EKZ Dietikon - general planning and process-oriented operational planning

EKZ supplies around 130 municipalities as well as over 40 city and municipal utilities with electricity. The Dietikon site also plays a key role in ensuring a safe and environmentally responsible power supply. To optimise operational processes, IE Technology was commissioned to deliver a new workshop and warehouse building plus office floors. During the construction planning phase, the project scope was expanded – what started as a single office level ultimately became four storeys after three years of planning and construction.

The Challenge

The existing industrial building in Dietikon sits around 4.5 metres below the groundwater level on a Limmat island. The main challenges therefore included groundwater lowering, piled foundations and securing the excavation. Building services and energy supply also had to meet high sustainability targets – including the use of reference systems to generate insights for EKZ’s own customers. At the same time, ongoing operations could not be disrupted to ensure reliable power supply at all times.

Key Success Factors

To manage the groundwater situation, numerous temporary structures were erected on site in advance and utility lines were rerouted. This made it possible to implement the required measures while operations continued. IE Technology not only delivered the complete new build but also took on the architect’s role. Through careful material selection, a coherent colour concept and optimised lighting coordination, a future-ready office building with modern workplaces was created. In addition to mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, a photovoltaic reference system was installed to gain valuable insights for future energy supply solutions.