First Zurich cantonal building to be awarded platinum

May 2025

For the first time, the canton of Zurich has been awarded the platinum label in accordance with the "Swiss Sustainable Building Standard" for a public building. The new asylum center in Adliswil is a flagship project that sets standards in terms of architecture, ecology, economic efficiency and social added value.

The canton of Zurich is making history. The asylum center in Adliswil, which will be completed in 2023, is the first cantonal building to be certified with the highest SNBS Platinum award. This makes it one of only a handful of construction projects in Switzerland to have achieved this level.

Unlike many conventional sustainability certificates, the SNBS Building Construction not only takes ecological criteria into account, but also evaluates the entire life cycle of a building and its impact on society, the environment and the economy.

Context-strong architecture and modular efficiency
The new building impresses with a differentiated architectural approach that incorporates both functional and social aspects. The result is a place that not only offers accommodation, but also facilitates integration. Semi-open meeting zones, planted gardens and a sports field encourage interaction and voluntary commitment.

The modular timber construction not only guarantees high quality and cost efficiency, but also contributes to ecological goals. The short construction process, ease of dismantling and high degree of prefabrication also make the project economically attractive.

A step beyond its own standard
With an overall score of 5.5, the project even exceeds the cantonal targets. Zurich requires at least gold certification for new buildings, but the asylum center achieved platinum. This is confirmation of the commitment of the building construction office and the teams involved in the project.

Signal effect for public building construction
For investors, planners and decision-makers, the project is impressive proof that sophisticated sustainability is also feasible for public buildings and pays off in the long term. The Adliswil asylum center is therefore not only a functional building, but also a forward-looking location factor.

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