Zürich, 2026
Historic Guber stone for Wirtschaft im Franz: Holdener Naturgartenbau is redesigning the restaurant terrace in Zurich’s District 3. The 100-year-old natural stones give the garden a distinctive, timeworn patina.
Construction of Permeable Paths, Steps, and Patios
Natural Stone Paving and Flagstone Surfaces
Construction of Wooden Decking and Patios
Metalworking and Steel Fabrication
In Zurich’s District 3 (Wiedikon), the terrace at Wirtschaft im Franz is shining in a new—and yet familiar—light. The secret: 100-year-old Guber stones have been given a second life here. They’re durable, wheelchair-accessible, and full of character from the start thanks to their naturally weathered patina.
The quartz sandstone comes from the Guber quarry in the Swiss canton of Obwalden and has long been used for driveways, patios, and gardens. To make the surface wheelchair-accessible, the uneven stones were lightly sawn, while stones that were already level were left in their original state.
Holdener Naturgartenbau regularly uses reclaimed natural stone—a sustainable choice that comes with the added benefit of a natural patina, without having to wait for decades.
Another advantage: Rainwater can seep through the joints. During heavy rain, excess water flows into side infiltration swales, which were planted with native wild perennials suited to alternating wet and dry conditions, following the “Sponge City Zurich” approach.