Suurstoffi
SUURSTOFFI
Holzer Kobler Architekturen
ARCHITECTS
Holzer Kobler Architekturen
PHOTOGRAPHS
Courtesy of Holzber kobler
YEAR
2013
LOCATION
Risch, Switzerland
CATEGORY
Offices
Text description provided by architect.
Where pure oxygen was once produced in a centrally located area of Risch-Rotkreuz (Suurstoffi is the Swiss-German name for "oxygen"), the sustainable and car-free Suurstoffi offers space for around 1,500 residents and up to 3,000 employees.
In the first phase of construction, a composition of differently formed cubic volumes arose not far from the railway station Rotkreuz. Now upon completion, a whole differentiated, sculptural building complex meanders along the tracks.
The three independent volumes differ in their proportions, materials and color.
Each design is in itself unique and different functional properties lend the ensemble a playful lightness.
The complex serves as a self-sufficient microcosmos in which the different functions are stacked on top of and wedged into each other.
The easternmost building houses the Swiss headquarters of Novartis, whereas the other two buildings offer a mix of housing and professional working environments.
The 87 apartments - from smaller scale flats to larger penthouses - allow a broad spectrum of varied forms of living through individualized floor plans.
Recessed balconies and greened roof gardens complement the biodiversity of the surrounding landscape and create a unique atmosphere for each resident.
Furthermore, the Suurstoffi distinguishes itself through its sustainability concept: all buildings are supplied with electricity, heat and warm water, in a pollutant- and CO2-free manner through a power grid and photovoltaic system that allows surplus energy to be fed back into the regional energy network.
