ETH University, Zurich

5-metre travertine panels create a play of light and shadow

ETH is one of the leading universities in technology and natural sciences.

For one of the key campus buildings the architect wanted to create a reinforced concrete structure and to shield the interior of the building from the sun’s rays through the use of a series of 5-metre high travertine panels, which during the day would create a play of light and shadow within.

As most cutting machines were unable to manage such lengths, Salvatori modified equipment and created extensions which allowed them to then cut the slabs. The subsequent challenge of lifting them to heights of over 20 metres was overcome by inventing a counterweighted pincer which lifted each slab into place and allowed it to be rotated 180 degrees.

DESIGNER: Baumschlager Eberle

MATERIALS: Light Travertine and Lava

TEXTURE: Honed