Winterthur – The Grüze innovation laboratory is being built in Winterthur next to the Grüze crossing construction site. The modular, expandable, filigree building made of extra-thin and recyclable CPC concrete panels is intended to become a field for experimentation and a place for discussions about urban planning and climate change.
The Grüze innovation lab will open on St.Gallerstrasse in Winterthur in May 2024. According to a press release, it is planned as a versatile meeting place where visitors can find out more about the Grüze crossing construction site. In addition, the filigree building, which is open on all sides, is to become a place for discussions on urban development issues, possible conflicting goals and the effects of climate change on the urban population.
The approximately 120 square meter pavilion with exhibition space, stage and café has a modular design and can be extended in modules. The statics were designed for a two-story, closed building. This takes into account the possibility that the innovation lab could grow into a district center with increased space requirements in the medium term. It is initially planned for a useful life of ten years.
The innovation lab was developed by the Winterthur Civil Engineering Office in collaboration with the Department of Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and Holcim Switzerland. According to , the extra-thin and recyclable concrete slabs made of carbon fiber-reinforced concrete (CPC) from CPC AG save up to 75 percent material compared to conventional concrete construction methods. CO2 emissions are to be reduced by a factor of two to four.
The CPC concrete elements, which emerged from a long-term research project at the ZHAW, can be dismantled into their component parts with little effort and rebuilt elsewhere or reused for another structure. Holcim produces them and makes them available on loan. The prefabricated elements are assembled within a few days in spring. ce/mm