Collaborative design
As part of its commitment to sustainable construction, ETH Zurich is introducing integrated design-build processes.?
At ETH Zurich, sustainability isn’t just taught and researched – it is also put into practice in the university’s own construction projects. This currently includes the use of low-carbon materials and the recycling of entire building components – such as facade elements – in line with the principles of circular construction. At the same time, ETH is refining its processes to embed sustainability goals at every stage of its construction projects, from planning right through to operation. “To build sustainably, we start by asking what we want to achieve – and then define how to get there,” says Hannes Pichler, Director of ETH Real Estate Management.
Resource-efficient renovation
The HIL research building on the H?nggerberg campus shows how this approach works in practice. First constructed in the 1970s, it is now in need of complete refurbishment. Before work begins, ETH will set up a “living lab” – a testbed where researchers and students can trial materials and methods for resource-?efficient renovation under realistic conditions. The aim is to reuse as many of the existing materials as possible.
The listed Steiner buildings on the same campus are a good example of how sustainable construction can begin at the design stage. Erected between 1959 and 1979, they are regarded as a benchmark in adaptability for research-facility architecture. Despite the age of the buildings, the spaces within can still accommodate the latest lab technology – as seen in the Steiner-designed HPT building, where ETH recently installed new laboratories for molecular plant biology.
Sustainable by design
Integrative approach to new builds
ETH is also taking a new approach to procuring complex new buildings. From the very start, users, planners, architects and construction firms are brought together in a participatory process, allowing construction, operation and day to day use to be considered as a whole rather than as separate stages. “A building project is a collective effort, so involving everyone from the outset makes sense both socially and economically,” says Ueli Weidmann, ETH Vice President for Infrastructure and Sustainability.
The HWS teaching and research building on the H?nggerberg campus will be the first project to take an integrated approach using the design-build method. First, an intensive dialogue will be held with the people who will operate and use the new building. This will help define exactly what functions and services it must provide. Sustainability criteria for areas such as resource conservation, circularity and energy efficiency will also be agreed on at this stage. Unlike conventional architecture competitions, the call for tenders will cover both design and turnkey construction, and will involve a dialogue with the bidding teams of contractors, architects and engineers.
At a series of workshops, bidders will have the opportunity to present their proposals, clarify outstanding questions and refine their offers. The early involvement of contractor expertise will help fine-tune requirements, prevent costly rework and safeguard quality. In turn, the dialogue-based approach will make it easier to respond flexibly to any changes. This new method promises to extend building lifespan and improve usability – all while minimising the use of resources.