A Vision for a Zurich Private Bank

For a selective study mandate commissioned by a renowned Zurich private bank, MACH developed a comprehensive concept that combines the renovation and rooftop expansion of the building with the reorganisation of internal processes. The goal was to enhance the customer experience and foster a more collaborative work environment. The proposal was developed in collaboration with Oliv Brunner Volk Architects and Heierli Engineers.

Based on an in-depth analysis and understanding of our client’s needs, we developed the design from the inside out. This user-centric process not only shaped the interior spaces but also informed the overall structure, creating a seamless dialogue between building and user. With a forward-looking perspective, we reduced structural interventions to a minimum and integrated sustainable and adaptable solutions. While the existing building retains its historical identity, the rooftop extension was designed using timber construction and features photovoltaic modules on the façade. Open ceilings throughout the building utilise the thermal mass of the existing concrete slabs, minimising energy consumption and reducing operational costs.

A central feature of the design is the zoning of the floor plan around a new core that includes retreat spaces, niches for focused work, and areas for collaboration. By freeing up the façade, workspaces benefit from maximum daylight. Flexible workstations and personal lockers ensure adaptability for the workforce, while the open staircase encourages interdepartmental exchange. Dedicated coffee kitchens and meeting zones offer spaces for interaction without disrupting focused work.

The materialisation of the interior centres around the use of natural and local materials. Built-ins made of walnut wood, traditionally used in Zurich guild houses, define the interior design, reinforcing a local connection to Zurich.