New ZHAW Campus in Wädenswil Inaugurated

(CONNECT) The ZHAW’s Department of Life Sciences and Facility Management is now located in the Shedhallen in Wädenswil. Following the completion of the renovation of the historic halls, representatives from the Canton of Zurich, ZHAW, Tuwas Immobilien AG, and Hotz Partner AG inaugurated the new location on September 4, according to a press release from the Canton of Zurich’s Department of Construction. The facades and the distinctive shed-roof structure of the historic halls were preserved during the renovation.

Inside, however, the former Wädenwil AG cloth factory—which once housed looms—now houses modern biotechnology laboratories and workspaces for the ZHAW Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology. An open-concept library, as well as classrooms and study spaces for students, were set up on the upper floor. In addition, there are so-called "room-in-room" cubes that can be used flexibly for learning and meetings.

“Through this comprehensive renovation, we have succeeded in preserving an important piece of industrial history and adapting it to the needs of a modern teaching and research institution,” writes the Department of Public Works. "This made it possible to avoid demolishing the buildings, which conserves resources and significantly reduces the amount of gray energy used." The canton has entered into a long-term lease with Tuwag Immobilien AG for the facilities in order to provide the ZHAW with additional space for teaching and research. The renovation was carried out in consultation with the local historic preservation office. ce/hs