Building Social Ecology

Kalkbreite: is a model project for mixed use, high density and social, ecological and economic sustainability. It comprises residential use, retail, offices and socio-cultural venues.

The same-named cooperative founded in 2007 succeeded in its participatory planning process that integrates tenants and citizens with the common vision of an affordable community housing project that strives for the ambitious sustainability standard of the 2000 Watt Society. The building standards are kept deliberately simple whilst giving emphasis to sustainable materials and reducing private spaces to maximize shared spaces. In general, the concept of sharing is prevalent; next to mobility offers there are shared workshops, laundry rooms and various indoor and outdoor community spaces.

Inner courtyard and roofgarden, Kalkbreite © Volker Schopp
Streetview from the building Kalkbreite Zurich
View from the street © Volker Schopp
Foyer © Martin Stollenwerk
Exchange library (Foyer) © Volker Schopp
The rue intérieure with a view into a community kitchen © Martin Stollenwerk
Interior of an apartment © Martin Stollenwerk
Cafeteria © Volker Schopp
Bicycle parking © Volker Schopp
Terraces and inner courtyard © Martin Stollenwerk
Connection to the inner courtyard © Martin Stollenwerk

General information

ArchitectsMüller Sigrist Architekten
OwnerGenossenschaft Kalkbreite
AddressKalkbreitestrasse 2, 8003 Zürich
Construction period2012 – 2014
Constructionconcrete structure and prefabricated wooden facade, Minergie-P-Eco standard
Residents250
Space85 cooperative flats on approx. 7.500 m2,
commercial space of around 4.000 m2

Sources

Genossenschaft Kalkbreite (n.y.): “Ein neues Stück Stadt”. Retrieved from https://www.kalkbreite.net/kalkbreite/ (17.06.2021)

Müller Sigrist Architekten (2021): Wohn- und Gewerbesiedlung Kalkbreite, Zürich. Retrieved from http://www.muellersigrist.ch/arbeiten/bauten/wohn-und-gewerbesiedlung-kalkbreite-zuerich/ (17.06.2021)