Overall renovation of MDU, Zurich Enge, 2023

• Building: Apartment building integrally preserved as a landmark
• Year of construction: 1887 / 1916
• Client: Private
• Assignment: Overall restoration of the listed building
• Services: Planning
• Project handling: Livia Stöckli, Natalja Düsterhoft – Kloske

The magnificent apartment building was extensively converted and extended by the renowned Zurich architects Pfleghard & Häfeli shortly after its construction. The building is listed in the municipal inventory of buildings worthy of protection and is integrally protected. 

The overall renovation involves modernising the building regarding its technical installations and use. The outer envelope of the building will be energetically upgraded, while the historically valuable windows will be preserved and professionally doubled. The façade is being redesigned by exposing the natural stone elements and inspired by earlier colour schemes. 

The storey flats will be more flexibly usable with selective interventions, creating a versatile mix of apartments. In harmony with the building, structural elements are reused, or contemporary accents are set with new fixtures in order to implement the individual needs of the owners. 

The selective interventions in the fabric of the building were recorded in a contract under administrative law to take account of the protected substance. 

Photography: Martin Zeller