres to sustainability principles, featuring raw surfaces, minimal new construction, and durable structures that collectively reduce CO₂ emissions. The addition of a communal terrace and intensively landscaped roof gardens further enriches the building's ecological footprint.

Design Highlights

Prefabricated wooden element construction with clay-plastered straw bale insulation Reuse of existing materials from deconstruction projects Communal terrace and intensively landscaped roof gardens Raw surfaces and durable structures for reduced CO₂ emissions On-site solar power plant improving climate and ecology

Key Facts