German Natural Stone Award 2026
Category B with Special Recognition
A striking landmark has been created on a property in Zurich-Leutschenbach. Its mix of uses and the “grassroots efforts” are intended to further strengthen the transformation process.
Leutschenbach is one of Zurich’s booming neighborhoods. The city’s master plan calls for framing key streetscapes with “landmark buildings” and even creating clusters of high-rises at significant locations. In turn, a vast “inner garden” serves as the neighborhood’s green backbone. Züst Gübeli Gambetti translated these guidelines into an elegant 80-meter tower that soars skyward from a base on Hagenholzstrasse. It is part of a loosely grouped ensemble and is in excellent company. On one side is the “Wolkenwerk” next door; on the other, the “Sky-Key” across the street, with which it forms a gateway. It also possesses the necessary presence to engage in a dialogue with the high-rises at Quadroplatz. Tower 55 not only fills a gap but also extends an invitation: supported by the 90-degree rotation of its facade, the “Inner Garden” gains a prominent landmark. A robust, U-shaped base—into which lush greenery spills at the rear—ensures the necessary grounding and integration with the surroundings. Facing the street, it forms a five-story edge that establishes a café behind arcades as well as shops extending toward the park.
The powerful grid of the stone cladding, whose horizontal bands protrude slightly, also contributes to the elegant appearance of the new entrance. Overall, it is a carefully stacked mass that confronts the wilderness of the inner garden with classical dignity. The fine-pored Trosselfels natural stone impresses with its high quality and lends the façade sustainability, nobility, and timeless elegance.
Stones: Trosselfels,Limestone, beige, honed
