Design Meets Sustainability: Z43’s Green Solar Pergola at Zurich HQ
Designed by Morger Partner Architekten AG
The new pergola at the Z43 headquarters at Zeughausstrasse 43 in Zurich transforms a previously underused balcony into a refined, functional extension of the building. Once a bare surface that amplified heat, reflecting sunlight into the two‑story metal extension, the balcony is now shaded with solar panels and has been reprogrammed to become a high‑quality green outdoor space.
Z43 Zeughausstrasse, pergola with climbing greenery. Image credit: Z43
Composed of a series of slender steel arches, the pergola supports both climbing greenery and integrated semi‑transparent photovoltaic panels. This layered structure serves three key functions:
- As the plants mature and form a green tunnel, they will mitigate direct solar radiation, reduce heat buildup, and help cool the overall building envelope
- The photovoltaic modules admit light while providing shade and, at the same time, generate renewable energy that complements the existing rooftop solar installation
- The balcony is transformed into a comfortable terrace that can be used for informal meetings, lunch breaks, and everyday work activities
Z43 Zeughausstrasse, steel arches of the pergola with greenery. Image credit: Z43
Colorful tables and benches, a signature feature of Z43, further animate the space and underscore its welcoming character. Together, these elements create a vibrant outdoor environment that enhances both the building’s performance and the daily experience of its users.
Z43 Zeughausstrasse, photovoltaic modules and colorful tables and benches. Image credit: Z43
The project aligns with the broader vision of the Z43 NetZero Foundation*, which is committed to minimizing the climate impact of human activities by supporting scalable, carbon-neutral technologies. The renowned Morger Partner Architekten AG was commissioned to bring this vision to life, culminating in the completion of the pergola in early 2026. Petra Faller refined and finalized the planting concept for the pergola. The new pergola combines spatial quality with on-site energy production and demonstrates that even modest architectural interventions can help achieve a net-zero CO₂ footprint for Z43.
Z43 – Think Renewable!
Z43 Zeughausstrasse, pergola and rooftop drone tour. Image credit: Z43
* The Z43 NetZero Foundation, a Swiss-based nonprofit, is committed to minimizing the climate impact of human activities by investing in research and development of scalable, carbon-neutral technologies. Its initial goal is to achieve a net-zero CO₂ footprint of Zurich43.
