Fire Protection for “The Circle” at Zurich Airport

At Zurich Airport, Johnson Controls has equipped “The Circle” building complex with seven autonomous ZETTLER® PROFILE fire alarm systems. Approximately 13,000 sensors monitor an area of 230,000 square meters, enabling early detection, precise localization, and automatic alarm activation in the event of a fire—in a highly complex new building with diverse uses, stringent safety requirements, and a clear commitment to sustainability.

“The Circle” is an impressive building complex at Zurich Airport that, in terms of size, range of uses, and technical connectivity, resembles a small city. After five years of construction, it opened in early November 2020. Since then, The Circle has been bringing people, ideas, and companies together in a modern business and service environment.

Spanning approximately 230,000 square meters, the complex comprises seven buildings with ten above-ground and two underground floors. The mix of uses includes, among other things, a day clinic, hotels, restaurants, retail, a convention center, fitness facilities, offices, entertainment, and wellness. Around 5,000 people now work here.

This diversity posed unique challenges for fire detection and fire alarm systems. Different types of use, high foot traffic, complex building operations, and numerous technical interfaces had to be integrated into a reliable safety concept. The goal was a solution that detects fires early, precisely locates the fire source, and automatically triggers the defined response measures.

A key consideration was The Circle’s high sustainability standards: The building complex is LEED Platinum-certified—having achieved the highest score ever recorded in Switzerland—and is one of the largest Minergie-certified buildings in the country.

Autonomous Fire Detection Technology for a Complex Site

Between September 2019 and March 2022, Johnson Controls installed seven ZETTLER® PROFILE autonomous fire detection systems. ZETTLER is a brand of Johnson Controls and stands for high-performance fire detection technology in complex building structures.

Approximately 13,000 fire detectors were integrated at the field level. The sensors monitor the various areas of the building complex around the clock. They detect fires early and precisely pinpoint the location of the fire. Defined processes are triggered immediately: automated notification to the fire department, siren alarms, and fire control systems—such as smoke pressure systems in elevator areas, doors, or ventilation systems.

Implementation on Schedule and Long-Term Operation

A key factor in the project’s success was the precise execution within the ongoing new construction project. Johnson Controls was able to complete the installation of the systems within the scheduled timeframe—without delays and without additional costs.

For the client, key factors included not only technical quality but also value for money, compliance with legal requirements, and Johnson Controls’ experience with complex security projects. The solution now installed at The Circle is designed for reliable 24/7 operation and helps protect people, property, and investments.

Even after the installation was completed, Johnson Controls remained involved. Through a maintenance contract, the company provides ongoing operational services—including regular maintenance, repairs, and support for employees’ technical questions.

The Circle at Zurich Airport impressively demonstrates how modern fire detection technology can be reliably integrated into large, multifunctional building complexes and operated over the long term.

The project at a glance:

• Location: Zurich Airport, Switzerland
• Multifunctional building complex with a variety of uses
• Opened in November 2020 after five years of construction
• Seven buildings covering an area of approximately 230,000 m²
• LEED Platinum and Minergie certified

The fire detection solution at a glance:

• Seven autonomous ZETTLER® PROFILE systems
• A total of approximately 13,000 fire detectors installed at the field level
• Purpose: early fire detection, precise localization of the fire source, and automatic alarm activation