Renovation and extension of historic ETH research building

Modernization meets monument protection: For ETH Zurich, we have made the research and office building NW in the heart of Zurich fit for the future. Based on a usage study, the ventilation center on the top floor and a sediment laboratory were extended and the existing ventilation network optimized to ensure innovative research under the highest safety standards.

Picture: Alessandro Della Bella

challenges

How can we facilitate innovative research in a historic building?

The listed building had to be modernized during ongoing operations without disrupting the flow of research. The materialization of the exhaust air system, which had to be designed for highly corrosive exhaust air, was particularly complex. Handling hazardous substances such as hydrofluoric acid required precise planning and the highest safety standards. In addition, the existing building technology had to be specifically optimized to ensure a reliable supply.

SOLUTIONS

The building was upgraded during ongoing operations with strategic optimizations.

The ventilation center on the top floor was renovated and extended with minimal interruptions. The newly designed sediment laboratory now meets the highest standards of safety and functionality, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and intelligent room control. Researchers benefit from a highly available, secure infrastructure that enables innovative science.