The culverted Grundbach stream was uncovered and restored along the 100-meter section of its course where it enters Lake Zurich. In the context of a feasibility study, EBP developed various options, drafted a hydraulic engineering project, and oversaw construction management.

For a lakeside redevelopment project (Zürichsee-Gut), the course of the Grundbach stream was upgraded to comply with current flood protection standards and revitalized on the site. The hydraulic engineering project involved exposing the stream over a length of 75 meters and redesigning its mouth where it flows into Lake Zurich. The new watercourse was to blend attractively into its surroundings and be natural and ecologically diverse. The procedure for the hydraulic engineering project provided an opportunity to define the watercourse area in advance, thereby enabling more appropriate development of the site.

The section in the Seestrasse area was enlarged but remained culverted. Due to the site’s soft subgrade (reclaimed concession land), we opted for a flexible construction in the form of a corrugated steel pipe with a low-profile mouth. This allowed the required drainage capacity to be achieved despite the limited ground cover. The design also enabled rapid construction, which reduced water retention to a minimum.

Depending on the season, the mouth of the Grundbach stream lies in the siltation area of Lake Zurich. During the project planning phase, we needed to take account of floodwater runoff and sediment deposits from the Grundbach, as well as the effects of waves from the lake. The riverbed reinforcement and bank design had to take these various factors into account, particularly the soft ground. The opening up of the stream created new spawning grounds for the endangered lake trout.

EBP handled the phases pertaining of preliminary design, construction planning, permitting, tendering and project execution (construction management).

We collaborated with Lorenz Eugster Landscape Architects and the local planning office Städtebau GmbH.