Quai Zurich Campus, Switzerland

Supporting the construction of an inspiring and sustainable work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.  

Creating a people-first space for employees 

For more than 150 years, Zurich Insurance Group has been headquartered at two large neo-baroque properties beside Lake Zurich. The client’s ambition for the Quai Zurich Campus was to redevelop the historic buildings to provide employees, customers and visitors with a modern and inspiring environment that fosters creativity. 

The campus, which includes green and open recreational spaces, has also been designed to facilitate Zurich’s new hybrid working model. The redesign aims to transform the site to reflect Zurich’s ambition to be one of the world’s most responsible and impactful businesses. The redevelopment comprises 23,000m² of workspace across the 35,000m² site and provides a working environment for more than 1,500 employees.

Redefining the leadership model for greater collaboration

Redevelopment of the headquarters and construction of new buildings began in 2017, to create a landmark complex that combines heritage and tradition with cutting-edge technology and design, providing robust environmental sustainability.  

We independently audited the project in 2018 and were subsequently appointed to implement project and cost management recommendations. Following the audit, we developed a new leadership model within the project that encouraged increased collaboration to assist decision-making and problem-solving. Our deliverables included the implementation of a project management office, allowing for more effective tracking of governance, procurement, risk and scheduling.  

Creating a company culture focused on wellbeing

The new headquarters has been built to the highest sustainability standards, addressing the city of Zurich’s target to reduce the average consumption of primary energy from 6,000 to 2,000 watts, per person, by 2050 - achieved by project completion. The property is powered using renewable sources, including rooftop solar panels, and heated and cooled by lake water.  

In addition to MINERGIE ECO certification (Switzerland’s quality standard for sustainable construction) the development has achieved 2000 Watt area, LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certification - the highest global building standard focusing exclusively on people’s health and wellness.