The highly anticipated Haus zum Falken (House of the Falcon), designed by world‑renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, has officially been completed near Stadelhofen train station, marking a significant addition to Zurich’s architectural landscape. The building, which has sparked both admiration and controversy, stands as a testament to Calatrava’s signature style, featuring fluid lines and organic forms that echo the nearby Stadelhofen station — a 1990 Calatrava creation.
This exceptional work of architecture offers breathtaking panoramic views through its glazed facades, providing unobstructed sightlines to Zurich’s historic landmarks like Grossmünster and St. Peter’s Church. Calatrava emphasized the building’s sculptural qualities, stating that architecture thrives on the interplay of light, a principle evident in the building’s wave-like windows and curved steel supports.
Undergoing renovations for a new tenant, the ground floor will soon welcome a Bachmann confectionery branch set to open by year-end. The upper levels will become home to a variety of medical facilities, featuring specialized services such as internal medicine departments and oral and maxillofacial surgery units, as well as a dedicated women’s outpatient clinic that is part of the Zollikerberg Hospital network.
The development boasts an impressive array of public amenities, including a state-of-the-art bicycle station in the basement capable of accommodating up to 800 bikes, while its strategic location provides direct access to the train platforms.
In 2016, Calatrava, as the creator of the Stadelhofen station project, received a commission from SBB Immobilien to conduct a comprehensive study of the station’s potential reconstruction. Despite initial setbacks, including legal appeals and construction delays, the project has reached completion. The Axa Investment Foundation confirmed that all spaces have been successfully leased. Construction began in April 2022 following the resolution of disputes with the original contractor, Implenia.
Born from a vision conceived years ago, the culmination of nearly a decade of meticulous planning and dedicated execution now stands before us as a tangible reality.
You can find out more by visiting the website of the project.
Contributor: Maria Efimova
Cover photo: spg partner ag