ETH Zurich has unveiled HiLo, the latest addition to Empa and Eawag’s modular NEST research building in Duebendorf, Switzerland. Featuring a doubly curved concrete roof, lightweight funicular floors, and self-learning building technology, the new unit reflects nearly a decade of ETH Zurich research in architecture and sustainable technologies. 

Sitting at the intersection of past and future, HiLo was inspired by medieval building principles and planned and built using state-of-the-art computational design and fabrication techniques. A team of scientists led by Philippe Block, Professor of Architecture and Structures, and Arno Schlueter, Professor of Architecture and Building Systems, along with industrial partners explored how lightweight structures and efficient construction methods can be combined with intelligent and adaptive building systems to reduce embodied and operational emissions in the construction and building industry.

For the mezzanine floors of the unit, the research team aimed to use as little material as possible. They used a rib-stiffened funicular shell instead of a flat plate, which allowed HiLo to use over 70 percent less material than conventional floor slabs in reinforced concrete. Digital production methods also allowed the integration of ventilation, cooling, and low temperature heating systems into the floor structure for increased reduction in materials and size. 

Another innovative building technology component of HiLo is its adaptive solar façade, which consists of 30 photovoltaic modules that can be aligned with the sun. They can also control how sunlight enters the space allowing for efficient indoor climate regulation. 

“HiLo stands for 'high performance — low emissions,'” shares ETH Zurich. “The unit allows researchers to test how the construction and operation of buildings can be designed to be as energy- and resource-efficient as possible, while at the same time ensuring an attractive architectural space and a high level of comfort.”

HiLo is the eighth module in the NEST building, a research and innovation facility where materials and systems are tested, researched, developed, and validated under real conditions. Researchers from ETH Zurich previously worked on another structure atop the NEST research building called the DFAB House, which was built using digital building techniques and programmed robots.