GEREN COMMUNITY CENTER

Community Center and Library, Design Study with Subsequent Commission

Client: District of Zollikon
Location: Zollikerberg, Zurich
Date: 2007-2009

For the existing leisure services building and the relocated community library, an L-shaped structure is proposed. The building sits within the central, park-like Geren site in Zollikerberg. Along with the existing ‘Chramschopf’ building (vintage furniture and goods), this new public building encloses a newly created common square. Together, they form a compact ensemble. The result is a sociable space, serving as a sort of a public living room with various seating options. The existing green spaces are preserved and enhanced to the greatest possible extent.

The new building was planned on one level in order to create the most direct possible relationship to the public square and outdoor spaces. Because of the site’s medium-term needs and its generally uncertain future, the buildings were designed with a minimum lifespan of 30 years. A panelized wood construction with a high degree of prefabrication was chosen for this new structure, allowing for a short construction time. The materialization favored robust, ecological materials and sustainable constructive solutions. On the exterior, the facades insert elegantly into the context, while the interior spaces feel fresh and generous.

An innovative energy strategy was implemented throughout. The highly insulated building envelope and openings for cross ventilation allow for optimal natural ventilation. Energy for heating, as well as cooling if necessary, is obtained with a geothermal heat pump. In combining these features, the entire project was executed to Minergie standards.

Project Partners:
– WaltGalmarini, Zurich
– Ernst Basler + Partner AG, Zurich
– Erne AG Holzbau, Lafenburg
– Braune Roth, Binz
– Beta Projekt Management AG, Zurich
– DGJ Landscapes, The Hague & Zurich

Photos: © Ralph Feiner