An intelligent energy concept in central Zurich.

Featuring some 20,600 square metres of space and parking for 88 cars, 51 Fifty-One is one of Europe’s most modern office buildings. The property was designed on sustainable principles and completed in 2011. A range of energy-saving measures ensure efficient, low-cost operation and a quality user experience. A groundwater heat pump exploits a free source of energy. The building is certified LEED-CS (Core and Shell) Gold under the 2009 rating system.

Overview of CO₂ reduction

• Heat recovery
• Groundwater heat pump
• Very good natural lighting
• Good local transport links
• Within walking distance of the railway station
• Use of environmentally friendly materials and low-solvent products (paints, adhesives, etc.)

Maximum use of daylight
The façade is predominantly made of glass, flooding the building with the maximum amount of natural light even on overcast days. At the same time, the architectural design incorporates blinds and solar shading to ensure that direct sunlight can be kept low at all workstations, thereby preventing heat build-up. It is possible to adjust temperature and light settings individually for each zone. Windows can be opened manually. The areas that cannot be flooded with natural light, such as the lobby, storage and canteen areas, feature motion sensors and a bus system to minimise power consumption without impacting use and enjoyment.

Sound insulation
Sound insulation reduces noise from the street and creates good acoustics inside.

Water-saving sanitary fittings
Installing water-saving fixtures and flush mechanisms (three and six-litre flushes) reduces water consumption in an efficient manner.

Heat recovery
Heat generated by the cooling systems is used to provide hot water. Single or dual plate heat exchangers and rotary heat exchangers are deployed for this purpose. Heat energy requirements are considerably reduced. The building uses heating/cooling ceilings and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery – standard features one would expect in any sustainable building.

Use of groundwater energy
A groundwater heat pump exploits a free source of energy.

High quality of experiences
The flooring at 51 Fifty-One is made of concrete slabs mixed on-site, plus gravelled areas and trees. This combination boosts the quality of the experience the building offers both users and visitors.

Local transport and access
51 Fifty-One offers excellent public transport links and is just 400 metres from Hardbrücke station, the second busiest in Switzerland. The building is situated in a former industrial district which has gradually become home to cultural facilities and offices. The building also features barrier-free design. It is wheelchair accessible (including the disabled toilets) and there is one disabled toilet per WC core.

Architectural art and urban planning aspects

Generous floor plans – maximum flexibility
The floor plans are designed to make efficient use of space and allow for flexibility. Accordingly, it is possible to divide each storey into up to four rental units.