The Zwicky site, formerly the production location of a silk spinning mill, has been transformed from an industrial site into a diverse living space. Halter developed the project on behalf of Zwicky & Co. AG, steered it through the competition and was able to secure Anfos, a real estate fund managed by UBS, as an investor.
The historic factory buildings – including the spinning mill from 1901, the small dye works on the Glatt river and the distinctive tall chimney – have been preserved in accordance with heritage protection regulations. They preserve the industrial identity of the site in its new era of use. The five new buildings of the Zwicky Centre are strategically integrated between the existing industrial buildings, anchoring the centre within the overall site. In total, the centre comprises 194 rental apartments and around 2,500 m² of small-scale commercial and gastronomic spaces – a concept that ties in with the industrial tradition of the area. High, flexible ground floors with a continuous arcade structure open onto the street and offer space for high-traffic commercial, gastronomic and retail uses.
In harmony with the renovated factory buildings, the Zwicky Centre now forms a vibrant core with public spaces, alleys and an urban atmosphere. It creates identity, density and openness – qualities that permanently sustain the area as a lively ‘small city’.
