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Bellerivestrasse 36
  • Location
    Zurich, Switzerland
  • Architect
    C.F. Møller Architects in collaboration with Burckhardt Architektur AG
  • Area
    12.934 m²
Stylish photovoltaics

The obsolete administrative building was transformed into a modern and sustainable building. Its facade was revived into an optimized, energy performing, light and transparent envelope cladded with photovoltaic modules which also shade the indoor spaces.
The rental units are connected to a new atrium which creates synergy and knowledge sharing between the different departments. The central position of the atrium brings identity and a feel of belonging to the users of the building.
Existing stone roof terraces are converted into greener spaces and connected to the surrounding park to delay rainwater running from the roofs to the ground and create biodiversity for plants and microorganisms.
The sloped photovoltaic modules integrated on the facades are covered with colour treated glass to make them match the metal cladding on the supporting structure for the facade elements. This gives the building a new horizontal and light expression that fits elegantly in the existing park and gives the users and passers-by a clear view into the new office building.The obsolete administrative building was transformed into a modern and sustainable building. Its facade was revived into an optimized, energy performing, light and transparent envelope cladded with photovoltaic modules which also shade the indoor spaces.
The rental units are connected to a new atrium which creates synergy and knowledge sharing between the different departments. The central position of the atrium brings identity and a feel of belonging to the users of the building.
Existing stone roof terraces are converted into greener spaces and connected to the surrounding park to delay rainwater running from the roofs to the ground and create biodiversity for plants and microorganisms.
The sloped photovoltaic modules integrated on the facades are covered with colour treated glass to make them match the metal cladding on the supporting structure for the facade elements. This gives the building a new horizontal and light expression that fits elegantly in the existing park and gives the users and passers-by a clear view into the new office building.

Architectural plan, ground floor in scale 1:200. Source: C.F. Møller Architects.

The renewed commercial property boasts a contemporary design and stylish look with an open facade looking out onto the lake featuring state-of-the-art technology and materials.

This is a commercial property with office, lab and storage space and an on-site staff canteen.

Building characteristics
  • Building typology
    Office building with laboratory and utility rooms
  • Construction type
    Retrofit
  • Year of construction
    1974 / 2021–2024
  • Energy reference surface
    12.934 m²
  • Energy index
    36 kWh/m² year (heating, ventilation and climatization)
  • Energy labelling
    Minergie, LEED Platinium
Energy
Active solar surface 205 m² 3.690 m²
Active solar surface ratio n/a n/a
Nominal power 42 kWp 436 kWp
Building skin application Flat roof Accessories
Storage Pre-set n/a
Energy production
0
kWh
Source: C.F. Møller Architects
Self-consumption
80%
Building skin
  • Application
    Standard modules are laid on a metallic support system
  • Description
    Flat roof
  • U value
    0.2 W/m²K
  • Fastening system
    Continuous fixing system (aluminium tracks)
  • Other
    Rooftop terraces are transformed into greener spaces

Aerial view of the building undergoing renovation.

Most of the flat roof area is covered with photovoltaic modules.

  • Application
    PV modules are integrated into the stringcourse between the different levels of the building.
  • Description
    The installation of the photovoltaic modules along the stringcourse increased the available surface area by 20% compared to a standard vertical installation on the facade.
  • U value
    Outwerwalls: 0.20 W/m²K; fixed window elements: ≤ 0.50 W/m²K
  • Fastening system
    Triangular steel construction

Installation of the coloured PV modules on the triangular stringcourse.

  • Application
    Floor to ceiling windows
  • Description
    Triple glazing with aluminium frame
  • U value
    Fixed window elements: ≤ 0.50 W/m²K
  • g value
    Fixed window elements: 34%

The 1970’s building previously appeared closed, especially when the sun was shining, and the sunscreens were rolled down.

BIPV module
  • Product
    Monocrystalline PV module
  • Manufacturer
  • Cell technology
    Mono-crystalline
  • Dimensions
    Standard module: 1840 x 1188mm (corners and special modules have a different geometry and therefore dimensions)

  • Front glass type/customization
    Glass/Glass module, printed front glass with defined color SC21035A18-E
  • Nominal power
    76 – 304 Wp
  • Specific power
    About 122 Wp/m²
  • Weight
    Standard module 45 Kg
  • Specific weight
    23 Kg

Technical details

Photovoltaic modules are integrated in a triangular steel construction on each floor of the building’s transparent facade creating a striking stringcourse between the different levels of the building, a design that redefines the building’s 1970s aesthetics. In addition to visual appeal, the dual function of energy production and external sun shading enhances the building’s sustainability.
This new architectural element extends 1.8 meters from the facade. The upper and lower sides of the panels appear homogeneous but are made of different materials: aluminium on the underside and glass photovoltaic modules on the sloped upper side.

Projection
Hotspot image
Vertical section
Hotspot image
Costs
  • Total cost of the building
    abt. 50 million CHF (BKP 1-9)
  • Price per m³  
    2.4 million CHF

New patio towards the lake.

Parties involved
  • Owner
    Allreal Generalunternehmung AG
  • Architect
    C.F. Møller Architects in collaboration with Burckhardt Architektur AG
  • Facade planning
    Emmer Pfenninger Partner AG
  • Photovoltaic consultant
    Basler und Hofmann AG
Awards and recognitions
  • Awards
  • Winner of the European Green Award 2024 – Category Award Gallery
  • Publications
  • Solaris #09, Hochparterre 2024 “Ein Schmetterling aus Photovoltaic”; Baumeister, Werk, Bauen und Wohnen and other publications will follow

CREDITS
Photo Mark Hadden

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