JED: Innovative office and service space with industrial charm

Spread over three buildings and over 38,000 square meters, the new center for knowledge transfer, innovation and entrepreneurship not far from Schlieren train station is intended to bring together workers from business, industry and commerce.

Schlieren's western part has had a new think and worktank since mid-2020: JED (Join. Explore. Dare.). Since 2018, a new center for knowledge transfer, innovation and entrepreneurship has been built on the site of the former NZZ printing company. Not far from Schlieren train station, offices, industry and commerce are brought together. Spread over three buildings and a total of around 38,000 square meters of land, there are various seminar, conference and meeting areas as well as an event hall with space for up to 600 people. A gastronomic offer from the “Eves Kitchen” restaurant and several bars complete the offer.

The center of JED is formed by the former printing halls (building complex J) with a ceiling height of up to 18 meters. Both service and event areas are located here. Further office and restaurant areas are located in the front building (Building E), which is connected to the halls. The catering business is currently being implemented on the ground floor, while the upper three floors are intended for office space.

But building D in particular is something to talk about: a new building that is expected to be ready for occupancy at the end of 2022. After completion, this solid construction will provide space for office and service areas and aims to be a pioneer in terms of resource-saving architecture. The “2226” building concept was developed by Professor Dietmar Eberle and his architectural office Baumschlager Eberle. The buildings are designed without technical air conditioning such as heating, cooling or ventilation. Natural drafts are used for cooling. It is heated by the heat emitted by the lighting and electronic devices as well as the people who work in them.

Solid walls reduce heat exchange. The surfaces and materials also compensate for temperature fluctuations, so that a comfortable temperature of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius can be guaranteed throughout the year. The proportion of windows is deliberately kept small at 16 percent – and the panes are set back in the building in such a way that only seldom rays of sunlight reach the glass. Sensors that measure temperature, humidity and CO2 content control ventilation blades as required. The materials used have a lifespan of 200 years. In addition, the reduced building technology ensures both a high level of space and energy efficiency. As a result, only half of the maintenance and operating costs of conventional real estate will be incurred.

Meeting and recreation zones will be created in all three buildings. The number of above-ground parking spaces was deliberately kept small in order not to impair the high quality of the outdoor space visually or in terms of area. Photovoltaic systems can be found on all roofs.

After Zühlke Engineering AG moved in in April 2020, Halter AG will relocate its headquarters to JED at the end of the year. Around 250 workplaces will be set up on an area of over 5,000 square meters. ■

Text: Linda von Euw / Bilder: zVg.