Clear view into the wine country – Expansion of the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich
The Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUK) operates the Clinic for Forensic Psychiatry (KFP) in Rheinau with competencies and infrastructures that are unique in Switzerland. Embedded in teaching and research, the clinic offers facilities for the outpatient and inpatient psychiatric care of offenders.
The further development of the clinic grounds with new inpatient treatment places as well as facilities for sports, occupational education and special therapies was the subject of a project competition won by the team led by Galli Rudolf Achitekten. Lüchinger+Meyer supported the structural planning of the design.
The winning project envisages a symmetrical courtyard type that skilfully enters into dialogue with the listed existing ensemble by cantonal architect Hermann Fietz. The patient rooms are deliberately oriented outwards, granting the occupants unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape of the Zürcher Weinland. The clear structure of the project with the striking entrance in the north, the garden courtyard and the gymnasium with sports field on the roof allows for good orientation. The access and choice of materials take into account the safety aspects of the “health care building in the correctional system”.
The proposed structural concept scores with simple load transfer, flexibility of usage and the use of recycled concrete. The solid construction method contributes to the structuring of the spatial structure, while the generously selected spans ensure comfortable flexibility of usage. The flat slabs of the maximum three-storey building, spanning up to 8m, lie on the load-bearing façades, on the courtyard supports and on walls around the respective core zones. The columns and large areas of the load-bearing façade panes are delivered prefabricated. Prefabrication is also used for the supporting structure of the sports hall with spans of around 17m. 65cm high concrete girders in connection with the 15cm thick concrete slab above reach a construction height of about 80cm. Prefabricated 5cm thick concrete boards are used as formwork, which are poured with the overlay concrete. All concreted walls and ceilings are made in recycled concrete with CO2-reduced cement.
Visualisations: Filippo Bolognese Images
