Tiny Homes, Forchstrasse 100, Zollikerberg

The property was acquired in September 2017 on behalf of a client with the objective of replacing the existing run-down residential and commercial buildings with a new build for residential use. In doing so, the utilisation potential was to be exploited to the full and the existing underground car park retained as far as possible in the interests of sustainability.

The new properties are being built in Zollikerberg, a low-tax area. The “Waldburg” railway stop, located directly in front of the property, means residents can get to Zurich’s Bellevue square in just 15 minutes on the Forchbahn railway. Shopping facilities for residents’ daily needs can be found within a five-minute radius. International and public schools are also located nearby. Sports enthusiasts and fans of nature will find an excellent range of sports and leisure activities in the nearby forest and the Fohrbach indoor/outdoor swimming pool, which is just a five-minute walk away.

UTOREM conducted an architectural competition to find a developer for the site, which was won by the Steib Gmür Geschwentner Kyburz AG partnership. The brief called for the construction of small flats averaging less than 54 m² in living space per unit, but with a great deal of privacy, catering to an urban clientele. The project is aimed at tenants who make a conscious decision to occupy a small amount of living space. The winning project succeeded in planning the individual units systematically, with a high degree of modularity, distinct floor plans and superior residence quality. The four new buildings will contain three studio apartments, a total of 19x 2.5-room apartments, 12x 2.5-room maisonettes, 4x 3.5-room apartments and an atelier. All rental units on the ground floor come with direct access to hobby rooms in the basement and private gardens.

Picture authors: maaars