Swiss media group chooses sustainability
Tamedia has moved into new headquarters in Zürich. Specially adapted aluminium glazing systems help give the building a sustainable glass-and-timber structure.
Designed by one of Japan’s leading architects, Shigeru Ban, the Tamedia building contributes to the corporate image of the media group and reflects its culture of transparency and innovation.
The design had to follow Switzerland’s stringent energy regulations and conform to local height and perimeter development restrictions. The result? A carbon-neutral scheme that has an innovative prefabricated timber structure.
Glazing with Wicona systems
The envelope of the seven-floor building is entirely glazed using Wicona’s branded façade systems. Fabricated by the Swiss firm Aepli Metallbau, the WICLINE 75 system has been used to create a complex triple-glazed façade, which achieves a U value as low as 1.0W/m2K.
A three-meter deep double-skin façade for the 50-meter long elevation with views over the River Sihl balances weather performance with the need for natural ventilation. This was accomplished with a window solution based on the WICLINE 75 evo system.
Lounge spaces transforming into open-air terraces
One of the features of the solution is a series of “retractable windows” that transform lounge spaces – some span two floors – into open-air terraces and balconies. Wicona also supplied solar shading using fixed aluminium louvers and sloped glazing around the perimeter roof level of the building.