Bolon flooring in the revolutionary Children’s Hospital by Herzog & de Meuron in Zurich.
In Zurich-Lengg, a new standard is being set for hospital architecture. Herzog & de Meuron aim to demonstrate how thoughtful design can enhance human well-being and support healing processes. Over 12,000 square meters of Bolon flooring features throughout the facility, and was selected due to the superior high-performance benefits, including durability, easy maintenance, slip resistance, and hygiene.
“A hospital is where people find themselves in difficult situations, yet they are often some of the least inviting places. We believe that architecture can make a tangible difference. At the University Kinderspital, you can see how different lighting and proportions can enliven a space, and how materials can not only look appealing but also feel pleasant to the touch—architecture can contribute to healing,” explains Jacques Herzog.
The use of natural materials and colors throughout the hospital fosters a sense of security. In both buildings of Zurich’s new children’s hospital, Bolon’s BKB Sisal Plain Sand has been installed across 12,700 square meters. In the research and education building, this sisal-inspired flooring, with its soft, textured surface, enhances the offices of PhD students and lab staff across multiple floors. In the acute care hospital, Bolon flooring is featured in waiting areas and seating spaces.
Klara Persson, Head of Product Management at Bolon, notes, “When hospitals are built or renovated today, architects strive to create environments that are homely and calming. These spaces must protect privacy and maintain dignity. High-quality materials and carefully considered color schemes foster a positive experience for patients, promoting healing.”
Herzog & de Meuron specifically sought flooring solutions that would move away from the typical sterile, glossy surfaces found in hospitals. Instead, they aimed for a more inviting atmosphere with textile-like textures. Our flooring not only meets the medical and functional requirements but also creates a comfortable environment through its unique textures, patterns, and colors.
Bolon is proud to have provided the ideal flooring solution for this remarkable project, where patients can heal in an environment that actively supports their recovery.
To learn more about Bolon in healthcare environments, or discuss finding a flooring solution for your project, contact The Andrews Group | Proud Bolon Partner.
Project photography: Maris Mezulis