An attractive future for Konnex
After the renovation, various tenants are to settle in the office building on the ABB site in Baden. Additional uses are planned for the ground floor and first floor.
The Konnex building at Brown-Boveri-Strasse 7 in Baden caused a sensation after its completion in 1995: the owners let the former showpiece of energy-saving construction cost around 150 million francs. Theo Hotz, who has since died, was responsible for the building, which at the time had 2,100 jobs.
In 2015, the US company General Electric took over the energy division of Alstom Power and thus also the employees in Konnex. But at the beginning of 2020, the company announced its large-scale withdrawal from Switzerland. After the last employees moved out, the 42,500 square meter building has been vacant since March 31, 2021.
But this is about to change: Under the patronage of Brandenberger + Ruosch AG (B + R), a new use as a multi-tenant building was developed on behalf of the owners. B + R is responsible for the project initiation through to marketing and commissioning vis-à-vis the owners. Theo Hotz Partner AG was again engaged as general planner.
Although the building was designed for flexible use when it was built, some adjustments are required: “We are planning rental space from 550 square meters. These must be made individually accessible. In future, it should be possible to bill the ancillary costs individually for each area, ”explains Thomas Andermatt from B + R. From July 1st, the first tenants can move in for temporary use. For future long-term tenants, July 1, 2022 is the key date. Upon request, the project organization offers the planning and implementation of the individual tenant fit-out.
More attractive and livelier thanks to mix-use
Externally, too, the Konnex needs to be refreshed: “The building envelope is being renovated and the surrounding area is being redesigned. We replace the flat roofs and equip them with photovoltaic systems. In addition, the sun protection must be improved, ”says Andermatt. The building is already connected to the district heating of the city of Baden; now district cooling is added. Andermatt: "This is how we can further increase energy efficiency."
In a direct comparison to the development status of the ABB site in Zurich-Oerlikon, the site in Baden is currently lagging significantly, adds Andermatt. And: “In Oerlikon we have an attractive area with a strong combination of different types of living, work, schools, as well as catering and leisure options. The area in Baden is attractive – but today it lacks life outside of working hours, ”he is convinced. Konnex wants to make its contribution to a more attractive area design: "On the ground floor we are planning various catering units and service facilities such as a day-care center, shopping facilities and an outpatient clinic," Andermatt reveals.
The project development takes place in close consultation with the city of Baden. In the future, the ABB site is to include a mix of commercial living, working and service offerings. The Konnex will keep the main focus in the area of office use, but make it as attractive as possible. "We are planning various green zones inside and outside the building." The first lease negotiations are already underway. For Andermatt it is clear: "The new Konnex and the entire ABB site in Baden will in future be at least as attractive as the one in Zurich-Oerlikon."