Commercial building, Bellerive, Zurich

Curved gateway to the city
Year constructed: 2007

City and country meet on this site in the outermost section of the Seefeld district of Zurich, where the railway, tram loop and road access from Zurich meet on the west shore of Lake Zurich. The magnificent view of the lake, the proximity to the city and the location at the transition separating perimeter block developments from scattered buildings led to this design, which has a cubic appearance towards the city and the railway line but presents itself horizontally towards the lake and the south in dissolved, floating panes. The form is aligned to the site as well to several railway and construction lines. The architecture and materials combine with the park-like trees and the old Tiefenbrunnen mill to form a pleasant ensemble. Set back from the façade, the storey-high glazing expresses openness and transparency even during the day. At night, the illuminated building floats on the raised ground floor.