Depot Hard High-Rise Ensemble consists of two high-rise buildings on a 4-story base that together form an architectural ensemble with the Swisscom Tower and the Escher Terraces, marking a gateway to the Zurich West quarter.
© Roman Weyeneth
The ground floor level accommodates a modern tram depot hall designed to hold a total of 25 tram compositions. Above, two-story townhouses are arranged along the longitudinal sides.
© Roman Weyeneth
These establish a geometric and volumetric connection to the existing listed head buildings of the old tram depot and integrate the precisely placed residential towers, each around 70 meters tall.
© Roman Weyeneth
In between, a semi-public, versatile, and green open space unfolds atop the depot hall. The new urban development offers a diverse range of housing for approximately 550 residents.
© Roman Weyeneth
Project info:
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Architects:Â Morger Partner Architekten
- Country: Zürich, Switzerland
- Area: 8800 m²
- Year:Â 2025
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Photographs: Roman Weyeneth
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Design Team:Â Morger Partner Architekten
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Landscape Architecture: Stauffer Rösch
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Project Management:Â Caretta Weidmann Baumanagement
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Engineering & Consulting > Structural:Â Ulaga Weiss
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.