November 7, 2025

1468 Waterside Factory Zurich

Location:
Zurich, Switzerland

Project Phases:
Competition 1997; Completion 2007

Client:
Grün Stadt Zürich (Green City Zurich)

Landscape Architecture:
Studio Vulkan

Architect (Competition Phase):
Schregenberger Architekten

Photography:
Daniela Valentini

Details:

Revitalization of the Limmat Riverside

Situated on the banks of the Limmat River lies the historic complex of the former Höngg Silk Weaving Mill, distinguished by its striking main building. The factory’s machinery was originally powered by hydropower drawn from the Limmat, with a canal channeling water to the turbine house located on the southern side of the building. The uncovering of this long-buried canal opens the potential to create a high-quality public open space at this historically significant location.

In a part of the city that has so far been underserved in terms of accessible green areas, a new space is emerging – one that can be used both by the public and by the neighboring school. Between the preserved canal walls, the re-contoured terrain forms stepped terraces with a variety of surface treatments, ranging from lawn to gravel to natural riverstone. These terraces symbolically echo the flow of water that once passed through this space. Large thresholds made of shotcrete delineate the terraces and serve as seating steps with a direct visual connection to the river.
The adjacent path is lowered and guided beneath the Hardegg Bridge, allowing visitors to experience the river from a particularly close vantage point – complete with direct access to the Limmat and the possibility to swim. During periods of high water, the area still functions as a designated floodplain and becomes temporarily inaccessible.

As a landscape architectural gesture, a series of trimmed hedges trace the historic course of the canal, extending from the turbine house, which now serves as a restaurant with an outdoor garden. Within this hedge-lined corridor lies a long, linear public playground. Selective tree plantings provide shade and contribute to the microclimate on the terraces.