The conversion of the offices at Hohlstrasse 418 in Zurich by baubüro in situ is an impressive example of how reuse and resource-conserving architecture go hand in hand. At the beginning of 2024, the three companies Denkstatt, Zirkular and in situ found a new home in the freshly renovated 490 m² front building of the former Halle Q. Re-use was the watchword:
The glass in the partitions came from Zirkular's stock, as did sections of cement particleboard which now form the stand and wall cladding. Even the kitchen was reassembled using reused spare parts - including the outer cladding and plinth. The splash guard is inspired by the former facade of the Winterthur printing works, and uses the sheet metal of the facade as its material. Solid beech panels were used for the break room and kitchen complements, end-of-series products that the team specifically purchased. Even the lighting, plywood panels and electrical wiring were sourced from a temporary installation on the Sempach golf course, thus furthering the circular economy concept.
The furniture was also developed from existing materials: The crates previously used in the old office now find themselves reworked and refined in the new furnishings. The result is an interior design based on a fund of materials recycled in a variety of ways. It's a project that shows how targeted re-use can create an architecturally modern, ecologically responsible and socially inspired working environment.
Overall, the extension to 418 Hohlstrasse embodies a paradigmatic approach: instead of consuming new building materials, existing potential is used with great attention to detail - the result is a smart, charming office with a history.
