In view of the phase-out of nuclear energy and the decarbonisation of the heat supply for industrial processes, renewable energies are of crucial importance. The 170 football pitches large and underused marshalling yard in Spreitenbach offers potential as an energy hub. The project integrates solar and biogas systems into the site, using parabolic mirrors to generate industrial heat and photobioreactors to produce algae biomass for biogas. This approach on existing infrastructure space avoids conflicts with agriculture and creates acceptance of the settlement area.
A modular roof structure based on the logic of the Swiss marshalling yard supports these systems and can be transferred to similar sites across the country. The multi-layered design integrates the marshalling process, renewable energy, public spaces and biodiversity, increases the functionality of the site and reduces noise.
If reduced in size, parts of the site could be transformed into a landscape park with microclimatic vegetation, open streams and event spaces, such as a music festival backdrop of illuminated reactors and moving freight wagons. With this project, the Limmat Valley marshalling yard will become a multifunctional space that combines infrastructure, energy, community and nature.