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ORBIZ Josef, Zurich

Between the future and a houseplant

Architecture
Collaboration with: OOS Architects, aplantis AG

 

Job
Indoor greening/Vertical greening

 

What we did
Green columns (free-standing and supported)

 

Extras
Planting, full service

How Hydroplant combines Josef Sci-Fi design with living greenery at ORBIZ – in the new flex office with a futuristic concept on Zurich’s Josefstrasse.

Plants in a room that looks like something out of a science fiction film? What may seem contradictory at first glance becomes a coherent overall concept in the Zurich flex office ORBIZ Josef. Hydroplant has installed 16 plant columns in this unique working environment – as decorative room dividers, green acoustic aids, and a design bridge between high-tech and nature.

Futuristic meets vibrant: plants and colors in perfect harmony

Plants as a counterbalance to futuristic aesthetics

On behalf of the architectural firms OOS and aplantis, the former Josef office building was extensively renovated and transformed into a modern flex office. The concept: to create working environments with identity – inspired by science fiction films of the 1970s. The result is an ambience with bright colors, circular room structures, and translucent materials. To prevent the whole thing from looking too cool and sterile, Hydroplant came into play: “The columns bring warmth, structure, and life to the futuristic environment – and they highlight the architecture instead of covering it up,” explains Corinne Prunner, project manager at Hydroplant.

Working between high-tech and greenery – plants as a haven of calm in the futuristic office environment.

Green room dividers in a sci-fi setting – the planted columns create striking accents.

Green diversity on all floors

A total of 16 planted columns were installed on the ground floor and the two upper floors—seven freestanding, nine built to fit around existing building supports. The structures are up to 280 cm high and positioned so that they function both as eye-catchers and room dividers. Easy-care, evergreen species with decorative foliage were chosen for the planting. Three different compositions provide variety: pure green, accented with red, or a colorful mix. The columns thus subtly reflect the color scheme of the interior – from bright yellow to coral to rich petrol blue.

Feel-good atmosphere included: plant columns become silent designers of the room

Green island meets focus room – for more peace, style, and structure.

Work flexibly, think green

ORBIZ Josef combines modern working styles with a high-quality environment. The plants not only contribute to the interior design, but also improve the indoor climate, enhance the acoustics, and increase the well-being of users. “What was particularly exciting for us was how well the plants fit into this special setting—and how harmoniously colors and shapes can be coordinated,” says Corinne Prunner. She describes the collaboration with OOS and aplantis as extremely pleasant and solution-oriented—just as one would wish.

Do you have a big green idea yourself?

Martina Hildén likes to take her time and looks forward to creative exchanges.