Renovation and extension of the EWZ main building in Herdern
The ewz-Herdern project aims to renovate, expand, and modernize the main building of ewz (Electricity Works of the City of Zurich) to meet today's safety and energy efficiency requirements. This renovation is set against the backdrop of buildings in Switzerland consuming 41% of the energy. Renovation and refurbishment are therefore essential to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
The entire building is being planned and certified according to the Minergie-P eco standard, guaranteeing high energy and eco-efficiency.
Marti AG, Bauunternehmung is leading the project and is responsible for the specialist civil engineering and construction work, with particular caution due to the proximity of a combined sewer and transformers. Demolition work is carried out using human-operated demolition robots.
Dealing with Contaminated Sites
Marti AG Basel is responsible for gutting, non-structural demolition, and pollutant remediation. Approximately 100 tons of asbestos-containing material and 3 200 tonnes of waste were removed in compliance with strict regulations. The work requires airlocks, air filters, and monitored fresh air supply.
Grund- und Tiefbau AG (G+T) is constructing waterproof sheet piling* and their reinforcement in the form of braces** to address the challenges of the inner-city location.
“This construction site involves all branches of construction. From specialized civil engineering to water conservation, contaminated site and pollutant remediation, it has it all.”
Sustainable Innovations
Stump-BTE AG is in charge of groundwater lowering.
Groundwater needs to be lowered to ensure that the new underground buildings can be built in dry conditions. The groundwater is pumped out at a rate of 16 000 l/min, then channeled through a settling basin into a pumping basin. It is also of central importance for the 2 000-watt-capable energy supply. It is the primary energy source for the planned innovative recirculation system. The roof integrates a photovoltaic system of nearly 2 000 m², producing around 160 000 kWh annually.
In addition to the challenging inner-city logistics, this construction site harbors many other challenges. All involved parties are therefore working with maximum focus and precision.
We are proud to contribute to a sustainable future.
*A sheet pile is a structure used to secure excavation sites or terrain steps, which can also serve a sealing function.
** A brace or strut supports vertical excavation walls such as sheet piles, soldier piles, and secant piles.