International Ice Hockey Federation

For the Head Office of the International Ice Hockey Federation in Zurich, an existing residential building was extended by a new office building. Its extensive façade is completely clad in net-like, perforated copper sheets from the TECU® Net range. This cladding gives the appearance of long flags which create interesting perspectives from both inside and outside.

The original renovation plan envisaged the inclusion of modern office facilities in the historical residential building. However, as it was not possible to gain the required additional space, the final solution was to place an independent new building on the site within the speci. ed layout plan. In one respect nothing has changed - the grand villa still dominates the site with its symmetrical gardens. The new building which has been added to its side sets a modern counterpoint with its form language and use of materials. The quality of the project was characterised by the very careful restoration and repair of the original building's valuable substance as well as the precise positioning and design of the new construction.

As there was no question of constructing a historical reproduction from the meagre remains of lost surfaces, it was decided to create a new contemporary aestheticism through the use of colour on the walls. An additional volume of 200 square metres was made available in the park. Without any obvious floor levels or windows, the new building merges with the original villa while at the same time keeping its independence. The eye is not just drawn to the high, narrow and drawn-out form of the building, but also to the façade cladding which encloses the entire building. For aesthetic, and also economic reasons, this has been constructed from an inner layer of glass and opening elements, with a textile-like skin suspended in front made from TECU® Net durable perforated copper mesh elements. The copper mesh defines the entire building in the form of individual refractive flags covering all floors. >From inside as well as outside this gives the impression of different material thicknesses depending on the viewpoint - ranging from apparently closed copper surfaces to partly-transparent veils.