Replacement building in Salzweg with up to 240 apartments
The city of Zurich has decided to replace the aging communal housing estate Salzweg in District 9. The winning project impresses with optimally designed apartments and a sustainable CO2 concept.
On the northern slope of the Uetliberg, in Zurich-Altstetten, the city of Zurich is planning to replace the Salzweg housing estate. This currently comprises 130 apartments. It was created in 1969 in prefabricated element construction based on the plans of the architect Manuel Pauli. The past 50 years have left behind damage to the structures and a considerable need for repairs.
The city of Zurich, as the client, decided on a new replacement building due to changed legal requirements, the current compression pressure and after examining the feasibility of repairs. The aim is to make the best possible use of the area and to expand the proportion of non-profit apartments in the city.
In order to find the optimal project, the Office for Buildings of the City of Zurich has launched an architecture competition. Zimmermann Sutter Architekten AG from Zurich was able to win this with its “Tartaruga” proposal. The jury was impressed by the delicate, staggered arrangement of shorter and longer rows of buildings. The balconies offer views towards Uetliberg or Hönggerberg. The buildings are also integrated harmoniously into the quarter and are created in the fall line to the slope. Good lighting, a clear cut and optimal room design also helped the project onto the podium.
Up to 240 apartments of different sizes and different common uses as well as a double kindergarten and a double daycare center are planned. The apartments are designed to be barrier-free so that they are also suitable for senior citizens. A caretaker base, practice rooms for bands, a common room and studios are also planned.
A Rue Intérieure and residential streets connect the various units with one another. The sustainable CO2 concept desired by the client is met by the Minergie-P-Eco standard, a photovoltaic system on the green roof areas and a car-free settlement.