The office and commercial building in Opfikon known as H113 forms an architecturally ambitious element in the implementation of the Glattpark. Depending on the level of the sun and the amount of cloud, thanks to its facade of sheet metal the building can make a homogeneous, modular, or stepped impression, without seem to fall apart visually. A simple, clear, and flexible internal structure gives it a high level of functional flexibility.

H113, Glattpark Opfikon, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich

In Opfikon, directly on the border to the city of Zurich, the new urban district of Glattpark currently being created provides room for 7000 residents and an equal number of workplaces on an area of around 670 000 square metres. Through its clear volume and the precise positioning in the urban plan the new building fits entirely naturally into the existing cluster of industrial and office buildings.

The choice of metal as facade material was influenced by the business that will be based here – a metal working firm with production area, whose offices are on the upper floors – and by the aim to harmonise with the industrial surroundings. The idea behind the stringent facade system was to use anodised aluminium sandwich panels in a way that is appropriate to the material. The stamped metal sheets were cut to size and the edges folded on site, which made it easier to accommodate tolerances. The use of these panels meant that the load carried by the substructure was considerably lower than with solid metal panels and shortened the construction period, while transport, storage and planning costs were reduced.

The coffered bays of the facade make a sharp-edged, extremely precise impression. The restrained play of shadow on the slightly sloping, reflective surfaces creates a three-dimensional game with our visual perception.