Partial refurbishment of EMPA Laboratory Building A, Dübendorf

Laboratory Building A, designed in 1959 by the architect Werner Forrer, is a striking four-storey slab block roughly 180 metres long and 20 metres deep, dating from the first construction phase of EMPA. This comprehensive refurbishment will extend the building's lifespan by a further 30 to 50 years.

The works involve meeting current fire-safety requirements, upgrading the building's seismic resistance and providing step-free accessibility. At the same time, flexible building-services installations are being fitted and sustainable construction solutions implemented, with energy-efficient systems and durable materials – all with the aim of reinforcing the building's architectural character.

Credits
Client: EMPA, Dübendorf
Overall project management: ARGE BGP Architekten und Ghisleni Partner
Architecture: BGP Architekten, Zürich
Construction management: Ghisleni Partner, Rapperswil
Structural engineering and fire protection: Gruner, Zürich
Electrical engineering: IBG Engineering, St. Gallen
Building-services engineering: Meierhans + Partner, Schwerzenbach
Laboratory planning: Aicher De Martin Zweng, Zürich
Plumbing/sanitary engineering: BLM Haustechnik, Zürich
Sustainability: EK Energiekonzepte, Zürich