“Revitalising the Schader building is a flagship project that demands a sensitive approach to the past, a love of detail, and painstaking precision in the execution. As specialists in refurbishing heritage-protected buildings, PORR combines age-old tradition with state-of-the-art technology and maximum comfort”, said Karl-Heinz Strauss, CEO of PORR.
The contract involves stripping down the building, strengthening the supporting structure, and upgrading all of the existing building technology and systems. The listed historic staircases and various other features will be refurbished by PORR in accordance with stringent regulations. Another focal point of the project is revitalising the heritage-protected facade: every element of the facade will need to be taken down, cleaned in workshops, and restored to its former glory. These elements will then be reattached. The windows will be modernised to conform to today’s standards. The building will be certified to LEED Gold (LEEDv4 Core & Shell) and Minergie (Standard).
Sustainable reconstruction
The business centre was designed and built by architect Jacques Schader between 1969 and 1973. Today it stands as a representative example of the history of art and culture and is a protected building with municipal significance. The goal of the refurbishment is to do justice to the architecture of Jacques Schader by acknowledging it and developing it appropriately.
The building consists of three underground storeys, a ground floor and eight additional storeys above ground. After the refurbishment, the basement floors will continue to be used for archiving, utility areas, tech rooms and parking. The floors above ground will mostly consist of office space.
Facts and figures at a glance
| Type of project: | Building construction, office construction |
| Scope of services: | Complete refurbishment of a heritage-protected building |
| Client: | Zürich Versicherungs-Gesellschaft AG |
| Contractor: | PORR SUISSE AG |
| Project duration: | 15 months |
