A former grain silo at the Horgen Oberdorf station in the Canton of Zurich is being transformed into the first high-rise on Lake Zurich. The project converts the industrial structure into a residential tower featuring five spacious luxury condominiums.
Architectural Transformation and Luxury Living
The tower consists of four apartments, each spanning 110 square meters across two floors. The crown of the building is a penthouse covering 150 square meters, which extends across the top three stories.
Architect Aaron Wegmann conceived the project over 20 years ago after being inspired by a similar silo conversion in Bellinzona. According to Wegmann, four of the five units have already been sold, with the final residence expected to go on the market this summer upon completion.
Integrating Biodiversity into Urban Design
Beyond luxury housing, the tower aims to support local wildlife. A nesting box for kestrels has been installed on the roof by the president of the Natur Horgen association and his employee, Reto Huber.
The site offers an expansive view of Lake Zurich, extending toward the Säntis and the Glarner Alps. This elevation provides kestrels—a species classified as “near threatened” by the Swiss Ornithological Institute—a strategic vantage point for hunting small mammals and birds.
Future Prospects and Ecological Timelines
While the nesting box is ready, it may be too late for kestrels to settle in this year. Birds typically lay eggs in mid-April, followed by a 30-day incubation period and another four weeks in the nest.
Looking ahead, the residents could potentially monitor their avian neighbors via a webcam. Such a system is already in place at the waste incineration plant on Josefstrasse in Zurich, where peregrine falcons are currently nesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many apartments are in the converted silo?
There are five luxury condominiums in total: four 110-square-meter units and one 150-square-meter penthouse.
Why was a nesting box installed on the roof?
The box was installed to promote biodiversity and provide a habitat for kestrels, which have become significantly rarer since the 1960s.
When will the final apartment be available for purchase?
The final unit is expected to go on sale in the summer once construction is finished and the apartments are ready for occupancy.
Have you ever used a webcam to observe wildlife in an urban environment?
