1st place «Portal UZH» Campus Irchel, University of Zurich

We are delighted to be able to contribute our versatile timber construction expertise in the areas of statics, construction and fire protection to this exciting chapter in the further development of the Irchel campus.

Over the next 25 years, the Irchel Campus is set to undergo extensive modernization and expansion, with the planned «PORTAL UZH» playing a key role. The extensive changes will not only significantly expand the infrastructure, but also the opportunities for teaching and research.

About a year ago, the Construction Department of the Canton of Zurich, on behalf of the University of Zurich and the Department of Education of the Canton of Zurich, announced a project competition for the «PORTAL UZH». After intensive examination and evaluation, the winning project was selected at the end of last year: The consortium EM2N Architekten Zürich, Jaeger Baumanagement Zürich and Timbatec Holzbauingenieure Schweiz AG prevailed against 14 competing teams.

^© EM2N Architekten, Zürich, Visualizations: Filippo Bolognese Images

The winning project impresses not only with its architectural design, but also with its successful integration into the existing overall Irchel campus complex. The jury emphasized that it successfully continues the «DNA of the Irchel campus». François Chapuis, Director of Real Estate and Operations, emphasized the outstanding internal qualities of the project and its ability to optimally address the concerns of the University of Zurich.

The planned «PORTAL UZH» presents itself as a visionary timber-concrete hybrid building, consisting of a six-storey main building and a longer laboratory wing, which is one storey lower. The architecturally appealing connection of both areas through an inviting entrance area with a green roof terrace underlines the holistic planning of the project. Lecture halls, seminar rooms and teaching workstations for students, researchers and employees of various services are planned in the front building on the main thoroughfare. The laboratory wing behind it contains not only state-of-the-art laboratories, but also office and meeting zones. The roofs of the new building will be equipped with a high-performance photovoltaic system to promote sustainable energy generation. Technology and logistics systems for the entire campus will be integrated into the basement of the new building, replacing outdated systems and supplying the Irchel campus with heating, cooling, light, air, water and logistics services in future.