Swiss sculptor Hermann Haller's historic studio in Zurich has been meticulously restored by Holzhausen Zweifel Architects, preserving nearly a century of artistic heritage while ensuring the building's structural integrity for future generations. The 1933 wooden pavilion, which Haller designed himself alongside city architect Hermann Herter, stands prominently in the prestigious Seefeld district just steps from Lake Zurich.
The fact that Haller (1880-1950) initially studied architecture before becoming a sculptor is evident in his thoughtfully designed studio building. Despite its prime location near the lake, the modest wooden structure often goes unnoticed by passersby, perhaps overshadowed by the iconic Le Corbusier Pavilion that was erected directly next to it approximately 35 years later.
The restoration project, commissioned by the City of Zurich, required careful coordination with municipal heritage preservation authorities to maintain the building's weathered appearance accumulated over 100 years of use. The architects described their mission with the phrase "Haller has just left the building," emphasizing their commitment to preserving the authentic atmosphere of the working artist's space.
Zurich assumed ownership of the studio in 1982 when the Haller estate transferred the building along with the sculptor's collection to the city, with the stipulation that it be preserved and remain accessible to the public. Today, the studio opens during summer months, displaying a combination of Haller's own works—primarily female sculptures—alongside contemporary artistic pieces. Even during the sculptor's lifetime, the pavilion-like structure served as a gathering place for Zurich's artistic community.
Visitors enter through a small veranda on the south side, facing toward Le Corbusier's pavilion, into two studio spaces bathed in soft light from large translucent skylights. The interior features white wooden slat cladding that creates an intimate workspace atmosphere. The asymmetrical gabled roof and skylights were carefully renovated using appropriate materials, while the textile shading system had its cable mechanisms restored to working condition.
The larger studio space features a gallery level that wraps around the corner, with railings brought up to current safety standards and fitted with fine protective netting. In the rear section, a narrow wing houses a toilet and former external storage area, where architects added a wooden mezzanine floor to facilitate sculpture transport between storage and exhibition areas. Additional improvements included a lockable storage box and protective plexiglass panels around the storage area's wooden construction—pragmatic yet understated interventions.
The most significant challenges involved foundation repairs, as severe settling over the decades had damaged doors, windows, the roof, and skylights, allowing rain and small animals to enter the interior. The original point foundations were connected with a continuous concrete beam and reinforced through injection techniques. Steel support beams between the studio floor and ground level now provide additional structural stability.
The comprehensive restoration cost 1.45 million Swiss francs gross (according to construction cost categories BKP 1, 2, 4, 5, and 9), representing a significant investment in preserving Zurich's cultural heritage. The project demonstrates how sensitive renovation can maintain historical authenticity while meeting modern structural and safety requirements, ensuring this important piece of Swiss artistic history remains viable for future generations of artists and visitors alike.
