Zollhaus Zurich

Residential co-ops are currently undergoing many experiments in new forms of living. In Enzmann Fischer’s new building, which stands near the main railway station in Zurich, owes its implementation of a particularly ambitious model to the commitment of the Kalkbreite cooperative society. Inspired by the interim use of industrial halls where communal living groups have organized their shared lives with mobile fittings, the new building is now home to four flats known as “hall apartments”.
Several obstacles had to be overcome before the groups were able to move into the spaces, which measure up to 275 m² and are more than 4 m high. Ultimately, the association decided against handing over the spaces in their unfinished state, as had originally been planned. Rather, they put in bathrooms and kitchens and gave approval for partition walls. The groups were then able to determine the number of walls and continue renovating the flats. The story of one of these communal living groups is documented in this interesting report by Swiss Radio and Television (SRF).

Read more in Detail 3.2022 and in our databank Detail Inspiration.