Description:
The house with its courtyard and rear building is situated on one of the narrow streets of medieval Zurich and was constructed on roman foundations. It was built for modest tradespeople, and almost nothing had been changed for centuries. In 1961, it became the property of the town of Zurich, and a small renovation showed the building substance to be severely damaged. In the course of time, the interior of the house had sagged towards its centre by almost 1,5 feet, the timberwork was partially broken, the whole upper storey was rotten and worm-eaten. The main front had split into an outer and an inner shell. Every building element was carefully laid free of later additions that disfigured it, and was strengthened by specialized workmen. By making good use of existing secondary space, by meticulously coordinating and concentrating all operations in the least susceptible areas, it was possible to install modern kitchens and baths, plumbing, heating and electric appliances without encroaching on the original substance.