Cocoon is a Spiraling Mesh-Encased Office Nestled Into a Park in Zurich

This elliptical office building in Zurich features an open floor layout that spirals up and around a vast atrium filled with natural daylight. Nestled into a park and surrounded by old growth trees, Cocoon, which was designed by Zurich-based <a href="http://www.camenzindevolution.com/" target="_blank">Camenzind Evolution</a>, is as much a sculpture as it is an office building. The building is encased in a stainless steel mesh that provides privacy and protection from solar heat gain. Designed with sustainability in mind, the office makes use of energy-efficient heating and cooling, daylighting, a flexible layout, and durable, long lasting materials.

Cocoon is a 1,900 sqm office building for Swiss Life in Zurich designed by <a href="http://www.camenzindevolution.com/" target="_blank">Camenzind Evolution</a><em></em>.

The elliptical building is located in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seefeld_(Zurich)" target="_blank">Zurich’s Seefeld district </a>on a hillside with views overlooking the lake and enjoys a park-like setting and old growth trees.

Spiraling up from the ground, the interior enjoys a wide variety and flexibility in office spaces and can adapt and change over time as needed.

The center of the building is a vast atrium lit from above by a giant skylight.

Natural daylight permeates through the entire space and creates pleasant working conditions at every desk.

Oriented to the south, the office also enjoys a good solar resource, but tempers that with the stainless steel mesh facade, which acts as a rain and sun screen.

Light still filters in through the mesh, but the interior does not over heat and enjoys a high level of privacy.

Energy efficient heating and cooling is provided via an air-source heat pump and the stack effect and operable vents in the ceiling allow for natural ventilation.

Spiraling ramp leads to all of the office spaces around a central atrium.

The giant oculus pulls in lots of natural daylight.

The office areas are set on horizontal platforms around the central circulation ramp.

Each office space enjoys views to the outside and towards the atrium.

The rooftop is outfitted with a deck and a green roof to soak up rainwater and the surrounding hardscapes are permeable to account for stormwater infiltration.