Radio Zuersee

The broadcasting centre of Radio Zurisee AG is located in the immediate vicinity of the shores of Lake Zurich in the heart of Rapperswil. The historical building houses the editorial office, the entire radio technology and the broadcasting studios.
Radio Zurisee is a private radio station that is not supported by the public sector and is constantly reinventing itself: on a trip to the United States, the latest broadcasting technologies were researched and imported, and the concept of „radio“ was also redefined in an increasingly visual world.

Instead of a purely acoustic transmission, the radio of the future will also be visible online via livestream. These new broadcasting formats also required new premises.Over the years, the floor plan was repeatedly adapted to the needs and lacked a clear room layout. Therefore, a functional space program was created, in which the editorial office was repositioned, the studio technology and IT were moved to the basement and the small transmitting cell was replaced by a spacious loft, which restored the size of the former dance hall of the building.

In the large Radioloft two broadcast studios were integrated „room-in-room“ which have a visual reference to the hall. In the hybrid used loft also a show kitchen and a mobile stage for concerts were integrated as well as a lounge for interviews and talks. The technical requirements for a broadcasting studio are static conductive floors, specially conditioned room air and, in combination with the cameras, interference-free light planning.

The history of the building was taken into account by integrating new interpretations of historical design elements such as herringbone parquet, wall friezes and chandeliers. Classic furniture was combined with extravagant eye-catchers such as the swan armchair, which consists of numerous small plush swans and provides a cuddly basis for interviews. The swan armchair and the ostrich feather light are not only the hooks for a conversation-like interior concept but also always offer a good start to a conversation.

The spacious hall of the Radio Zurisee can be rented for private and company events for up to 60 people and, if desired, you can experience up close how radio is made.In the converted rooms, the building underwent static upgrading and pollutant remediation. Despite many surprises and despite explorations of unforeseen architectural challenges, the cost ceiling and deadlines were met.

Susanne Fritz Architekten