I am learning ZF2.0 beta. In ZF1 we can change layout on the fly in controller:
Zend_Layout::getMvcInstance()->setLayout(\'layoutname\');
You will also have to set the layout either in the bootstrap or when using di. Di example:
'Zend\View\Resolver\TemplateMapResolver' => array( 'parameters' => array( 'map' => array( 'layout/different' => __DIR__ . '/../view/layout/different.phtml', ), ), ),