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Conversion Hall 181 - Winterthur
Lagerplatz 21, Winterthur
2014
After
the conversion by Kilga Popp architects the Hall 181 is more than twice
as high as before. The existing building was increased by three floors.
Nevertheless, the building blends unobtrusively into the old industrial site. At the same time this project proves that industrial areas not necessarily lose
their character with the change of usage. Each façade is related to its environment, and shows a corresponding expression. The narrow elevation in front of
the central square, executed in structured concrete, is of a moderat representativeness. The rear longitudinal side, made of fibre cement shingles,
is obviously the rear facade of the building and makes reference to the roofscape. The galvanized steel parts of the glass façade, oriented towards the railway lines,
are of a rather rough characcter and relate to the masts in the field of railway tracks.
The interior of the building is also of a rather rough appearance. In the open spaces there are studios, offices, workshops and lecture halls of the
Zurich University of Applied Sciences. The floors of the stockpiling are built as a wooden structure, which is supported by the existing pillars made of steel
and concrete. As an analogy to the industrial history, all materials are used in a very pragmatically way. There are polished concrete floors and walls made
of rough cement blocks. Where timber supports had to be clad due to fire protection, this is made without further concealing measures.
The glass façade with its slender structure was built in front of the entire building, and merges the existing building with the new added floors without
loosing industrial character. This glass facade has the task of protecting the offices against excessive noise and to regulate the climatic conditions.
But in this case, the new building layer also fulfills another function and serves as a greenhouse which extends over several floors. A variety of plant species
from around the world are growing in this greenhouse, resulting in a very special atmosphere.
Nevertheless, the building blends unobtrusively into the old industrial site. At the same time this project proves that industrial areas not necessarily lose
their character with the change of usage. Each façade is related to its environment, and shows a corresponding expression. The narrow elevation in front of
the central square, executed in structured concrete, is of a moderat representativeness. The rear longitudinal side, made of fibre cement shingles,
is obviously the rear facade of the building and makes reference to the roofscape. The galvanized steel parts of the glass façade, oriented towards the railway lines,
are of a rather rough characcter and relate to the masts in the field of railway tracks.
The interior of the building is also of a rather rough appearance. In the open spaces there are studios, offices, workshops and lecture halls of the
Zurich University of Applied Sciences. The floors of the stockpiling are built as a wooden structure, which is supported by the existing pillars made of steel
and concrete. As an analogy to the industrial history, all materials are used in a very pragmatically way. There are polished concrete floors and walls made
of rough cement blocks. Where timber supports had to be clad due to fire protection, this is made without further concealing measures.
The glass façade with its slender structure was built in front of the entire building, and merges the existing building with the new added floors without
loosing industrial character. This glass facade has the task of protecting the offices against excessive noise and to regulate the climatic conditions.
But in this case, the new building layer also fulfills another function and serves as a greenhouse which extends over several floors. A variety of plant species
from around the world are growing in this greenhouse, resulting in a very special atmosphere.