The “ALTO” construction project

May 2024

The alto building project at Freihofstrasse 23 in Zurich Altstetten is an architectural highlight: an 80 metre high residential building that combines living space, public areas and green oases in an innovative way. This project, on the former site of the Fiat garage, represents a milestone in the urban development of this dynamically growing neighbourhood.

The “ALTO” project, initiated by the
property company HIAG, fits seamlessly into the urban transformation of Zurich Altstetten, a district that is changing from an industrial to a lively residential and working area. The plan is for an 80-metre-high residential building that is characterised by its integration into existing structures and its sustainable construction.

The ground floor of the new building will be used for commercial purposes and open to the public, while the first floor will serve as a social centre for residents with communal spaces, a roof garden and studios. In addition, modern flats will be built on the 25 floors above, reflecting the new urban lifestyle in Altstetten.

In addition to the residential use, the neighbourhood will be further enhanced by the project. The Shedhalle, formerly part of the Fiat garage, will be converted into a food market with an attractive range of fresh produce and will take on the function of a local supplier. There are also plans to construct an urban loggia, which will serve as a public meeting place that incorporates the community concept and emphasises the urban quality of the area.

Sustainability plays a central role in the development of the “ALTO” construction project. The use of resource-conserving materials and the design of permeable open spaces emphasise the commitment to environmentally friendly urban development. As the first residential tower block in the canton of Zurich, the façade will be fitted with photovoltaic panels throughout, allowing tenants to benefit from the electricity they generate themselves. An innovative mobility concept, which provides for a significant reduction in parking spaces, rounds off the future-oriented overall concept.

With completion scheduled for spring 2026, the “ALTO” construction project will not only offer new living space in Zurich Altstetten, but will also serve as a showcase project for sustainable urban development and social coexistence.

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