General renovation of the HPP ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich

In the revitalisation of the HPP laboratory building at the ETH Zurich, which dates from the 1970s, the requirements of the conservation authority were based on the idea of retaining the existing facade. With just a few, clearly focussed interventions the competition entry, which was awarded first prize, succeeded in preserving the building’s high architectural quality.

HPP ETH, Zürich-Hönggerberg, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich

The HPP building is one of several buildings for physics and molecular biology that were erected towards the end of the 1970s on the Hönggerberg Campus of the ETH Zurich by the famous architect Albert Heinrich Steiner. As the tallest structure, the laboratory research end experiment building dominates the campus. Striking aspects of the building are its symmetrical internal organisation and four identical facades. In the context of the restoration these facades were to be renovated completely, along with the building’s structure and services. In addition, several spaces were to be adapted and the building’s use of energy optimised.

For the renovation of the facades the conservation authorities attached great importance to retaining the basic idea of the “Steiner facade”. With just a few focussed interventions it proved possible to preserve the high architectural quality, without altering the fundamental concept. The completely renovated facade respects the original design and colour of the building envelope.

A further measure was the extension of the foyer on both sides of the entrance. Eexhibitions or events can now be held there. The entire building services were modernised so that they can now meet all requirements in terms of comfort, efficiency, and economical use of energy. In addition, the building was awarded the GI Label for its good internal climate.