The new multi-purpose facility in Effretikon, which combines the fire station, the municipal works depot and the waste collection center, is positioned at the edge of agricultural land and thus defines a turning point in the landscape, both in terms of spatial perception and in the way the different functional layers of the settlement are articulated.

The architectural response is conceived as a building that presents itself as a unified whole when seen from the outside, while inside it allows for a clear separation of the different programs, with each part developed at its own height level, following the natural topography and forming a large-scale cascade within the landscape.

The fire brigade and rescue service are oriented directly to Illnauerstrasse, with their forecourt and exits clearly organized along this important access point, while to the rear of the vehicle hall a layer of infrastructure rooms ensures operational efficiency and continuity. These are supplemented by shared areas and office spaces distributed across the ground and first floors, creating a balance between technical necessity and the needs of the workforce. At the center of the complex, an introverted atrium, protected from external views, provides a private outdoor space that serves both as a place of rest and as a setting for informal exchange among employees.

The areas dedicated to the water supply, to maintenance and to forestry operations are situated one level lower, where usability, functionality and flexibility take precedence, and to the south a purpose-built work yard extends the production hall and connects indoor and outdoor operations in a logical and efficient manner.

The main waste collection point is positioned on the lower plateau, with a clear division between free and chargeable disposal zones, flanked by customer parking spaces and a ticket booth to ensure clarity of orientation and ease of use for visitors.

The structural system is based on a column-and-beam construction with non-load-bearing partition walls, offering the highest degree of flexibility, and the vertical load transfer is designed to be as direct and efficient as possible. In order to minimize embodied energy, material consumption has been reduced to the essential, with wood-based materials used wherever feasible. The basement was restricted to the necessary size and carefully embedded into the slope, while the orientation of the expansive roof surface provides ideal conditions for large-scale photovoltaic installations, ensuring that the building not only responds to its immediate functional and spatial requirements but also contributes to long-term sustainability.

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STATUS: 5th Prize

LOCATION: Zürich (CH)

ARCHITECTURE : un-icon +  Claire Ensange

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER : Strukturatelier Wozniak+

URBAN ENGINEER : Lippuner Energie-und Metallbau AG