Renovation of Forchstrasse, Zürich

The Project
Renovation and conversion of an apartment building into a modern aparthotel with an additional attic conversion. Due to its location on a busy street, the newly created living spaces were planned and verified in accordance with noise protection standards for street noise. The new air-to-water heat pump installed indoors also required a separate acoustic verification. The heating system replacement included new underfloor heating and a solar system on the roof. In addition, a new elevator shaft was constructed, and the floor slabs and interior walls were retrofitted with sound insulation.

Construction Method
Solid construction with load-bearing exterior and interior walls as well as wooden beam ceilings, which were structurally and acoustically reinforced. Sound insulation between floors was achieved using new subfloors and suspended ceilings. Existing masonry walls were improved with cladding. The new elevator core was constructed using precast concrete elements.

The Challenge
Early planning certainty thanks to noise protection certifications for road noise and the heat pump. Development of effective measures to meet the design specifications. At the same time, very slim structures were necessary to meet the sound insulation requirements of SIA 181:2020 despite limited space.