A historical heritage in new splendour

Zug, December 2024

The comprehensive refurbishment and new construction on the Hofstrasse site in Zug represent a future-oriented approach that not only preserves the historical substance, but also actively integrates it into modern urban development.

in 1896, Richard Theiler laid the foundation stone for the Electrotechnical Institute, which later became world-famous as Landis Gyr, with the construction of the Theilerhaus. The importance of the Theilerhaus for the people of Zug cannot be denied and its preservation became a priority in 1989 when the Canton of Zug acquired the site in order to preserve it for future generations.

Preservation of historical substance
The Canton of Zug has developed a comprehensive concept entitled “The Theilerhaus and its spirit”. This outline of ideas aims to preserve the “spirit” of the buildings and to bring together aspects of economy, technology, architecture and culture in a holistic framework.

Refurbishment in keeping with the heritage
The maintenance measures extend to all existing old buildings, focussing on earthquake safety, fire protection and accessibility. The renewal of windows, sun protection and roof cladding as well as the insulation of the Shedhalle are important steps towards meeting the requirements. The new building in the eastern area respects the historical substance and creates an appealing overall urban structure.

A new urban accent
The planned new building complements the urban ensemble and consists of a five-storey head building and a four-storey intermediate building. This design, which is connected to the high-rise building by a modern stair tower, blends harmoniously into the existing surroundings and strengthens the identity of the site.

The Shedhalle as a cultural, creative space
Once the renovation work has been completed, the Shedhalle will not only function as a place of remembrance of the past, but also as a lively space for cultural and artistic events. This use offers added value for the people of Zug and emphasises the versatility of the site and its relevance in today’s world.

Forward-looking project
Overall, this project represents a significant step in the urban development of the Canton of Zug and should benefit future generations. The planned measures emphasise how important it is to view historical heritage as part of a living, constantly evolving society and to shape it accordingly.

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