Waste Recycling Plant KEZO

KEZO is becoming a showcase for sustainable circular economy. The redesign gives the facility an innovative, future-oriented appearance and enhances its value through three key aspects: accessibility, scale, and clarity.

Accessibility
The publicly accessible rooftop platform forms the visitor level. Designed as an experiential space, it offers unique insights into all operational areas of KEZO. This transparency fosters a stronger identification with the facility and enables various forms of educational engagement, such as guided tours.

Scale
The articulated building volumes break up the elongated structure, open up views of the surroundings, and promote a more porous neighborhood layout. From an urban design perspective, the base level provides clear scale differentiation and anchors the facility within the industrial district.

Clarity
The stacked volumes above the base form a simple and coherent composition. The result is a tangible place that embodies sustainability and a forward-looking attitude.

Phasing

Competition | 2024–2025

Client

Zweckverband Kehrichtverwertung Zürcher Oberland, KEZO

Architecture

HILDEBRAND

Team

Celina Martinez-Cañavate (PL), Yves Merkofer (PL), Thomas Hildebrand, Stefan Amann, Joséphine Hugo, Giovanni Böwer, Sophie Waschuth

Planning

Landscape Architecture | BÖE Studio
Structural Engineering | Walt Galmarini
Cultural Studies Specialist | Helene Romakin

Key Data

Procedure | Two-Stage Selective Competition
Award | 2nd Prize
Surface | 28’600 m² GFA
Volume | 293’000 m³ GVA

Visualisation

visualtonic