Uetikon Library

The three-storey building in the centre of Uetikon am See sets a clear benchmark for sustainable, adaptable architecture. Developed from a winning competition entry, the project brings together a public library on the ground and lower-ground floors, a medical centre with laboratory facilities on the first floor, and residential units on the top level.

The construction consists of solid timber floors and a timber structural system, meeting both Minergie and the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS). This approach ensures long-term flexibility of use and allows the building to adapt to future needs.

A load-bearing structure of fir and spruce defines the interior spaces, while the façade and timber columns rest on a concrete base. A continuous balcony zone surrounds the building, acting as a green filter that provides generous outdoor spaces and natural shading—creating a truly freestanding building with no rear side.

By reusing the existing basement volume and minimising excavation, the project maximises permeable surfaces. Alongside the planted façade, additional trees enhance shading and contribute to a resilient, climate-responsive environment.