Located in Zurich, Switzerland, Remise Rosa is the latest completed project by Hello Wood, occupying a former railway site that has been reimagined as a vibrant public destination. Spanning approximately 2,500 square meters, the project introduces a new architectural identity to an underutilized urban parcel, combining hospitality, social interaction, and contemporary timber construction within a distinctive multi-level setting.
Designed as a permanent architectural intervention, Remise Rosa reflects Hello Wood’s continued exploration of timber design while responding to the evolving demands of urban leisure spaces. The project accommodates a mix of functions across three open-air levels, creating a destination that is equally defined by its architectural character and its role within Zurich’s social landscape.
Remise Rosa Brings Timber Innovation
The architectural composition of Remise Rosa is organized around a series of interconnected terraces, decks, staircases, and elevated platforms that establish a dynamic spatial experience. Hello Wood developed an open and permeable environment that encourages movement, gathering, and visual interaction between levels.
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) forms the backbone of the project, providing both structural performance and a distinct architectural character. Warm timber surfaces define the majority of the complex, creating a natural contrast against Zurich’s industrial railway context. The wood is complemented by carefully integrated steel elements, transparent balustrades, and contemporary lighting features that enhance the project’s visual identity after dark.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Remise Rosa is its vibrant pink color accents, which inspired the project’s name and contribute to its recognizable presence within the city. The color is strategically applied throughout selected architectural elements, furniture, and circulation spaces, creating visual continuity while reinforcing the project’s playful character.
Precision Construction Through CLT Technology
Behind its informal atmosphere lies a highly engineered construction process. The entire structure was realized using prefabricated CLT components manufactured through CNC technology, ensuring millimeter-level precision throughout the project.
The choice of CLT allowed Hello Wood to pursue a sustainable construction strategy while significantly reducing on-site building time. Prefabricated elements arrived ready for assembly, enabling the project to be completed within approximately five months. This approach minimized disruption to the surrounding neighborhood and streamlined the construction process without compromising architectural quality.
The exposed timber structure remains visible throughout the development, allowing the building system to become part of the architectural experience. Columns, beams, platforms, and circulation elements work together to create a cohesive structural language that celebrates the material’s natural qualities while demonstrating its versatility in large-scale urban projects.
Creating a New Social Landmark in Zurich
Remise Rosa represents an adaptive transformation of previously neglected urban land. The project demonstrates how former infrastructure sites can be converted into active social environments through thoughtful design and strategic programming.
The multi-level layout creates a variety of experiences, from intimate seating areas to larger communal gathering spaces. Open terraces provide views across the site, while interconnected pathways encourage exploration and interaction. The architecture balances functionality with atmosphere, allowing the development to operate as both a hospitality venue and a contemporary public destination.
For Hello Wood, Remise Rosa marks an important step in the studio’s ongoing presence in Zurich, showcasing how timber architecture can move beyond temporary installations to deliver permanent urban environments. Through its expressive use of CLT, layered spatial organization, and strong visual identity, the project contributes a new architectural landmark to the city while highlighting the potential of sustainable timber construction in contemporary urban development.
Project & Image Credit: Hello Wood
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