EF Education First Zurich

EF Education First has comprehensively extended and modernised its Zurich headquarters. Located in the listed “Neue Börse” building on Selnaustrasse, the project creates space for contemporary working environments, innovative educational concepts and publicly accessible meeting areas. In addition to expanded facilities for the language school, a modern office spaces were realised.

The intention was to sustainably strengthen EF Education First’s presence and services in Zurich while transforming the historic building into a vibrant hub for employees and the public alike.

Contemporary interior modernisation behind a listed facade

The refurbishment was carried out in a building with a protected facade, requiring all construction measures to be implemented with the utmost care for the historic fabric. While the facade was extensively refurbished, three interior floors were completely restructured to meet today’s requirements for modern work and learning environments.

A key structural intervention involved opening the ceiling between the second and third upper floors to integrate a custom-designed steel staircase. This was complemented by the installation of fire-rated sliding doors to ensure the highest safety standards.

The Planning was carried out by an external specialist planner. Close coordination and a trusting partnership between EF Education First, Stücheli Architects and the project team formed the basis for the successful implementation of this technically demanding refurbishment project.

Lindner as General Contractor: Costum Solutions for Modern Work and Learning Environments

As general contractor, Lindner delivered high-quality, flexible interior solutions precisely tailored to the diverse functional requirements of the building. In addition to the complete interior fit-out, Lindner was also responsible for building services engineering and building automation.

The various trades were executed either by Lindner itself or in close cooperation with qualified subcontractors, ensuring seamless coordination across all disciplines.

As construction works were carried out during ongoing operations, special logistical concepts were required. A temporary logistics area was established in front of the building and traffic routing was adapted accordingly. An external scaffold with a material hoist enabled safe and efficient material delivery.

Additional challenges resulted from the partial use of the building by a banking institution and a daycare centre. Strict noise and vibration limits had to be observed at all times to avoid disrupting ongoing operations.

Products Used – Functionality, Design and Comfort

The open-space office areas feature multifunctional meeting rooms whose design combines warm timber elements with transparent glass surfaces, creating a modern yet welcoming atmosphere. High-quality Lindner systems were used, including Lindner Life Freeze 137 and Lindner Life Clear glass partition systems, as well as the acoustically optimised Lindner Life Stereo 125.

The concept is complemented by the Lindner Logic 100 Timber partition wall system, adding natural warmth and visual comfort to the spaces. Integrated door systems GTB 100, ATB 68 and HTB 41 complete the partition wall solutions.

For the flooring, LIGNA wood-based panels and the FLOOR and more® hollow floor system were selected. Both solutions impress with their natural appearance, flexible installation zones and easy access for technical maintenance.

A comfortable, energy-efficient indoor climate and optimised acoustics are ensured by Plafotherm® DS 320 heating and cooling ceiling panels. In the sanitary areas, a expanded metal ceiling creates a distinctive architectural accent.

Plasterboard construction works were carried out both by Lindner and in cooperation with specialised partners. As general contractor, Lindner assumed full responsibility for coordination, technical supervision and management of all trades, ensuring a smooth construction process – despite ongoing teaching and business operations.