Interview with Ladina Esslinger

The KOYO project is setting new standards for the healthtech community in Schlieren. With a flexible, sustainable building, it brings together companies of all sizes and promotes an open working culture – a successful blend of innovation and community. Ladina Esslinger, Head of Project Development at Geistlich Immobilia AG, provides insights into the special architecture and the grand vision behind KOYO.

Ladina Esslinger, what is KOYO?

KOYO is a flagship project for us and new territory in this form. It is a high-rise building for office and laboratory use that is specially tailored to the growing healthtech community in Schlieren. Our aim is to create a vibrant building and environment that brings together established companies from the medtech and diagnostics sectors with innovative start-ups. They should benefit from each other, exchange ideas and grow together. The aim is to create a place where innovation takes center stage.

 

How does the community idea manifest itself in the building? 

We are looking for tenants with an open mindset – curious, eager to exchange ideas and interested in an active community. That doesn’t mean you have to reveal company secrets or share your lab. It’s about finding a balance: On the one hand, there are of course high privacy requirements, especially in the labs. On the other hand, we want an environment in which people can support each other, exchange ideas, celebrate successes and meet over coffee – simply enjoy being together. 

 

Why this target group in particular? 

Schlieren has developed into an important biotech cluster in recent decades. Thanks to visionary pioneers who started building it up early on. Today, the University of Zurich, the ETH and the University Hospital are represented here, and the Limmattal Hospital is also located in the immediate vicinity. The Canton of Zurich and the City of Schlieren aim to further expand this cluster, particularly in the field of healthtech, which includes medtech and diagnostics. 

 

Why is this particularly exciting for Geistlich? 

Over the past 175 years, Geistlich has developed from an industrial company into a leading Medtec company. We understand this sector and know what is important. Especially as we understand the specific needs of companies in this sector. 

 

What makes the project so special? 

An outstanding feature of this project is its location. The location right next to Schlieren station means that you can be at Zurich main station in just 10 minutes by S-Bahn – faster than from Seefeld. We are also embedded in a lively district where you can not only work, but also live, shop and spend your free time. There are daycare centers, kindergartens and various catering and leisure facilities. Such projects are rarely found in industrial or commercial areas. 

 

Do you see any other advantages? 

The high-rise building not only offers workspace, but also direct access to the countryside. The adjacent park and a crossfit facility create space for exercise and relaxation. Architecturally, the building stands out with its design, which blends harmoniously into the surroundings. The surrounding balconies invite you to take short breaks and offer space for inspiration. And despite its compact and functional design, the high-rise impresses with its special quality and unique character. 

 

Tell us more about the inside of the building.

The first floor will have a lively and open design – with a reception, a daytime catering area and an area for post, parcels and deliveries. This is where people meet, collect their mail and take care of everything to do with the building. There will be co-working and conferencing areas on three floors that focus on the sharing economy. Tenants will share conference rooms and meeting rooms, which will result in more attractive rental prices and offer flexibility in co-working. 

 

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So the labs and offices are located further up?

On the upper floors, we offer offices and laboratories that tenants can arrange flexibly. The medtech sector has very different requirements, especially when it comes to laboratories. That’s why we adapt the laboratory space and equipment individually – from workshops to highly specialized laboratories. Larger companies can combine two floors if they wish. We also create an attractive roof terrace, ideal for events and celebrations.

 

What are the typical requirements of healthtech companies?

The requirements in this sector are extremely varied. Some require laboratory space, others rely on workshops with special air exchange. Some work with gas connections, while others do without. We are faced with the challenge of creating the right mix that remains economical and covers all needs – without driving up rental prices.

 

And how are you tackling this challenge?

Our building offers maximum flexibility, with no fixed floors just for offices or laboratories. Each floor can be used individually – whether someone needs more office space with a small workshop or rather larger laboratory rooms and less office space. Office and laboratory workstations are close together and can be combined as required. The aim is always to create an open working atmosphere with shared desks and New Work approaches .

 

What role does the «Healthtech Park» association play for KOYO?

A very central one. The Healthtech Park pursues the same goals as we do: to further expand the healthtech community in Schlieren and strengthen the cluster. We work closely with the association and aim to make it our home. This will enable it to support start-ups directly on site with its services.

 

Sustainability: How does KOYO position itself in this respect?

KOYO focuses on sustainability through robust, compact construction and durable materials from regional sources. It is also anchored in the heart of a lively neighborhood, promoting exchange and community – be it through co-working spaces, shared lunches or meetings in the park at the Crossfit facility. We also support sustainability in the area of mobility with offers such as cargo bikes and possibly other forward-looking solutions.

 

What are the next steps in the project?

It will still be a while before the house is finished – it should be ready for occupation in early 2029. There is still a lot of work to do before then: We are planning to submit the building application in 2025 and we expect to receive planning permission in 2026. In the meantime, we will go on the market with our spaces and see what the response is like. These processes take time and require patience.

 

What do you find particularly exciting about KOYO?

Clearly the proof of concept. After a long period of planning with many experts and minds, the question arises: will the concept work in reality as we imagined it? That thrill when your thoughts develop a momentum of their own. And when you realize that it’s going in the right direction – that’s a particularly good feeling.

 

And what are you looking forward to the most?

I’m looking forward to a lively building with lots of exciting projects and innovative medical products being created here. Our office is very close by and I can hardly wait to enjoy a Japanese meal during my lunch break. I am particularly looking forward to the dynamic community and the research that will shape this place and make history.