The KISPI – Children's Hospital Zurich, designed by the renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, is a groundbreaking project in modern architecture and healthcare. As a manufacturer of high-quality wood products, we are proud to have been part of this impressive project: HIRAM Habitat supplied 300 m³ of high-quality facade elements made from rift-sawn Douglas fir, distributed over 12 truckloads. These precisely crafted elements, ranging from small-knotted to knot-free, were integrated into the striking facade design that defines Herzog & de Meuron's vision.

The Children's Hospital: Architecture with Humanity and Vision
The Children’s Hospital spans a length of 230 meters and a width of 100 meters. With a total floor area of 23,000 m², the new building is both imposing and functional. The distinctive concave-curved facade breaks up the mass of the building and creates an inviting lightness.

With the KISPI, Herzog & de Meuron have not only created a functional building but also an architectural concept that supports healing while providing a state-of-the-art medical environment. This is achieved, among other ways, by opening the building up to nature and using wood as a central design element. 16 green courtyards, naturally framed by the wooden facade, bring light and greenery into the KISPI. These courtyards divide the expansive spaces and create a calming atmosphere – essential for the well-being of both the young patients and the staff.

The Wooden Facade: A Masterpiece in Douglas Fir
The facade is clad with high-quality and durable Douglas fir facade elements. Particularly impressive: A total of 15 different types of facades were developed for the Children’s Hospital Zurich, which not only set aesthetic accents but also help with orientation within the building. Our contribution was the supply of precisely crafted Douglas fir wood: rift-sawn, knot-free, and sustainably sourced. The wood primarily comes from the forests of our homeland, the Black Forest. We were able to meet the high quality requirements with HIRAM wood from premium altitudes – mostly small-knotted and evenly grown.

Douglas fir not only gives the building warmth and comfort, but it also significantly contributes to its sustainability. The Children's Hospital KISPI has been certified according to the Platinum standard of the Swiss Society for Sustainable Real Estate (SGNI) and is an exemplary model for sustainable construction in the public sector.

Challenges and Collaboration
The realization of this project posed enormous challenges for all involved – from logistics planning to the precise assembly of the wooden frame elements. Our collaboration with our partner sawmill, the construction company Künzli Davos AG, and the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron was characterized by clear communication and a shared goal: to create a building that is functional, aesthetic, and sustainable.

// Project Facts

• Project Name I University Children's Hospital Zurich (KISPI)
• Architect I Herzog & de Meuron
• HIRAM Habitat Material Supply I 300 m³ facade elements, Douglas fir, small-knotted to knot-free
• Facade Features I 15 types of facades, curved design
• Construction Time I 6 years
• Completion I September 2024
• Additional Project Information and Images I Herzog & de Meuron I Project 377 Kinderspital Zürich
• Image Material: Maris Mezulis