‘Am Chatzenbach’ residential development in Zurich

Sheen and colour

Jade green ceramic tiles in a shimmering interplay with the green surroundings

Not far from the Chatzenbach river in the Zurich district of Seebach, a building ensemble consisting of four polygonal residential buildings was built. For urban integration, it was important to the architects to maintain the openness typical of the district and the flowing transition between the existing buildings and the landscape.

Balconies, loggias and terraces give the buildings a sculptural character with recesses and projections. This is emphasized vertically by recessed window sections and stoneware strips distributed vertically in the facade.

The inspiration from Boccioni's sculpture "Development of a Bottle in Space" led the architects to choose materials that underline the sculptural quality of the buildings. The narrow, vertical stacked ceramic tiles help to create an upward effect. The sheen, the bevelled relief and the jade green colour the ceramic elements with their refraction of light give the buildings additional vividness. The result is a lively dialogue with the surrounding green space.