Three Ribbons in the Orchard
Zurich, Switzerland
2026






The demolition of the existing houses and the reconfiguration of Ernst-Zöbeli-Strasse create the opportunity to connect several previously fragmented green areas into a continuous open space of roughly 1.5 hectares — a disconnected site transformed into a shared garden for residents and the wider neighbourhood. The placement and scale of the three ribbon-shaped buildings preserve ninety-five per cent of the existing trees and establish a built form in deliberate contrast to the taller buildings to the north. Each building is formally distinct yet adheres to shared principles, maintaining open edges while responding to the site — a design intended to evolve over time, reinforcing the relationship between the landscape and the individual character of each apartment.
The three buildings, each four storeys with an attic, together contain 132 apartments ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 rooms. Their modest scale aligns with the surrounding neighbourhood, and their services are shared with the northern towers via a common basement. Each apartment is oriented differently, with distinct relationships to the street, trees, and green space; layouts vary in depth and position. Every apartment is organised around a generous central living space, offering multiple views, ample daylight, and natural ventilation.
Information
Type Housing
Status Competition
Surface 12,060 m2
Team Madhusudhan Chalasani, Jesús Garrido Valdivia, Juan Álvarez Aznar, Teresa Trabada Echarri, Vamsi Kundanam, Rohith Therala and Sivatmika Jayaprakash in partnership with Atelier Atlántico