Stories that move us

Alto Pont-Rouge – new spaces in Geneva to work and live

Right by Lancy-Pont-Rouge train station, on the Esplanade 4 plot, a services building of 28,000 square metres across 15 upper floors has been taking shape over the last three years: Alto Pont-Rouge. This is the next major construction milestone in Geneva’s major development project Praille-Acacias-Vernets (PAV), where a new urban district is emerging on a 230-hectare site.

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Maaglive: an oasis for working, residential living and cultural activities

Until the late 1970s, Escher-Wyss was a purely industrial area located on the outskirts of the western part of Zurich. The site of the former Maag Zahnräder AG near the Hardbrücke railway station was revitalised by the construction of Prime Tower, the Cubus and Diagonal annex buildings and the Platform corporate building. The buildings continue to shape the region to this day. The Maaglive project now marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Swiss Prime Site

Where Prime Tower now soars skyward, factory workers once performed their day-to-day work in industrial halls. Back then, Maag Zahnradfabrik manufactured machine tools, gears, couplings and gear pumps. Today, the Maag site is primarily associated with commercial businesses, service providers and cultural activities. For the past 30 years, various property owners have transformed Zurich-West into a diverse, liveable and loveable district. The construction of office buildings for Zurich Cantonal Bank and Kuoni next to Hardbrücke marked the beginning of this transformation, which was further accelerated at Escher-Wyss-Platz by the new commercial school run by the business association. In 2004, Swiss Prime Site acquired the Maag site and gave it new prominence with the construction of Prime Tower and the surrounding buildings.

From a closed industrial site to an open district centre
Today – almost 20 years later – Maaglive has ushered in a new chapter. The sustainable building project aims to create a new and lively centre for the district. In future, people with a wide variety of different lifestyles will be able to live, work and spend their free time here. As part of a commissioned study, the building owners chose a design by the renowned Berlin-based architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton. The project envisages reopening the historically listed Building K and adding a residential tower and cultural centre, which will open up the area. The restored «Lichtstrasse» will make the area more accessible and provide important connections to the neighbourhood while at the same time creating a landscaped district square that will be open to the public. Pedestrian paths and bicycle connections as well as a variety of trees with dense foliage will give the district’s new centre a pleasant urban atmosphere.
 

Maaglive represents living life 
More than anything else, people are what can bring a place to life. Beginning in 2027, the new district centre on the Maag site is expected to consist of Building K, a 14-storey residential tower and a cultural pavilion with various public uses. Residential living, cultural offerings, work and restaurants will be woven together to create a lively mix. The historic Building K will only be minimally renovated and will feature hospitality, studio and co-working spaces. 

Emotionality and diversity drive the vision behind the culture pavilion
The culture pavilion, designed as a wooden structure, will serve as an «indoor public space» and lively venue for the arts, creative industries and local residents, as well as the city of Zurich and beyond. The culture pavilion will provide a new place for cultural activities that is permanent, flexible and inspiring. Such activities previously took place on a temporary basis in the former Maag halls and only at certain times and days of the week. The facilities will be available for use 24 hours a day, which is currently not possible. The ground floor will feature an open design and, together with the city square, will serve as the district’s new gathering spot. Pop-up stores and quieter meeting areas on the first floor will also enrich the new pavilion. Rooms on the top floors will provide ample flexibility and can be used for larger exhibitions, seminars as well as meetings or presentations. 

Residential tower: a perfect symbiosis between life and work
The residential tower, planned as a wood hybrid construction, will round off the site’s extensive range of uses. It will offer space for new forms of living and working. In future, the ground floor will be home to a shop, a café and the reception for the workspace. The work and conference area will lead up a large staircase to the first floor. The upper floors are intended for residential properties, ranging from studios to two- and three-room flats. Tenants will have access to additional work and communal areas on the floors. The attractive new residential concept is complemented by a fitness area, a library and a large, well-landscaped rooftop terrace. 
 

Sustainable added value for Zurich-West
The new trio of buildings consisting of the residential tower, Building K and the culture pavilion will surround a tree-lined square in the district. The sustainable building concept is in line with the city of Zurich’s plans to lower temperatures, which helps solve a highly relevant problem, especially in a district with many asphalt surfaces. For example, the lush landscaping of the open spaces and rooftops helps reduce the negative effects of hotspots in Zurich-West. Plans by the architectural firm Hager Partners AG in Zurich envisage an open green urban space with many tall trees covering an area of approximately 4 000 m2. This «urban forest» with native plant species will be an area that invites people to take walks and spend time in it. 
 

Maaglive Festival
The Maaglive Festival was held on the historic Zahnradstrasse in front of Building K on Friday, 26 August 2022. Residents of the district, neighbours, tenants and their friends and families were invited to celebrate the submission of the construction application. In addition to musical acts and artists, there were interactive activities catering to young and old alike. From improvisational theatre and caricaturists to a large canvas on which anyone could draw or paint, there was a little something for everyone. Well-attended project presentations in Atelier K provided an opportunity to learn more about the project by directly engaging with the construction model and project plans and speaking to the project manager and architects. 

News about the project, events in Building K and the exciting Maaglive Talks can be found at:

www.maaglive.ch

Resources in mind – sustainable investing in circular buildings

Properties are long-term investments that stand for decades and therefore have a major impact on our environment. With this in mind, Swiss Prime Site pursues a sustainability strategy that covers the most important environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects.

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Maaglive: an oasis for working, residential living and cultural activities

Until the late 1970s, Escher-Wyss was a purely industrial area located on the outskirts of the western part of Zurich. The site of the former Maag Zahnräder AG near the Hardbrücke railway station was revitalised by the construction of Prime Tower, the Cubus and Diagonal annex buildings and the Platform corporate building. The buildings continue to shape the region to this day. The Maaglive project now marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Swiss Prime Site

Where Prime Tower now soars skyward, factory workers once performed their day-to-day work in industrial halls. Back then, Maag Zahnradfabrik manufactured machine tools, gears, couplings and gear pumps. Today, the Maag site is primarily associated with commercial businesses, service providers and cultural activities. For the past 30 years, various property owners have transformed Zurich-West into a diverse, liveable and loveable district. The construction of office buildings for Zurich Cantonal Bank and Kuoni next to Hardbrücke marked the beginning of this transformation, which was further accelerated at Escher-Wyss-Platz by the new commercial school run by the business association. In 2004, Swiss Prime Site acquired the Maag site and gave it new prominence with the construction of Prime Tower and the surrounding buildings.

From a closed industrial site to an open district centre
Today – almost 20 years later – Maaglive has ushered in a new chapter. The sustainable building project aims to create a new and lively centre for the district. In future, people with a wide variety of different lifestyles will be able to live, work and spend their free time here. As part of a commissioned study, the building owners chose a design by the renowned Berlin-based architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton. The project envisages reopening the historically listed Building K and adding a residential tower and cultural centre, which will open up the area. The restored «Lichtstrasse» will make the area more accessible and provide important connections to the neighbourhood while at the same time creating a landscaped district square that will be open to the public. Pedestrian paths and bicycle connections as well as a variety of trees with dense foliage will give the district’s new centre a pleasant urban atmosphere.
 

Maaglive represents living life 
More than anything else, people are what can bring a place to life. Beginning in 2027, the new district centre on the Maag site is expected to consist of Building K, a 14-storey residential tower and a cultural pavilion with various public uses. Residential living, cultural offerings, work and restaurants will be woven together to create a lively mix. The historic Building K will only be minimally renovated and will feature hospitality, studio and co-working spaces. 

Emotionality and diversity drive the vision behind the culture pavilion
The culture pavilion, designed as a wooden structure, will serve as an «indoor public space» and lively venue for the arts, creative industries and local residents, as well as the city of Zurich and beyond. The culture pavilion will provide a new place for cultural activities that is permanent, flexible and inspiring. Such activities previously took place on a temporary basis in the former Maag halls and only at certain times and days of the week. The facilities will be available for use 24 hours a day, which is currently not possible. The ground floor will feature an open design and, together with the city square, will serve as the district’s new gathering spot. Pop-up stores and quieter meeting areas on the first floor will also enrich the new pavilion. Rooms on the top floors will provide ample flexibility and can be used for larger exhibitions, seminars as well as meetings or presentations. 

Residential tower: a perfect symbiosis between life and work
The residential tower, planned as a wood hybrid construction, will round off the site’s extensive range of uses. It will offer space for new forms of living and working. In future, the ground floor will be home to a shop, a café and the reception for the workspace. The work and conference area will lead up a large staircase to the first floor. The upper floors are intended for residential properties, ranging from studios to two- and three-room flats. Tenants will have access to additional work and communal areas on the floors. The attractive new residential concept is complemented by a fitness area, a library and a large, well-landscaped rooftop terrace. 
 

Sustainable added value for Zurich-West
The new trio of buildings consisting of the residential tower, Building K and the culture pavilion will surround a tree-lined square in the district. The sustainable building concept is in line with the city of Zurich’s plans to lower temperatures, which helps solve a highly relevant problem, especially in a district with many asphalt surfaces. For example, the lush landscaping of the open spaces and rooftops helps reduce the negative effects of hotspots in Zurich-West. Plans by the architectural firm Hager Partners AG in Zurich envisage an open green urban space with many tall trees covering an area of approximately 4 000 m2. This «urban forest» with native plant species will be an area that invites people to take walks and spend time in it. 
 

Maaglive Festival
The Maaglive Festival was held on the historic Zahnradstrasse in front of Building K on Friday, 26 August 2022. Residents of the district, neighbours, tenants and their friends and families were invited to celebrate the submission of the construction application. In addition to musical acts and artists, there were interactive activities catering to young and old alike. From improvisational theatre and caricaturists to a large canvas on which anyone could draw or paint, there was a little something for everyone. Well-attended project presentations in Atelier K provided an opportunity to learn more about the project by directly engaging with the construction model and project plans and speaking to the project manager and architects. 

News about the project, events in Building K and the exciting Maaglive Talks can be found at:

www.maaglive.ch

Contributions in kind – the ideal solution for property owners

Direct property investment can be challenging for property owners. The kind of ­detailed knowledge of regional markets and specific real estate expertise that Swiss Prime Site Solutions offers is essential. Many different factors need to be ­considered in an existing portfolio, such areas as sustainability, vacancy reduction, ­renovation backlogs and utilisation of potential, as well as regulatory and political ­challenges. Economies of scale are also an important consideration here.

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Direct property investment can be challenging for property owners. The kind of ­detailed knowledge of regional markets and specific real estate expertise that Swiss Prime Site Solutions offers is essential. Many different factors need to be ­considered in an existing portfolio, such areas as sustainability, vacancy reduction, ­renovation backlogs and utilisation of potential, as well as regulatory and political ­challenges. Economies of scale are also an important consideration here.

The contribution of real estate to an ­investment vehicle is defined as a contribution in kind. In return, the owner receives shares in the investment vehicle (investment foundation and/or investment fund). The tax-optimised contribution in kind allows the property owner to transfer their directly held property portfolio to an indirect real estate investment. A contribution in kind also gives small and medium-­sized pension funds and institutional investors access to larger real estate investment volumes that are professionally and efficiently managed.

«Our decision to enter into a transaction with the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation was influenced not only by the investment group’s strong portfolio, but also by its professional approach.»

Antonio Sacco
Managing Director of the Ringier Group’s pension fund

Diversification is of central importance in optimising the risk-return profile of a property portfolio. Since direct real estate investment by pension funds has historically grown regionally, contribution-in-kind transactions allow greater geographical and use-specific diversification. Furthermore, the considerations around sustainability are crucially important.

Implementing a contribution in kind is a multi-step process which usually comprises five key milestones. Firstly, the owners need to be willing to sell the properties. The fund management company or investment foundation then checks whether the property is suitable for acquisition, while the custodian bank verifies the eligibility of the investors. The third step involves a thorough inspection of the property, in which the purchase price is determined by a valuation expert, and a purchase price indication is given. The fourth step involves the payment of the purchase price, which is made in the form of share certificates and, if applicable, cash. In the fifth and final step, the previous property owner becomes the new investor with shares.

Swiss Prime Site Solutions has demonstrated its expertise with contributions in kind several times over recent years. We have successfully completed five such trans­actions with a value of about CHF 400 million. For example, we were able to take over 33 properties for the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation as part of a contribution in kind from the Ringier Group’s pension fund. «Our deci­sion to enter into a transaction with the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation was influenced not only by the investment group’s strong portfolio, but also by its professional approach», says Antonio Sacco, managing director of the Ringier Group’s pension fund.

We support our clients throughout the entire contribution-in-kind process with our extensive experience and through access to our nationwide network of experts. Our innovative process for execution of contributions in kind serves as an exemplar.

Benefits of in-kind ­contributions

Better performance

­Efficient use of capital, potential ­revaluation gains, tax advantages for investors, asset optimisation

Less risk

Greater diversification effect, stable cash flow, maximum transparency

Optimisation of resources

Assignment of operational property management, efficiency gains, ­freeing up of resources, succession planning, expertise of Swiss Prime Site Solutions

Greater flexibility

Timing of the contribution in kind ­independent of issuance windows, greater fungibility (possible trade­ability of shares), more decision-­making freedom

The Green Lease

Sustainability and environmental awareness are among Swiss Prime Site’s core values. The company wants to achieve climate neutrality in its own portfolio by 2040. Green leases will play a key role in achieving this goal. But what exactly are they?

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Maaglive: an oasis for working, residential living and cultural activities

Until the late 1970s, Escher-Wyss was a purely industrial area located on the outskirts of the western part of Zurich. The site of the former Maag Zahnräder AG near the Hardbrücke railway station was revitalised by the construction of Prime Tower, the Cubus and Diagonal annex buildings and the Platform corporate building. The buildings continue to shape the region to this day. The Maaglive project now marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Swiss Prime Site

Where Prime Tower now soars skyward, factory workers once performed their day-to-day work in industrial halls. Back then, Maag Zahnradfabrik manufactured machine tools, gears, couplings and gear pumps. Today, the Maag site is primarily associated with commercial businesses, service providers and cultural activities. For the past 30 years, various property owners have transformed Zurich-West into a diverse, liveable and loveable district. The construction of office buildings for Zurich Cantonal Bank and Kuoni next to Hardbrücke marked the beginning of this transformation, which was further accelerated at Escher-Wyss-Platz by the new commercial school run by the business association. In 2004, Swiss Prime Site acquired the Maag site and gave it new prominence with the construction of Prime Tower and the surrounding buildings.

From a closed industrial site to an open district centre
Today – almost 20 years later – Maaglive has ushered in a new chapter. The sustainable building project aims to create a new and lively centre for the district. In future, people with a wide variety of different lifestyles will be able to live, work and spend their free time here. As part of a commissioned study, the building owners chose a design by the renowned Berlin-based architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton. The project envisages reopening the historically listed Building K and adding a residential tower and cultural centre, which will open up the area. The restored «Lichtstrasse» will make the area more accessible and provide important connections to the neighbourhood while at the same time creating a landscaped district square that will be open to the public. Pedestrian paths and bicycle connections as well as a variety of trees with dense foliage will give the district’s new centre a pleasant urban atmosphere.
 

Maaglive represents living life 
More than anything else, people are what can bring a place to life. Beginning in 2027, the new district centre on the Maag site is expected to consist of Building K, a 14-storey residential tower and a cultural pavilion with various public uses. Residential living, cultural offerings, work and restaurants will be woven together to create a lively mix. The historic Building K will only be minimally renovated and will feature hospitality, studio and co-working spaces. 

Emotionality and diversity drive the vision behind the culture pavilion
The culture pavilion, designed as a wooden structure, will serve as an «indoor public space» and lively venue for the arts, creative industries and local residents, as well as the city of Zurich and beyond. The culture pavilion will provide a new place for cultural activities that is permanent, flexible and inspiring. Such activities previously took place on a temporary basis in the former Maag halls and only at certain times and days of the week. The facilities will be available for use 24 hours a day, which is currently not possible. The ground floor will feature an open design and, together with the city square, will serve as the district’s new gathering spot. Pop-up stores and quieter meeting areas on the first floor will also enrich the new pavilion. Rooms on the top floors will provide ample flexibility and can be used for larger exhibitions, seminars as well as meetings or presentations. 

Residential tower: a perfect symbiosis between life and work
The residential tower, planned as a wood hybrid construction, will round off the site’s extensive range of uses. It will offer space for new forms of living and working. In future, the ground floor will be home to a shop, a café and the reception for the workspace. The work and conference area will lead up a large staircase to the first floor. The upper floors are intended for residential properties, ranging from studios to two- and three-room flats. Tenants will have access to additional work and communal areas on the floors. The attractive new residential concept is complemented by a fitness area, a library and a large, well-landscaped rooftop terrace. 
 

Sustainable added value for Zurich-West
The new trio of buildings consisting of the residential tower, Building K and the culture pavilion will surround a tree-lined square in the district. The sustainable building concept is in line with the city of Zurich’s plans to lower temperatures, which helps solve a highly relevant problem, especially in a district with many asphalt surfaces. For example, the lush landscaping of the open spaces and rooftops helps reduce the negative effects of hotspots in Zurich-West. Plans by the architectural firm Hager Partners AG in Zurich envisage an open green urban space with many tall trees covering an area of approximately 4 000 m2. This «urban forest» with native plant species will be an area that invites people to take walks and spend time in it. 
 

Maaglive Festival
The Maaglive Festival was held on the historic Zahnradstrasse in front of Building K on Friday, 26 August 2022. Residents of the district, neighbours, tenants and their friends and families were invited to celebrate the submission of the construction application. In addition to musical acts and artists, there were interactive activities catering to young and old alike. From improvisational theatre and caricaturists to a large canvas on which anyone could draw or paint, there was a little something for everyone. Well-attended project presentations in Atelier K provided an opportunity to learn more about the project by directly engaging with the construction model and project plans and speaking to the project manager and architects. 

News about the project, events in Building K and the exciting Maaglive Talks can be found at:

www.maaglive.ch

Meta Prime Tower

Prime Tower goes Metaverse! With its 126 metres in height and 36 floors, it is one of the tallest office buildings in Switzerland. Now Prime Tower is entering new spheres and since 2023 can also be found in the Metaverse. It digitally covers the entire Swiss Prime Site value chain - from acquisition, project planning and construction to marketing and leasing.

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Maaglive: an oasis for working, residential living and cultural activities

Until the late 1970s, Escher-Wyss was a purely industrial area located on the outskirts of the western part of Zurich. The site of the former Maag Zahnräder AG near the Hardbrücke railway station was revitalised by the construction of Prime Tower, the Cubus and Diagonal annex buildings and the Platform corporate building. The buildings continue to shape the region to this day. The Maaglive project now marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Swiss Prime Site

Where Prime Tower now soars skyward, factory workers once performed their day-to-day work in industrial halls. Back then, Maag Zahnradfabrik manufactured machine tools, gears, couplings and gear pumps. Today, the Maag site is primarily associated with commercial businesses, service providers and cultural activities. For the past 30 years, various property owners have transformed Zurich-West into a diverse, liveable and loveable district. The construction of office buildings for Zurich Cantonal Bank and Kuoni next to Hardbrücke marked the beginning of this transformation, which was further accelerated at Escher-Wyss-Platz by the new commercial school run by the business association. In 2004, Swiss Prime Site acquired the Maag site and gave it new prominence with the construction of Prime Tower and the surrounding buildings.

From a closed industrial site to an open district centre
Today – almost 20 years later – Maaglive has ushered in a new chapter. The sustainable building project aims to create a new and lively centre for the district. In future, people with a wide variety of different lifestyles will be able to live, work and spend their free time here. As part of a commissioned study, the building owners chose a design by the renowned Berlin-based architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton. The project envisages reopening the historically listed Building K and adding a residential tower and cultural centre, which will open up the area. The restored «Lichtstrasse» will make the area more accessible and provide important connections to the neighbourhood while at the same time creating a landscaped district square that will be open to the public. Pedestrian paths and bicycle connections as well as a variety of trees with dense foliage will give the district’s new centre a pleasant urban atmosphere.
 

Maaglive represents living life 
More than anything else, people are what can bring a place to life. Beginning in 2027, the new district centre on the Maag site is expected to consist of Building K, a 14-storey residential tower and a cultural pavilion with various public uses. Residential living, cultural offerings, work and restaurants will be woven together to create a lively mix. The historic Building K will only be minimally renovated and will feature hospitality, studio and co-working spaces. 

Emotionality and diversity drive the vision behind the culture pavilion
The culture pavilion, designed as a wooden structure, will serve as an «indoor public space» and lively venue for the arts, creative industries and local residents, as well as the city of Zurich and beyond. The culture pavilion will provide a new place for cultural activities that is permanent, flexible and inspiring. Such activities previously took place on a temporary basis in the former Maag halls and only at certain times and days of the week. The facilities will be available for use 24 hours a day, which is currently not possible. The ground floor will feature an open design and, together with the city square, will serve as the district’s new gathering spot. Pop-up stores and quieter meeting areas on the first floor will also enrich the new pavilion. Rooms on the top floors will provide ample flexibility and can be used for larger exhibitions, seminars as well as meetings or presentations. 

Residential tower: a perfect symbiosis between life and work
The residential tower, planned as a wood hybrid construction, will round off the site’s extensive range of uses. It will offer space for new forms of living and working. In future, the ground floor will be home to a shop, a café and the reception for the workspace. The work and conference area will lead up a large staircase to the first floor. The upper floors are intended for residential properties, ranging from studios to two- and three-room flats. Tenants will have access to additional work and communal areas on the floors. The attractive new residential concept is complemented by a fitness area, a library and a large, well-landscaped rooftop terrace. 
 

Sustainable added value for Zurich-West
The new trio of buildings consisting of the residential tower, Building K and the culture pavilion will surround a tree-lined square in the district. The sustainable building concept is in line with the city of Zurich’s plans to lower temperatures, which helps solve a highly relevant problem, especially in a district with many asphalt surfaces. For example, the lush landscaping of the open spaces and rooftops helps reduce the negative effects of hotspots in Zurich-West. Plans by the architectural firm Hager Partners AG in Zurich envisage an open green urban space with many tall trees covering an area of approximately 4 000 m2. This «urban forest» with native plant species will be an area that invites people to take walks and spend time in it. 
 

Maaglive Festival
The Maaglive Festival was held on the historic Zahnradstrasse in front of Building K on Friday, 26 August 2022. Residents of the district, neighbours, tenants and their friends and families were invited to celebrate the submission of the construction application. In addition to musical acts and artists, there were interactive activities catering to young and old alike. From improvisational theatre and caricaturists to a large canvas on which anyone could draw or paint, there was a little something for everyone. Well-attended project presentations in Atelier K provided an opportunity to learn more about the project by directly engaging with the construction model and project plans and speaking to the project manager and architects. 

News about the project, events in Building K and the exciting Maaglive Talks can be found at:

www.maaglive.ch

Our commitments

With its business operations, Swiss Prime Site contributes to economic and social development in many different ways. We are committed to training young people and our employees, and we also support social and cultural organisations and projects as part of our various sponsorship activities.

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Maaglive: an oasis for working, residential living and cultural activities

Until the late 1970s, Escher-Wyss was a purely industrial area located on the outskirts of the western part of Zurich. The site of the former Maag Zahnräder AG near the Hardbrücke railway station was revitalised by the construction of Prime Tower, the Cubus and Diagonal annex buildings and the Platform corporate building. The buildings continue to shape the region to this day. The Maaglive project now marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Swiss Prime Site

Where Prime Tower now soars skyward, factory workers once performed their day-to-day work in industrial halls. Back then, Maag Zahnradfabrik manufactured machine tools, gears, couplings and gear pumps. Today, the Maag site is primarily associated with commercial businesses, service providers and cultural activities. For the past 30 years, various property owners have transformed Zurich-West into a diverse, liveable and loveable district. The construction of office buildings for Zurich Cantonal Bank and Kuoni next to Hardbrücke marked the beginning of this transformation, which was further accelerated at Escher-Wyss-Platz by the new commercial school run by the business association. In 2004, Swiss Prime Site acquired the Maag site and gave it new prominence with the construction of Prime Tower and the surrounding buildings.

From a closed industrial site to an open district centre
Today – almost 20 years later – Maaglive has ushered in a new chapter. The sustainable building project aims to create a new and lively centre for the district. In future, people with a wide variety of different lifestyles will be able to live, work and spend their free time here. As part of a commissioned study, the building owners chose a design by the renowned Berlin-based architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton. The project envisages reopening the historically listed Building K and adding a residential tower and cultural centre, which will open up the area. The restored «Lichtstrasse» will make the area more accessible and provide important connections to the neighbourhood while at the same time creating a landscaped district square that will be open to the public. Pedestrian paths and bicycle connections as well as a variety of trees with dense foliage will give the district’s new centre a pleasant urban atmosphere.
 

Maaglive represents living life 
More than anything else, people are what can bring a place to life. Beginning in 2027, the new district centre on the Maag site is expected to consist of Building K, a 14-storey residential tower and a cultural pavilion with various public uses. Residential living, cultural offerings, work and restaurants will be woven together to create a lively mix. The historic Building K will only be minimally renovated and will feature hospitality, studio and co-working spaces. 

Emotionality and diversity drive the vision behind the culture pavilion
The culture pavilion, designed as a wooden structure, will serve as an «indoor public space» and lively venue for the arts, creative industries and local residents, as well as the city of Zurich and beyond. The culture pavilion will provide a new place for cultural activities that is permanent, flexible and inspiring. Such activities previously took place on a temporary basis in the former Maag halls and only at certain times and days of the week. The facilities will be available for use 24 hours a day, which is currently not possible. The ground floor will feature an open design and, together with the city square, will serve as the district’s new gathering spot. Pop-up stores and quieter meeting areas on the first floor will also enrich the new pavilion. Rooms on the top floors will provide ample flexibility and can be used for larger exhibitions, seminars as well as meetings or presentations. 

Residential tower: a perfect symbiosis between life and work
The residential tower, planned as a wood hybrid construction, will round off the site’s extensive range of uses. It will offer space for new forms of living and working. In future, the ground floor will be home to a shop, a café and the reception for the workspace. The work and conference area will lead up a large staircase to the first floor. The upper floors are intended for residential properties, ranging from studios to two- and three-room flats. Tenants will have access to additional work and communal areas on the floors. The attractive new residential concept is complemented by a fitness area, a library and a large, well-landscaped rooftop terrace. 
 

Sustainable added value for Zurich-West
The new trio of buildings consisting of the residential tower, Building K and the culture pavilion will surround a tree-lined square in the district. The sustainable building concept is in line with the city of Zurich’s plans to lower temperatures, which helps solve a highly relevant problem, especially in a district with many asphalt surfaces. For example, the lush landscaping of the open spaces and rooftops helps reduce the negative effects of hotspots in Zurich-West. Plans by the architectural firm Hager Partners AG in Zurich envisage an open green urban space with many tall trees covering an area of approximately 4 000 m2. This «urban forest» with native plant species will be an area that invites people to take walks and spend time in it. 
 

Maaglive Festival
The Maaglive Festival was held on the historic Zahnradstrasse in front of Building K on Friday, 26 August 2022. Residents of the district, neighbours, tenants and their friends and families were invited to celebrate the submission of the construction application. In addition to musical acts and artists, there were interactive activities catering to young and old alike. From improvisational theatre and caricaturists to a large canvas on which anyone could draw or paint, there was a little something for everyone. Well-attended project presentations in Atelier K provided an opportunity to learn more about the project by directly engaging with the construction model and project plans and speaking to the project manager and architects. 

News about the project, events in Building K and the exciting Maaglive Talks can be found at:

www.maaglive.ch

Maaglive: an oasis for working, residential living and cultural activities

Until the late 1970s, Escher-Wyss was a purely industrial area located on the outskirts of the western part of Zurich. The site of the former Maag Zahnräder AG near the Hardbrücke railway station was revitalised by the construction of Prime Tower, the Cubus and Diagonal annex buildings and the Platform corporate building. The buildings continue to shape the region to this day. The Maaglive project now marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Swiss Prime Site

Where Prime Tower now soars skyward, factory workers once performed their day-to-day work in industrial halls. Back then, Maag Zahnradfabrik manufactured machine tools, gears, couplings and gear pumps. Today, the Maag site is primarily associated with commercial businesses, service providers and cultural activities. For the past 30 years, various property owners have transformed Zurich-West into a diverse, liveable and loveable district. The construction of office buildings for Zurich Cantonal Bank and Kuoni next to Hardbrücke marked the beginning of this transformation, which was further accelerated at Escher-Wyss-Platz by the new commercial school run by the business association. In 2004, Swiss Prime Site acquired the Maag site and gave it new prominence with the construction of Prime Tower and the surrounding buildings.

From a closed industrial site to an open district centre
Today – almost 20 years later – Maaglive has ushered in a new chapter. The sustainable building project aims to create a new and lively centre for the district. In future, people with a wide variety of different lifestyles will be able to live, work and spend their free time here. As part of a commissioned study, the building owners chose a design by the renowned Berlin-based architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton. The project envisages reopening the historically listed Building K and adding a residential tower and cultural centre, which will open up the area. The restored «Lichtstrasse» will make the area more accessible and provide important connections to the neighbourhood while at the same time creating a landscaped district square that will be open to the public. Pedestrian paths and bicycle connections as well as a variety of trees with dense foliage will give the district’s new centre a pleasant urban atmosphere.
 

Maaglive represents living life 
More than anything else, people are what can bring a place to life. Beginning in 2027, the new district centre on the Maag site is expected to consist of Building K, a 14-storey residential tower and a cultural pavilion with various public uses. Residential living, cultural offerings, work and restaurants will be woven together to create a lively mix. The historic Building K will only be minimally renovated and will feature hospitality, studio and co-working spaces. 

Emotionality and diversity drive the vision behind the culture pavilion
The culture pavilion, designed as a wooden structure, will serve as an «indoor public space» and lively venue for the arts, creative industries and local residents, as well as the city of Zurich and beyond. The culture pavilion will provide a new place for cultural activities that is permanent, flexible and inspiring. Such activities previously took place on a temporary basis in the former Maag halls and only at certain times and days of the week. The facilities will be available for use 24 hours a day, which is currently not possible. The ground floor will feature an open design and, together with the city square, will serve as the district’s new gathering spot. Pop-up stores and quieter meeting areas on the first floor will also enrich the new pavilion. Rooms on the top floors will provide ample flexibility and can be used for larger exhibitions, seminars as well as meetings or presentations. 

Residential tower: a perfect symbiosis between life and work
The residential tower, planned as a wood hybrid construction, will round off the site’s extensive range of uses. It will offer space for new forms of living and working. In future, the ground floor will be home to a shop, a café and the reception for the workspace. The work and conference area will lead up a large staircase to the first floor. The upper floors are intended for residential properties, ranging from studios to two- and three-room flats. Tenants will have access to additional work and communal areas on the floors. The attractive new residential concept is complemented by a fitness area, a library and a large, well-landscaped rooftop terrace. 
 

Sustainable added value for Zurich-West
The new trio of buildings consisting of the residential tower, Building K and the culture pavilion will surround a tree-lined square in the district. The sustainable building concept is in line with the city of Zurich’s plans to lower temperatures, which helps solve a highly relevant problem, especially in a district with many asphalt surfaces. For example, the lush landscaping of the open spaces and rooftops helps reduce the negative effects of hotspots in Zurich-West. Plans by the architectural firm Hager Partners AG in Zurich envisage an open green urban space with many tall trees covering an area of approximately 4 000 m2. This «urban forest» with native plant species will be an area that invites people to take walks and spend time in it. 
 

Maaglive Festival
The Maaglive Festival was held on the historic Zahnradstrasse in front of Building K on Friday, 26 August 2022. Residents of the district, neighbours, tenants and their friends and families were invited to celebrate the submission of the construction application. In addition to musical acts and artists, there were interactive activities catering to young and old alike. From improvisational theatre and caricaturists to a large canvas on which anyone could draw or paint, there was a little something for everyone. Well-attended project presentations in Atelier K provided an opportunity to learn more about the project by directly engaging with the construction model and project plans and speaking to the project manager and architects. 

News about the project, events in Building K and the exciting Maaglive Talks can be found at:

www.maaglive.ch

Maaglive: an oasis for working, residential living and cultural activities

Until the late 1970s, Escher-Wyss was a purely industrial area located on the outskirts of the western part of Zurich. The site of the former Maag Zahnräder AG near the Hardbrücke railway station was revitalised by the construction of Prime Tower, the Cubus and Diagonal annex buildings and the Platform corporate building. The buildings continue to shape the region to this day. The Maaglive project now marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Swiss Prime Site

Where Prime Tower now soars skyward, factory workers once performed their day-to-day work in industrial halls. Back then, Maag Zahnradfabrik manufactured machine tools, gears, couplings and gear pumps. Today, the Maag site is primarily associated with commercial businesses, service providers and cultural activities. For the past 30 years, various property owners have transformed Zurich-West into a diverse, liveable and loveable district. The construction of office buildings for Zurich Cantonal Bank and Kuoni next to Hardbrücke marked the beginning of this transformation, which was further accelerated at Escher-Wyss-Platz by the new commercial school run by the business association. In 2004, Swiss Prime Site acquired the Maag site and gave it new prominence with the construction of Prime Tower and the surrounding buildings.

From a closed industrial site to an open district centre
Today – almost 20 years later – Maaglive has ushered in a new chapter. The sustainable building project aims to create a new and lively centre for the district. In future, people with a wide variety of different lifestyles will be able to live, work and spend their free time here. As part of a commissioned study, the building owners chose a design by the renowned Berlin-based architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton. The project envisages reopening the historically listed Building K and adding a residential tower and cultural centre, which will open up the area. The restored «Lichtstrasse» will make the area more accessible and provide important connections to the neighbourhood while at the same time creating a landscaped district square that will be open to the public. Pedestrian paths and bicycle connections as well as a variety of trees with dense foliage will give the district’s new centre a pleasant urban atmosphere.
 

Maaglive represents living life 
More than anything else, people are what can bring a place to life. Beginning in 2027, the new district centre on the Maag site is expected to consist of Building K, a 14-storey residential tower and a cultural pavilion with various public uses. Residential living, cultural offerings, work and restaurants will be woven together to create a lively mix. The historic Building K will only be minimally renovated and will feature hospitality, studio and co-working spaces. 

Emotionality and diversity drive the vision behind the culture pavilion
The culture pavilion, designed as a wooden structure, will serve as an «indoor public space» and lively venue for the arts, creative industries and local residents, as well as the city of Zurich and beyond. The culture pavilion will provide a new place for cultural activities that is permanent, flexible and inspiring. Such activities previously took place on a temporary basis in the former Maag halls and only at certain times and days of the week. The facilities will be available for use 24 hours a day, which is currently not possible. The ground floor will feature an open design and, together with the city square, will serve as the district’s new gathering spot. Pop-up stores and quieter meeting areas on the first floor will also enrich the new pavilion. Rooms on the top floors will provide ample flexibility and can be used for larger exhibitions, seminars as well as meetings or presentations. 

Residential tower: a perfect symbiosis between life and work
The residential tower, planned as a wood hybrid construction, will round off the site’s extensive range of uses. It will offer space for new forms of living and working. In future, the ground floor will be home to a shop, a café and the reception for the workspace. The work and conference area will lead up a large staircase to the first floor. The upper floors are intended for residential properties, ranging from studios to two- and three-room flats. Tenants will have access to additional work and communal areas on the floors. The attractive new residential concept is complemented by a fitness area, a library and a large, well-landscaped rooftop terrace. 
 

Sustainable added value for Zurich-West
The new trio of buildings consisting of the residential tower, Building K and the culture pavilion will surround a tree-lined square in the district. The sustainable building concept is in line with the city of Zurich’s plans to lower temperatures, which helps solve a highly relevant problem, especially in a district with many asphalt surfaces. For example, the lush landscaping of the open spaces and rooftops helps reduce the negative effects of hotspots in Zurich-West. Plans by the architectural firm Hager Partners AG in Zurich envisage an open green urban space with many tall trees covering an area of approximately 4 000 m2. This «urban forest» with native plant species will be an area that invites people to take walks and spend time in it. 
 

Maaglive Festival
The Maaglive Festival was held on the historic Zahnradstrasse in front of Building K on Friday, 26 August 2022. Residents of the district, neighbours, tenants and their friends and families were invited to celebrate the submission of the construction application. In addition to musical acts and artists, there were interactive activities catering to young and old alike. From improvisational theatre and caricaturists to a large canvas on which anyone could draw or paint, there was a little something for everyone. Well-attended project presentations in Atelier K provided an opportunity to learn more about the project by directly engaging with the construction model and project plans and speaking to the project manager and architects. 

News about the project, events in Building K and the exciting Maaglive Talks can be found at:

www.maaglive.ch