Depot Hard High-Rise Ensemble by Morger Partner Architekten

A New Urban Landmark Reinventing Mobility and Living in Zürich West

Located at the threshold of Zürich West, the Depot Hard High-Rise Ensemble by Morger Partner Architekten redefines the interface between infrastructure, housing, and urban life. The project introduces a bold architectural statement that simultaneously accommodates a tram depot, vibrant residential spaces, and a green communal landscape — forming a distinctive gateway to one of Zürich’s most dynamic districts.

Urban Composition and Context

The design features two elegant high-rise towers resting upon a four-story base volume, creating a harmonious ensemble with the neighboring Swisscom Tower and Escher Terraces. Together, these structures mark a powerful architectural node that anchors the evolving Zürich West skyline. The ensemble not only integrates seamlessly into the surrounding cityscape but also contributes to a new urban rhythm that bridges the historical tram depot with contemporary living.

Programmatic Integration

At the ground level, the base structure houses a modern tram depot hall, designed to accommodate 25 tram compositions. This innovative integration of public transportation infrastructure beneath residential functions showcases a forward-thinking approach to urban density and land use efficiency.

Above the depot, two-story townhouses line the longitudinal sides, establishing a strong geometric dialogue with the heritage-listed head buildings of the former tram depot. These transitional volumes connect the human scale of the historic site to the verticality of the residential towers, achieving a balanced and coherent urban composition.

Residential Life Above Infrastructure

Each of the 70-meter-tall towers offers a diverse mix of housing typologies, designed to accommodate approximately 550 residents. The upper levels are arranged to maximize natural light, views, and ventilation, while maintaining a robust architectural character defined by material honesty and clean geometry.

Atop the depot hall, a semi-public green courtyard provides a shared landscape that serves as both a visual and social heart of the development. This elevated open space enhances urban biodiversity, supports social interaction, and functions as a buffer between mobility infrastructure and residential life.

Material Expression and Architecture

The architectural language of the ensemble is guided by precision and restraint. Exposed concrete surfaces and large openings create a dialogue between solidity and transparency, emphasizing the functional clarity and structural rhythm of the project. The material palette reinforces a timeless identity while allowing the natural texture of the building to interact with Zürich’s changing light conditions.

A Sustainable Urban Prototype

Beyond its architectural form, Depot Hard exemplifies a sustainable urban model — one that reuses valuable land resources and densifies existing transport-oriented locations. By integrating housing, green spaces, and public mobility infrastructure within a compact vertical system, the project promotes ecological efficiency, reduced urban sprawl, and community-centered living.

All photographs are works of  Roman Weyeneth