Children's Hospital of Zurich

Children’s Hospital of Zurich

Plant power for Zurich Children’s Hospital

Architecture
Collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron, Kinzo Architects

Job
indoor greening

What we did
Planning, planting, full service

Extras
Custom-made containers made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) for the working garden

Taking care – Hydroplant looks after the green resources at the new University Children’s Hospital in Zurich. A project with a special responsibility and meaningful impact, which once again shows how much power plants have.

They do not play the leading role, but rather blend into the bigger picture. They accompany us through everyday life, provide moments of relaxation, and create space to breathe deeply—the plants at the University Children’s Hospital in Zurich. The new building was not only a major undertaking in terms of logistics, but also demonstrates how important architecture is in relation to people and health. The building is impressive without being overwhelming. Instead, it radiates a soothing, positive atmosphere and whispers encouragingly: everything will be fine. It is a project that demands the utmost sensitivity – Hydroplant is also aware of this responsibility and is contributing with empathy.

Plenty of light and airiness: the new University Children’s Hospital Zurich radiates positivity.

The guiding principle: creating security

To make arriving at the new Kispi easier for children, relatives, staff, and doctors, the architecture was framed with lots of greenery, which was repeated inside. Hydroplant was responsible for bringing plant landscapes into the office spaces of the children’s hospital. Depending on the location, they serve as room dividers, decorative elements, and always bring joy. The renowned architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron has created something extraordinary with the new building: a place that is more than just a medical facility. It is a place of comfort. The finely coordinated materials, shapes, and structures give the new Kispi a friendly and warm atmosphere. This ensures that young patients feel well cared for and comfortable.

The plant garden provides focus and relaxation.

Monstera & Co. are arranged in special plant pots made from recycled plastic.

The implementation: sustainable greening

Special recycled plastic containers are used to ensure that the green side of the children’s hospital in Zurich can also take root indoors. Not only are they sustainable, as they are made from 100 percent recycled material and are fully recyclable, they are also very sturdy and incredibly light. This means they can accommodate different plant species of varying heights and with a wide variety of leaves. An invitation to relax. So that employees can find respite from their challenging everyday working lives.

Caring and looking after

Hydroplant provides a full service and thus takes full responsibility for the success of the indoor greenery. This ensures that Monstera deliciosa, tree strelitzia, striped ferns, and all other plants thrive and enrich the café bar, lounge, and recreation areas as plant landscapes. Sophie Schweizer, project manager at Hydroplant, is enthusiastic: ” It was a particular pleasure to implement the greening in such an architecturally impressive building.” Plants with the same water requirements were combined in the special containers, so that the watering schedule is tailored to all of them. Another important aspect was the selection of plants that also grow well in less light-flooded locations. A task that requires a lot of sensitivity and gives a lot back.