Modernisation and expansion of the south station
The extension and modernisation project for the southern fire station of Schutz & Rettung Zürich (SRZ) is an example of the innovative use of historic buildings and modern requirements for emergency services. The "FUCHS" project skilfully guides the listed fire station into the future. It sets new standards in the combination of functionality, aesthetics and ecological sustainability.
In a densely built-up district such as District 2, the emergency services currently only reach the scene within the critical ten-minute mark in around 60% of cases. The planned expansion and redesign of the southern fire and ambulance station addresses this problem with a comprehensive approach aimed at shortening response times and increasing the efficiency of the services. At the same time, the project aims to enhance the urban development of the area, which is in line with the redesign of the urban space through the demolition of Weststrasse and the new construction of the “Hohe Haus West”.
The winning project from the architectural competition, “FUCHS”, creates a seamless integration into the existing structure of the fire station. The extension blends in harmoniously with the existing building in terms of both height and alignment and harmoniously completes the perimeter of the block. Particularly noteworthy are the courtyard-side extensions with shed roofs and photovoltaics as well as a setback from the first floor, which give the new building a striking independence. These architectural features make it possible to master the balancing act between preserving the historical heritage and fulfilling state-of-the-art operational requirements.
The “FUCHS” project not only impresses with its aesthetic and functional integration into the existing building fabric, but also sets new ecological standards. Thanks to the environmentally friendly energy supply, which is based 100 per cent on renewable energies, and the generously dimensioned photovoltaic system on the shed roofs, a contribution is being made to climate protection. In addition, the design optimises the operational processes of Schutz & Rettung Zürich and creates a coherent unit of high spatial quality.
The project impressively illustrates how the challenges of modern emergency care can be mastered in a historical context through creative and innovative solutions. The careful balancing of the needs of the emergency services and the requirements of heritage conservation has resulted in a project that breaks new ground both functionally and aesthetically. The result is a sustainable infrastructure that meets the requirements of modern emergency services and at the same time makes a valuable contribution to the urban quality of the location.