Center for Laboratory Medicine presents winning project for the new laboratory building

The Center for Laboratory Medicine St.Gallen has reached a decisive milestone: the winning project for the new building on Frohbergstrasse has been chosen. The "FLOWLAB" will be a laboratory building that combines innovation, sustainability and architectural excellence. "We are thus laying the foundation for the future of our center," emphasizes Dr. Martin Frey, CEO.

FLOWLAB - Architecture for the future

The winning project by the renowned architecture firm WALDRAP AG impressed the jury in all evaluation criteria. "FLOWLAB impresses with its clear structure, precise form and maximum functionality. It is flexible, future-oriented and meets the most demanding standards of modern laboratory architecture," explains PD Dr. Angelika Hammerer-Lercher, ZLM Board Member and Chairwoman of the Real Estate Committee. "The building positions itself confidently in the heterogeneous environment of Rorschacherstrasse and makes a strong statement."

Perfect integration and sustainable vision

The three-aisled building structure blends harmoniously into the existing building line and allows for future additions without compromising the urban order. Vertical façade divisions and recessed sections lend the building a dynamic character. Particular attention is paid to the design of the green and open spaces: vertical greening of the façade, an extensively greened roof and a photovoltaic system create ecological added value. The greenery promotes biodiversity, provides a habitat for insects and birds, protects the façade and changes with the seasons - all without the need for extensive maintenance. The roof terrace becomes a place for employees to relax and at the same time retains rainwater.

A working environment for top performance

With the new building, the Center for Laboratory Medicine has not only created an architectural highlight, but also an optimal working environment for its employees. Modern laboratory space, ergonomic workstations and inspiring common areas promote efficiency, creativity and well-being. "Our teams are the heart of the ZLM. With FLOWLAB, we are giving them the best conditions to continue delivering top performance for medical practices, hospitals and health centers throughout Eastern Switzerland in the future," emphasizes Martin Frey. "An environment that motivates and inspires is the basis for even better medical analytics."

Sustainability meets cost-effectiveness

"Our aim was to develop a solution that combines cost-effectiveness, practicality and architectural quality," says Gildo Da Ros, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ZLM. "FLOWLAB is a building for the future - economical, sustainable and of high intrinsic value." The new laboratory building should be completed by 2031. The need is great: the ZLM is currently spread across three locations. "Bringing them together under one roof will bring efficiency, shorten distances and open up new development opportunities," explains Martin Frey. "We are convinced that FLOWLAB will enable us to achieve our goals in terms of efficiency, sustainability and customer proximity."

Project competition and public exhibition

The winning project emerged from a selective, anonymous competition. Out of 39 applications, 10 teams were invited to take part and five made it to the final round. The jury would like to thank all participants for their creative contributions. The public is cordially invited to view the winning project and other designs from December 3 to 15, 2025 at the Center for Laboratory Medicine, Heiligkreuzstrasse 5, floor 1.

About the Center for Laboratory Medicine

The Center for Laboratory Medicine St.Gallen is a leading provider of medical analysis in Eastern Switzerland. ZLM supports hospitals, health centers and medical practices in diagnostics and therapy with state-of-the-art technology and the highest level of expertise. The range of services includes clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, immunology, bacteriology, genetics, other special analyses and analyses for veterinary medicine. As a reliable partner, the ZLM makes a decisive contribution to the quality and safety of medical care in the region.

Media release ZLM, December 2025