Golden
Creek

The hills surrounding Zurich are a patchwork of architectural epochs – low- to mid-rise houses, constantly altered and adapted over decades. Golden Creek, a 1950s residential building, is one such case. Through a precise architectural intervention, its life is extended into the future while unlocking latent spatial qualities embedded in the original design. Yet many of these buildings are demolished before their potential is exhausted, replaced by new developments.

The intervention operates on two levels. First, the reorganisation of circulation introduces a central spine, reconfiguring kitchen, living, and sleeping areas into both expansive open zones and intimate retreat spaces. The new core acts as a connective piece, redefining the building’s character.

Second, the project amplifies qualities already present in the original design. Suspended ceilings are removed to reveal generous heights. New or enlarged openings to the exterior strengthen the connection to the garden and surrounding vegetation, while creating distinct atmospheres.

Golden Creek stands as an argument for the strategic reuse of existing buildings: architecture as careful recalibration rather than replacement.