Jakobsgut, Zürich

The Jakobsgut residential complex by Otto Glaus and Ruedi Lienhard is a significant example of Brutalist architecture from the 1960s. The three multi-family buildings with a total of 51 apartments are characterised by generously proportioned floor plans, light-flooded interiors, and distinctive facades. Large glazed openings and a variety of outdoor spaces create a strong spatial and visual relationship between architecture and landscape.

From 2023 to 2024, the ensemble was carefully refurbished in close collaboration with the heritage conservation authorities. The objective was to preserve the original patina while introducing contemporary interventions and upgrades.

A defining feature of the project are the planters integrated into the facades, which accentuate the interplay between architecture and nature. As part of the refurbishment, these were reinterpreted with a new planting concept. This concept responds to the different orientations, relies on drought-tolerant, year-round attractive species, and incorporates a system with maximum water-retention capacity. In this way, the planting remains vital over the long term despite minimal irrigation.

The implementation requires precise planning, a durable technical framework, and pre-cultivated, high-quality plants. The result is a sustainable greening strategy that respects the original design intent and translates the building into the present day as a timeless synthesis of Brutalism and living nature.