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Obere Mühle – The “Speicher”
  • Location
    Dübendorf, Switzerland
  • Architect
    bernath+widmer Architekten AG
  • Area
    1.198 m²
Three solar gables

This project is a significant architectural and cultural restoration effort, blending history and modernity. The Obere Mühle Dübendorf cultural centre, a centuries-old mill complex, has long been an integral part of the local heritage. The new “Speicher” (warehouse) building is the new multifunctional space wanted by the municipality which now hosts various cultural and social events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and workshops, making it a cultural hub for Dübendorf.
The “Speicher” shares the paved forecourt with the upper mill. The foyer with a catering kitchen under the middle of the three gables can also be used for joint events. The main hall is located under the eastern gable, and under the western gable are two rooms for associations. With its sloping roofs, the warehouse is in line with the surrounding buildings
To match the aesthetics of the new modern and multifunctional multipurpose building, all the photovoltaic modules were custom-made and installed using the in-roof method (integrated in the roof surface). The requirements for the appearance of the system were very high, as the PV installation was meant to be as invisible as possible and seamlessly integrate into the sleek yet functional architecture.

Ground floor architectural plan.

Aerial view of the new cultural centre.

The main hall can host up to 300 people.

Building characteristics
  • Building typology
    Public Space
  • Construction type
    New
  • Year of construction
    2023
  • Energy reference surface
    1.198 m²
  • Energy index
    58.8 kWh/m²yr (heating and electricity)
  • Energy labelling
    Minergie
Energy
Active solar surface 1.110m²
Active solar surface ratio >75%
Nominal power 145 kWp
Building skin application Full roof solution
Energy production
0
kWh
Source: Glattwerk AG
Self-consumption
0%
Building skin
  • Application
    Frameless PV modules integrated in a pitched roof
  • Description
    Pitched timber roof insulated with mineral wool
  • U value
    0.12 W/m²K
  • Fastening system
    Point fixing on a timber frame

This system allows different roofing components to be seamlessly combined: photovoltaic modules, cladding panels and skylights.

  • Application
    Single-shell Sand-lime brick with white Hagatex Silikat Slimeline plaster
  • Description
    Lime brick in front of a load bearing 24cm timber stud wall with isolation
  • U value
    0.14 W/m²K

Limestone bricks can be seen under the white lime wash.

  • Application
    Windows and skylights
  • Description
    Triple glazing with wooden frame
  • U value
    0.77 W/m²K

The large canopy protects the outdoor space of the “Speicher”. The eaves follow the shape of the roof truss.

BIPV module
  • Cell technology
    Mono-crystalline
  • Front glass type/customization
    Tempered solar glass (ESG), glass/glass structure, frameless.
  • Dimensions
    Custom made
  • Specific power
    About 116 Wp/m²
Technical details

No detail has been overlooked. Concrete ducts, metal collectors and floor drains convey rainwater from the roof to the drainage channel. A photovoltaic system is integrated into the roof. The roof trusses made of spruce and ash are unclad and create a warm atmosphere inside. On the outside, the roof structure is characterised by the raised eaves. Apart from the cladding, the structure is made of wood. Only the basement, which contains the performers’ dressing room and the storage room, is made of concrete.

Projection
Hotspot image
Vertical section
Hotspot image
Costs
  • Total cost of the building
    10 Mio CHF
  • Price per m³  
    5.045 CHF (BKP2/m³)

The new building follows clean lines that allow it to blend in with the surrounding buildings.

Parties involved
  • Owner
    City of Dübendorf
  • Photovoltaic Installer
    Scherrer Metec AG
  • Photovoltaic Consultant
    zuerisee power gmbh
Awards and recognitions
  • Awards

  • Publications

    Hochparterre 07.08.24 – Markanter Dreizack by Damaris Baumann
    Werk, bauen+wohnen 6/2024 – Auf den Schultern des Riesen by Lucia Gratz

CREDITS
Photo Seraina Wirz

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