Peter Moor Architekten ETH SIA

Weiss Printing Office, Affoltern am Albis

Old-New: Uncovering, Interpreting, and Expanding a Historic Building

The protected Weiss printing office from 1903 is a manufacturer’s mansion with an integrated production facility. The building has been expanded several times, always in keeping with its stately essence. Once again seeking a dialogue with the existing structure, the latest expansion raised the annex building by one story. The delicate appearance of verandas from the historicist period served as inspiration for the character of the addition, and the etched glass from the stairwells is quoted in the new sliding shutters. A precisely inserted basement expansion was built under the new parking lot. Overall, the project preserved the existing structures and increased the usable area by 300 m2. All interior spaces were professionally restored, while building services were updated to modern standards. The interplay of materials, colors, proportions, and textures creates a harmonious whole with a revitalized atmosphere.

Client: Weiss Medien AG, Affoltern
Address: Obere Bahnhofstrasse 5, Affoltern a. A.
Procurement method: Planner selection process
Planning: 2008-2010
Execution: January-September 2010
Project management: Christoph Deiters
Restoration: Fontana + Fontana, Rapperswil
Photos: Roger Frei