Tender BKP 214 Timber Construction

Project Summary:

A new care center is to be constructed on plot no. 7297 for the company "Wohnen und Pflege Peteracker AG." The project comprises 56 care rooms and associated ancillary spaces, distributed across three floors. The ground floor will house a dedicated unit for residents with dementia, as well as a public restaurant and a dining hall for residents.

1. Background

In light of the constantly evolving and complex requirements for modern retirement and nursing homes—and for forward-looking elderly care—the Social Services Authority initiated the "Vision for Aging and Strategy for the Peteracker Retirement and Nursing Home (APH)" project in the autumn of 2017. The project focused on two main areas: inpatient care (at the Peteracker Retirement and Nursing Home, APH) and services for seniors who do not require inpatient care. The "Vision for Aging and Strategy for the Peteracker Retirement and Nursing Home (APH)" project was designed to be flexible enough to address both current and future requirements.

On February 13, 2022, the municipality’s electorate approved the separation of the Peteracker Retirement and Nursing Home (APH) from the political municipality of Rafz, transitioning it into a non-profit public limited company.

The Peteracker APH currently provides a living environment for 42 residents, offering high-quality, needs-based care and support, along with a range of other services. It is the only institution of its kind in the municipality of Rafz. "Wohnen und Pflege Peteracker AG" operates the retirement and nursing home and has acquired the land from the municipality under a long-term leasehold agreement (building rights). The Peteracker site, home to the Peteracker retirement and nursing home (APH), is located just outside the village center of Rafz, situated between the main road and the SBB railway line. Directly opposite the Peteracker facility lies the former brickworks of the Zürcher Ziegeleien (Zurich Brickworks). The area is defined by a distinct rural charm.

2. Urban Design

The new building integrates into the existing Peteracker complex as part of a hamlet-like ensemble. Its positioning takes its cue from the loose arrangement of the existing structures, strengthening their spatial cohesion. The substantial building mass is articulated through a longitudinal main structure and two flanking wings; this gives the impression of a composition of smaller building volumes, remaining in keeping with the local scale. At the center, a new, courtyard-like village square emerges, serving as a communal space that fosters a sense of identity. Visual connections to the open landscape and the existing buildings are preserved.

3. Functional Distribution

The ground floor serves as the public hub of the facility, housing the entrance, reception, restaurant, and dining hall. These spaces are designed for flexible use and can be combined to accommodate events. The administrative offices are directly connected to the entrance area, while the kitchen, delivery, and logistics zones are functionally organized with separate access. The upper floors contain four residential units, comprising a total of 44 single rooms. Each unit is clearly laid out and accessible via a circular circulation path. A specialized residential unit for 13 residents with dementia is located in a protected setting on the raised ground floor, with direct access to a private garden. The basement level houses the laundry facility, as well as storage and technical areas. It also contains an underground parking garage with 24 spaces for the care center’s staff.

4. Landscape Design

The landscape at the edge of the settlement in the Rafzerfeld region combines a high quality of rural life with an environment shaped by a cultivated landscape. The open-space concept draws upon the loosely arranged structure typical of the local area, developing the site into a hamlet-like complex centered around a village square. Green spaces and plantings structure the outdoor area, minimize sealed surfaces, and integrate the site into the surrounding landscape. A sophisticated network of paths, combined with a clear separation between vehicular and pedestrian traffic, ensures excellent accessibility and a high-quality environment for spending time outdoors. Furthermore, specific features—such as a south-facing sun terrace, a sheltered garden for residents with dementia, and a diverse range of plantings—create attractive spaces that enhance the well-being of the residents.

5. Construction

The building’s structural framework is composed of reinforced concrete and masonry. Seismic safety is ensured through continuous circulation cores spanning all floors, strategically placed concrete shear walls within the exterior envelope, and reinforced concrete floor slabs. The building’s exterior walls consist of non-load-bearing, insulated timber elements that span multiple floors. On the interior, these elements are fitted with a service layer for building installations, while the exterior is clad in a ventilated timber façade.