Project Name: Bellerivestrasse 36 Office Building Renovation

Location: Zürich, Switzerland

Design Team: C.F. Møller Architects

Collaborators: Burckhardt Architektur AG

Landscape Design: Uniola AG

Engineering: PZM AG (MEP)

Contractor: Allrea

Project Area: 27,000㎡

Completion: 2024

Photography: Mark Hadden, Peter Sikker Rasmussen

Sustainability Certification: LEED Platinum, Swiss Minergie Certification

Feature：

Project - Danish architecture studio C.F. Møller has transformed a 1970s office building on the shores of Lake Zürich into a contemporary workplace that seamlessly integrates sustainable technology with social spaces, earning prestigious LEED Platinum certification.

The renovation of Bellerivestrasse 36 maintains the building's architectural heritage while introducing innovative solutions for energy efficiency. Most notably, the architects developed a distinctive facade system that incorporates horizontal photovoltaic panels, which serve the dual purpose of generating clean energy and providing solar shading. These panels are cleverly concealed behind color-treated glass that matches the metal cladding, creating a cohesive aesthetic that modernizes the building's appearance.

At the heart of the 27,000-square-metre structure, a new atrium forms the social core of the building, fostering interaction between different departments and flooding the interior with natural light. This intervention transforms what was once a closed-off office environment into a dynamic, collaborative workspace that prioritizes user well-being.

The project's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its energy-efficient systems. The architects have reimagined the existing stone terraces as green spaces that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding park. These areas not only provide pleasant outdoor spaces for employees but also contribute to rainwater management and local biodiversity.

Interior spaces feature natural materials, with wood prominently used in lift cores and flooring, creating warm and inviting environments that contrast with the building's technical exterior. This materiality, combined with the abundance of natural light and views of Lake Zürich, establishes a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.

The renovation demonstrates how thoughtful architectural intervention can breathe new life into aging buildings while meeting contemporary environmental standards, setting a precedent for sustainable office renovations in Switzerland and beyond.

Design Team - Founded in 1924 by C.F. Møller in Copenhagen, C.F. Møller Architects has evolved into one of Scandinavia's most influential architectural practices, known for its holistic approach to sustainable design and Nordic values. The firm's century-long legacy encompasses landmark projects such as Aarhus University (1931), the Darwin Centre at London's Natural History Museum, and most recently, the award-winning Maersk Tower in Copenhagen.

Currently led by CEO Lone Bendorff, the practice operates through a collaborative partnership structure, with key partners including architects Klaus Toustrup, Michael Kruse, Julian Weyer, and Mads Mandrup. From its headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark, the firm has expanded to establish strategic offices across Northern Europe, including Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Malmö, and Berlin, employing approximately 300 professionals.

The practice's design philosophy integrates urban planning, landscape architecture, and building design with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. This comprehensive approach has resulted in numerous significant commissions, including healthcare facilities like the New University Hospital in Aarhus and educational institutions such as Copenhagen International School in Nordhavn.

Recent projects, such as the Bellerivestrasse 36 renovation in Zürich, demonstrate the firm's commitment to sustainable transformation and adaptive reuse, achieving prestigious certifications like LEED Platinum. Through its integrated design methodology and focus on innovation, C.F. Møller Architects continues to shape the built environment while addressing contemporary challenges in architecture and urban development.