J.H. Keller AG, Zurich
![J.H. Keller AG, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich](/sites/default/files/styles/default_xs/public/projects/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6802.jpg?itok=dLw_CUWk 320w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_s/public/projects/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6802.jpg?itok=NUrtV5ot 640w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_m/public/projects/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6802.jpg?itok=hOiIS4Ie 960w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_l/public/projects/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6802.jpg?itok=nZ1YpyRj 1280w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xl/public/projects/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6802.jpg?itok=FuGDOTdr 1440w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxl/public/projects/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6802.jpg?itok=DHn_lBz1 1920w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxxl/public/projects/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6802.jpg?itok=qTgtKtYc 2560w)
A commercial building in Zurich Altstetten is given an energy-efficiency retrofit and equipped with photovoltaic plant integrated in the building. Through the new roofing material that connects roof and facade with each other the original character of the former motor-car repair workshop and warehouse is emphasised.
![J.H. Keller AG, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich](/sites/default/files/styles/default_xs/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5561.jpg?itok=aNxoMnXM 320w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_s/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5561.jpg?itok=phKTIx6T 640w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_m/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5561.jpg?itok=MhcaUtFE 960w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_l/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5561.jpg?itok=lgiGzFOs 1280w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5561.jpg?itok=89mpNpSh 1440w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5561.jpg?itok=kpfqPavr 1920w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxxl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5561.jpg?itok=hKHm5lZ0 2560w)
![J.H. Keller AG, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich](/sites/default/files/styles/default_xs/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5456.jpg?itok=x3IJZu7l 320w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_s/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5456.jpg?itok=490U270v 640w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_m/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5456.jpg?itok=cyTZ1vmh 960w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_l/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5456.jpg?itok=uJUh5k9G 1280w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5456.jpg?itok=bGtTwjq1 1440w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxxl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_5456.jpg?itok=UsMQX0Gz 1707w)
![J.H. Keller AG, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich](/sites/default/files/styles/default_xs/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6371.jpg?itok=UvQHn0Bc 320w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_s/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6371.jpg?itok=L27wb2Ip 640w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_m/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6371.jpg?itok=VoDoS5Pj 960w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_l/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6371.jpg?itok=2K48saiT 1280w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6371.jpg?itok=GAEGlTKe 1440w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxxl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6371.jpg?itok=nkFW6ScA 1707w)
![J.H. Keller AG, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich](/sites/default/files/styles/default_xs/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6321.jpg?itok=-V-JNZUj 320w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_s/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6321.jpg?itok=lCZSb1LR 640w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_m/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6321.jpg?itok=k9ou24Bt 960w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_l/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6321.jpg?itok=0XF6e45T 1280w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6321.jpg?itok=NqvS5F9r 1440w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6321.jpg?itok=ZTF2_hfB 1920w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxxl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6321.jpg?itok=XzyOb34d 2560w)
![J.H. Keller AG, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich](/sites/default/files/styles/default_xs/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6806.jpg?itok=vfWcEhis 320w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_s/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6806.jpg?itok=wMbRG5Be 640w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_m/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6806.jpg?itok=QcRioD_n 960w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_l/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6806.jpg?itok=zllN52jI 1280w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6806.jpg?itok=PS9aMAMl 1440w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxxl/public/2023-11/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_6806.jpg?itok=es_2AOF6 1707w)
![J.H. Keller AG, Vulkanstrasse 120, Studio Vulkan, Fischer Architekten AG](/sites/default/files/styles/default_xs/public/2023-10/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_studio-vulkan_dsc07602.jpg?itok=1z4YAbLp 320w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_s/public/2023-10/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_studio-vulkan_dsc07602.jpg?itok=r-J_eZOY 640w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_m/public/2023-10/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_studio-vulkan_dsc07602.jpg?itok=eqAhaIpO 960w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_l/public/2023-10/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_studio-vulkan_dsc07602.jpg?itok=Swks_NnJ 1280w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xl/public/2023-10/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_studio-vulkan_dsc07602.jpg?itok=IuE4fkcC 1440w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxl/public/2023-10/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_studio-vulkan_dsc07602.jpg?itok=DCHbuoep 1920w, /sites/default/files/styles/default_xxxl/public/2023-10/fischer-architekten-ag_1406_jh-keller-ag_studio-vulkan_dsc07602.jpg?itok=f7pIb-0t 2560w)
The old-established business J.H. Keller AG Automobile has been based in the commercial district on Vulkanstrasse in Zurich Altstetten since the mid-1950s. Following the redesign in 2017 of spaces in the former warehouse to serve as studios, in 2020 a complete energy efficiency retrofit of the building envelope was planned. In renovating the facade, the goal is to preserve the original expression and character of the existing building.
The building consists of a high-rise block on the street and the hall behind it. The entire building envelope is replaced and, where necessary, restored to its original state. As the renovation of the high-rise building’s rooftop level would be unreasonably expensive it is replaced by a lightweight timber construction and glazed on all sides.
The roof-top floor of the three-storey hall is reformulated by means of a new roofing that connects roof and facade with each other. A black, weather-resistant EPDM rubber membrane covers the new substructure. Roof lights, several of which can be opened, provide the space below with daylight. The mechanical fixings of the taut facade membrane make a visual impression not unlike buttoned upholstery. Consequently, the new facade refers in two ways to the first motor cars that were sold here from the middle of the last century onwards: a look at the membrane recalls the upholstered car seats, while the material rubber evokes tyres.
New photovoltaic panels on the roof supply power. In addition, photovoltaics built into the parapet bands on the south facade of the high-rise (“building-integrated photovoltaics” BiPV) are also used to produce energy.
Site plan
Ground floor
1st floor
2nd floor
3rd floor
4th, 5th and 6th floor
Roof plan
Longitudinal section
Cross section
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