immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: New construction

  • “Fischermätteli” first site with Minergie certificate

    “Fischermätteli” first site with Minergie certificate

    The innovative and long-term residential construction project Fischermätteli was successfully completed by Strüby Unternehmungen in autumn 2023 after a staggered construction period of around three and a half years. The ten apartment blocks with a total of 168 condominiums were built on a former commercial site in Burgdorf BE. Over 6600 m3 of Swiss wood was used in the construction, which serves as a natural CO2 reservoir and has an excellent ecological footprint thanks to the short transport routes.

    One hundred per cent of the energy requirements for the entire site are covered by renewable sources. The electricity comes from the PV systems on the roofs of the buildings, while the heat for heating and hot water comes from a heating centre that runs on Swiss pellets. The well thought-out mobility concept is based on electric mobility, car sharing, bicycles and public transport. A co-working space supports working from home and thus indirectly relieves traffic congestion. In addition, the environmental design based on the sponge city principle ensures natural and efficient cooling in summer and turns the project into a true biodiversity hotspot thanks to the wide variety of native plants.

    Label with high requirements
    In April 2024, the largest real estate project to date was awarded the coveted certificate by the Minergie association: the Minergie-Areal label, having already been awarded the Minergie-A-ECO label. The new standard, which has been in place since September 2023, is supported by various organisations such as the Minergie Association, the cantons, the business community and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The Minergie site is characterised by minimal energy consumption, minimised greenhouse gas emissions during construction and operation and maximum self-sufficiency with renewable energies. The buildings have particularly efficient heat insulation and controlled air exchange. In addition, the outdoor space of the Minergie site is designed in such a way that climate resilience and quality of stay are increased, for example through green planting and shading options. Another advantage of the Minergie site is the promotion of climate-friendly mobility.

    The development in Burgdorf BE sets new standards in timber construction for flats. With 168 owner-occupied flats in ten apartment blocks, it is the largest construction project of its kind to combine Swiss timber and the Minergie-A-ECO standard. Sustainability aspects were at the centre of the project right from the start, which earned it the first Minergie-Areal certificate for a completed project.

    Thanks to the elegant timber façades, the ensemble blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings. The clearly defined meeting and play zones with village charm promote relationships between the residents. At the same time, the architecture ensures privacy and creates living spaces with ideal air, light and sound characteristics. Community-enhancing elements such as a spacious communal pavilion and the professional home office zone “fm produktiv” round off the offer.

    The flats offer 2.5 to 5.5 rooms and are designed for singles, couples and families of all ages. The floor plans are flexibly designed so that they can be adapted to future needs. From the ground floor upwards, the building was constructed using timber elements.

    The energy supply is consistently based on renewable sources. The electricity for the approximately 400 residents comes from the PV systems on the roofs of the apartment blocks (700 MWh/year). Heat is generated in a heating centre using Swiss wood pellets.

    The mobility concept focuses on cycling, public transport, electric vehicles and car sharing. Bicycle stands, charging stations, repair and cleaning areas are available. Residents can also use one of the two electric cars from the neighbourhood’s own car-sharing scheme via an app or conveniently use the bus, which runs every half hour from the neighbourhood to Burgdorf. Demand for the condominiums and rental flats was very high right from the start. All 168 flats were sold or rented months before completion. The fair sales and rental prices certainly contributed to the great success, e.g. a flat with 4.5 rooms was already available from CHF 610,000 (minus Minergie subsidies from the Canton of Berne).

  • Emergency power for automatic doors: New battery backup solution

    Emergency power for automatic doors: New battery backup solution

    According to a press release,Dormakaba is launching a fire-tested battery backup for uninterruptible power supply in door automation. The installation kit for rechargeable lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFEPO4) has been specially developed for the ED 100/250 proprietary product. In the event of a power failure, the battery backup switches on and ensures continuous functionality of the automatic swing door system.

    Extensive scientific tests carried out by the Swedish state research institute Research Institutes of Sweden have ruled out any safety concerns, according to the statement, adding that the solution has demonstrated its added value in terms of safety and reliability “under very demanding test conditions”. This involved integrating an automatic door system on a fully equipped fire door and creating a worst-case scenario.

    “With the launch, we have developed a competitive product that offers customers significant added value in terms of security and sustainability,” Magin Guardiola, Chief Innovation Officer at dormakaba, is quoted as saying. Other advantages cited include lower installation costs and less need for expensive cable connections to external units.

    The locking technology company from Glattal intends to grow in Scandinavia with the building management solution. The product will be launched in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in April and May.

  • New catering project in Baden’s city centre on 1000 square metres

    New catering project in Baden’s city centre on 1000 square metres

    The catering and hotel company SV Group is setting up a restaurant with 300 seats and a terrace covering 1000 square metres at Konnex Baden. According to a press release, SV, headquartered in Dübendorf, will also be responsible for catering for guests in the conferencing area. The SV Group employs around 4800 people in Switzerland and will offer a catering service for the conference and meeting areas as well as event catering.

    According to the landlord’s press release, this means that the so-called city-within-a-city concept of Konnex Baden is increasingly taking shape. SPGI Zurich AG is responsible for the marketing and letting of Konnex Baden. Around 35,000 square metres of commercial space will be available following the total refurbishment.

    The city-within-a-city concept includes a range of services and amenities, including restaurants, shops for everyday needs, fitness, childcare and co-working. The Konnex building is located in the city centre, just a five-minute walk from Baden railway station and 20 minutes from Zurich.

    SPGI Zurich AG, based in Zollikon, is a subsidiary of the Intercity Group, an independent property services provider with group companies in Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Basel, St. Gallen, Olten SO and Zug. Since 1993, the company has been an alliance partner of Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global provider of property services with headquarters in Chicago and 53,000 employees in 60 countries.

  • Maaglive a green heart for Zurich West

    Maaglive a green heart for Zurich West

    In the heart of Maaglive, on the former Maag site, a multifaceted centre is expected to be created by the end of 2028. Consisting of the historic K building, a modern residential tower, a cultural pavilion and lively open green outdoor spaces, a new neighbourhood life will be created here.

    Maaglive focuses on neighbourhood revitalisation and new standards in urban development. The existing K building is and will remain a meeting point with catering and cultural facilities and co-working areas, while the cultural pavilion offers space for art and encounters. The residential tower complements the offer with living, working and catering space.

    The infrastructure on the neighbourhood square is tailored to the needs of residents, visitors and children and ensures a lively atmosphere. Events that attract residents and visitors alike will also take place here. The neighbourhood square is therefore a lively meeting place for the community. This green and traffic-free public area invites people to sit down, meet and play, surrounded by native trees. It connects the neighbourhood with the surrounding network of footpaths and cycle paths and serves as a natural extension of the urban living space, helping to reduce heat in the surrounding area.

    Maaglive combines sustainability with urban living. Thanks to flexible construction methods and the use of renewable energy sources, the new buildings fulfil the highest energy standards. The use of hybrid timber construction methods in the residential building emphasises the commitment to environmentally friendly design and positions Maaglive as a pioneer in sustainable urban development.

  • Ground-breaking ceremony for Bern’s first PlusEnergy neighbourhood

    Ground-breaking ceremony for Bern’s first PlusEnergy neighbourhood

    Today’s ground-breaking ceremony symbolically marked the start of the PlusEnergy Aarerain neighbourhood in Worblaufen. Following an extensive development phase, preparations for the construction site began in September 2023.

    The new development will offer 189 flats for up to 400 residents. In addition to the flats, a daycare centre and studio spaces are also planned on the ground floors, which will enliven the neighbourhood square. The project’s slope path will provide barrier-free access to the Aare area and the municipality of Ittigen’s new leisure and water sports centre. “Good things come to those who wait,” is a well-known saying,” says a delighted Marco Rupp, President of the municipality. “The Aarerain project completes the reorganisation of the Aare area in Worblaufen and fits in perfectly with our sustainable basic ideas of urban development.”

    PlusEnergy neighbourhood produces energy surplus
    Over the course of the year, the new housing estate will produce more energy than it consumes in accordance with the PlusEnergy neighbourhood energy standard based on weighted criteria. This will be achieved through the consistent use of photovoltaics on the roofs and façades of the six to eight-storey buildings. The PV panels on the façades will be realised in a green-blue colour and reflect the play of colours of the Aare and the surrounding area. Heat is generated by means of geothermal probes; the geothermal probes are regenerated in summer by cooling the flats via the underfloor heating.

    The “PlusEnergy neighbourhood” energy standard launched by the Swiss capital region promotes sustainable development in the building sector with a simple and clear definition, thereby contributing to the implementation of the Swiss government’s Energy Strategy 2050. The cantons and municipalities are working together with renowned infrastructure companies and investors. Cantonal Councillor Christoph Ammann adds: “PlusEnergy neighbourhoods enable sustainable development – without compromising on living comfort. I am delighted when such flagship projects shine beyond the capital region.”

    Close to nature and sustainable
    However, the development will not only score points in terms of its positive energy balance. The sustainable project is characterised by attractive flat layouts, a natural living environment with a view of the Aare and the greatest possible preservation of the green spaces on the banks of the Aare. Keeping the green spaces free is made possible by the compact construction of the site in the eastern part of the plot. Thanks to this skilful urban planning in the sense of economical use of the land, a good half of the plot remains undeveloped and natural. The car-free neighbourhood square between the buildings offers a high quality of stay and counteracts overheating in summer with its differentiated paving and greenery.

    The symbolic ground-breaking ceremony on 9 April 2024 marked the official start of the development of the Aarerain PlusEnergy district in Worblaufen, a project by Losinger Marazzi in collaboration with the CPV/CAP Coop pension fund and the municipality of Ittigen. The architecture was designed by Fischer Architekten AG. This ultra-modern residential development is scheduled for completion at the end of 2026 and will not only offer 189 flats, but also communal facilities such as a daycare centre and studios to enliven the neighbourhood.

  • New start on the site of the “Müllerbräu-Areal”

    New start on the site of the “Müllerbräu-Areal”

    Today’s ground-breaking ceremony marks the start of the redevelopment of the “Müllerbräu-Areal” in the heart of Baden. By 2027, a modern district will be created there under the motto “brew – live – enjoy”. In addition to retail and office space, 136 flats will also be built. The traditional brewery H. Müller AG will continue to brew beer at this historic site, where Baden’s brewing activities began in 1897.

    When the building permit is granted in October 2023, the ground-breaking ceremony today will mark the visible start of the transformation of the 8,000 square metre site. The new district next to Baden railway station will enhance the entire neighbourhood and have a positive impact on urban development.

    The art of brewing remains an important part of Baden’s identity. The site design plan still envisages the popular Müllerbräu beer garden. From 2027, the classic Müllerbräu beers as well as specialities from the “Müller Bräu Handcrafted” line, which are already produced by master brewer Simon Neuhold, can be enjoyed there.

    The fourth generation of the family business is investing a considerable sum in the double-digit millions in the new building project. It is possible that part of the development will be handed over to a partner. The construction phase will take around three years, during which the neighbours will be kept regularly informed of progress. The rental flats are expected to be advertised for rent from summer/autumn 2026 and ready for occupancy from summer 2027.

  • Graubünden Building Authority submits planning application for university of applied sciences

    Graubünden Building Authority submits planning application for university of applied sciences

    The Graubünden University of Applied Sciences is to receive a new university of applied sciences centre at the Pulvermühle site in Chur. The cantonal building construction office submitted the digital building application to the city of Chur on 12 March, exactly one year after the project was approved by the Grisons electorate. “By submitting the building application for the university of applied sciences centre, we have taken another important step,” said cantonal architect Andreas Kohne in a government statement.

    The building construction office expects a decision from the city in the course of the summer. Demolition work on the site will begin in spring. The official ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for late autumn 2024. If everything goes as planned, the University of Applied Sciences Centre will start operations in 2028.

    The UAS centre will provide space for 2,000 students and 300 employees. Today, the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden teaches in nine buildings at five locations. A total of 178 million Swiss francs will be invested in the project.

    The new building will be constructed by the Partenaris general planning team under the direction of Zurich-based Giuliani Hönger Architekten, who won the project competition in 2021. Local timber will also be used for the construction. The timber has already been felled in a total of 34 Grisons municipalities and is now being processed in eight sawmills in the canton.

  • Hilti Switzerland develops support system for new KSB building

    Hilti Switzerland develops support system for new KSB building

    According to a press release,Hilti Switzerland has “developed a coordinated, cross-trade fastening technology specifically for the new hospital in collaboration with the Baden Cantonal Hospital(KSB) and the planners, engineers and contractors involved, which all companies were able to work with right from the start”.

    It represents progress in the construction industry and could be used in other highly complex construction projects in the future, which also have to fulfil high technical requirements in terms of earthquake safety and fire protection. “We are not only achieving a technically and economically sophisticated solution, but also the safest and therefore most sustainable one,” says Marco Lüthi, project engineer for hospital construction at the Swiss representative of Hilti AG in Schaan, based in Adliswil.

    The new concept is intended for multi-storey buildings. The pioneering achievement consists of a holistic approach, they say. The joint solution puts an end to a common practice whereby each company designed and installed its own fixings and substructures. The isolated approach had made the processes inefficient.

    Thanks to the multiple bracket developed by Hilti, the heating, plumbing, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical trades were able to work together from the outset. This resulted in 60 per cent fewer fixing points (drill holes) and 50 per cent fewer cuts and items. Prefabrication and the elimination of separate brackets meant that the building services companies needed almost 50 per cent less time for installation. The use of lifting platforms, ladders and scaffolding was also reduced, thus minimising the risk of injury for construction workers. Sustainability has also benefited: In comparison with conventional fastening systems, 50 per cent of CO2 was saved.

    The new KSB building is expected to cost 580 million and is scheduled to go into operation in autumn 2024.

  • New construction of the Witzwil regional prison

    New construction of the Witzwil regional prison

    The plans to modernise the prison infrastructure in the canton of Bern are taking shape. The new building is to be financed with a total budget of CHF 13.5 million, which the cantonal government has now submitted to the cantonal parliament. This step is part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise the prison system, which is set out in the Canton of Berne’s master plan.

    CHF 12 million has been earmarked for the competition to ensure the best possible realisation of the new building project. The need for this new building arises from the condition of the existing Biel/Bienne regional prison and the requirement to provide adequate support for the closed prison system. The clarifications on prison space requirements and operating costs requested by the Grand Council in advance have now been provided, which means that the project is based on solid data.

    In addition, the realisation of the new building requires the relocation of a number of agricultural buildings that are essential for prison operations in Witzwil. In order to avoid expensive interim solutions, it is proposed to construct these buildings from scratch, for which an additional CHF 1.5 million has been budgeted.

    The vote on these financing proposals is scheduled for the 2024 summer session of the Grand Council. The approval of these loans will not only advance the urgently needed modernisation of correctional facilities in the Canton of Bern, but also ensure an efficient and sustainable solution for the accommodation of offenders.

  • Steinerberg in transition: from historic parsonage to visionary belvedere

    Steinerberg in transition: from historic parsonage to visionary belvedere

    After intensive research and detailed consideration of the historical, architectural and economic aspects, the cantonal government decided not to include the “Pfrundhaus” in the cantonal inventory of protected buildings. Instead, a successor building, the “Belvedere”, which is characterised by its sustainable construction and its integration into the existing townscape, was chosen. This decision takes into account the historical significance of the site next to the church and vicarage and aims for a harmonious integration into the sensitive surroundings of the village centre.

    The “Belvedere” project was chosen as the winner of a carefully conducted study commission process. The design is characterised by its economic and ecological advantages and makes a significant contribution to preserving the characteristic appearance of the village and landscape. “Belvedere” picks up on the essential features of the local building culture and at the same time fulfils the high design and monument preservation requirements.

    This decision paves the way for the realisation of the ambitious project to build contemporary retirement flats in the centre of Steinerberg. The redesign is intended to create added value for the entire municipality and act as a catalyst for quality-conscious further development of the townscape. This approach underlines the endeavour to replace historically valuable structures with innovative concepts that both strengthen the sense of community and take into account the needs of the older generation.

    With the “Belvedere” project, Steinerberg is taking on a pioneering role in the careful redesign of its historic centre. The decision to replace an important building with a future-oriented new building reflects the commitment of the municipality and the canton to preserve the village character while offering modern living solutions for older citizens.

  • Pioneering new administrative building planned in Liestal

    Pioneering new administrative building planned in Liestal

    The vision of an innovative and sustainable administration centre is taking shape in Liestal: The HARMONIE project, designed by the planning team Buchner Bründler Architekten and Rapp AG, has prevailed in a demanding competition process and is now to be realised on the Kreuzboden site. The plans for the timber building are characterised by an outstanding urban design quality that blends harmoniously into the existing surroundings and is rounded off by a restaurant pavilion facing Rheinstrasse.

    The building is part of the strategic project “Optimisation of the Liestal administrative site”, which aims to consolidate the current 45 or so locations of the cantonal administration. The aim is to increase administrative efficiency and centralise administrative operations under the most modern working conditions. The HARMONIE project will make a significant contribution to realising this vision by bringing together numerous workplaces in an environmentally friendly and innovatively designed new building.

    The use of wood as a renewable raw material emphasises the Canton of Basel-Landschaft’s commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility. The project also contributes to the revitalisation of the urban core of Liestal and sets new standards in the design of public buildings.

    The public exhibition of all competition entries in February 2024 will give the public the opportunity to gain a comprehensive insight into the plans and be part of the dialogue on the future design of their administrative centre. The realisation of the HARMONIE project will therefore not only improve the working conditions for the employees of the cantonal administration, but also make a valuable contribution to the urban development of Liestal.

  • Innovative training centre for civil protection in Chur

    Innovative training centre for civil protection in Chur

    The new training centre in Meiersboda, located in the municipality of Churwalden near Chur, marks a decisive step in the development of civil protection in the region. In view of the poor condition of the previous building, which was around 50 years old, the government decided to construct a completely new building. This decision followed in-depth analyses and sustainability calculations, which showed a new building to be significantly more efficient and cost-effective than a renovation.

    The “ZicZAC” project proposal, which was the winner of a competition, envisages a three-storey timber building that blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The design impresses with its clear structure, natural building materials and a central atrium that provides light and clarity. The building complies with the Minergie-P-Eco® standard and integrates a photovoltaic system with an output of 100 kilowatts peak on the roof.

    The new centre will not only serve as a training facility, but will also function as a deployment and command centre for the cantonal command staff in the event of an emergency. It offers optimal conditions for the training and deployment of civil defence and partner organisations and helps to ensure operational readiness and resilience in crisis situations.

    The financing of the project will be submitted to the Grand Council for discussion and then presented to the Grisons electorate for approval. If approved, implementation planning will begin in autumn 2024, with construction starting in spring 2025 and commissioning planned for summer 2027. The project underlines the commitment to efficient, sustainable civil protection and sets new standards for training infrastructure in the region.

  • Winterthurs Innovationslabor Grüze – Vorreiter für zirkuläres Bauen

    Winterthurs Innovationslabor Grüze – Vorreiter für zirkuläres Bauen

    Winterthur bereitet sich auf die Eröffnung des bahnbrechenden Innovationslabors im Stadtteil Neuhegi-Grüze vor. Dieses Gebäude, das im Frühjahr 2024 seine Pforten öffnen wird, ist nicht nur ein Zentrum für Informationsaustausch, Veranstaltungen und innovative Bauexperimente, sondern dient auch als gemütliches Kaffeehaus und Begegnungsort. Mit seinem Engagement für nachhaltiges Bauen und seiner vielseitigen Nutzung wird das Labor die Entwicklung des gesamten Stadtteils maßgeblich beeinflussen.

    Im Zentrum des Projekts steht ein revolutionäres Konzept, das von der Stadt Winterthur, der Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW) und Holcim entwickelt wurde. Es basiert auf dem Prinzip des “Leihens statt Besitzens” von Bauteilen, wodurch eine nachhaltige Ressourcennutzung und eine signifikante CO₂-Einsparung erreicht wird. Die verwendeten CPC-Elemente, eine Innovation der ZHAW und der CPC AG, sind sowohl belastbar als auch filigran und ermöglichen eine Reduzierung des CO₂-Fußabdrucks um bis zu vierfach sowie Materialeinsparungen von bis zu 75%.

    Der Ansatz des Innovationslabors Grüze besteht darin, Bauteile als wiederverwendbare Ressourcen zu behandeln. Holcim übernimmt dabei die Verantwortung für die Demontage und Wiederaufbereitung der Bauelemente für den zukünftigen Einsatz. Dieses Konzept stellt eine Win-Win-Situation für Bauherren und die Umwelt dar, da der herkömmliche Gebäuderückbau entfällt.

    Die innovative CPC-Technologie, entwickelt von der ZHAW und unterstützt von Holcim, markiert einen Wendepunkt im Hochbau. Sie ermöglicht eine effizientere Bauweise mit reduzierten Ressourcen und bietet neue gestalterische Freiheiten, insbesondere bei der Integration von Haustechnik.

    Die erfolgreiche Umsetzung des Innovationslabors ist das Ergebnis einer engen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Partnern mit umfassender Fachexpertise. Martin Joos vom Tiefbauamt Winterthur hebt hervor, dass das Ziel von Anfang an war, Neues zu wagen und Nachhaltigkeit in den Vordergrund zu stellen. Das Innovationslabor Grüze spiegelt den fortschrittlichen, aufgeschlossenen Geist des Stadtquartiers Neuhegi-Grüze wider, das als eines der wichtigsten Entwicklungsgebiete in Winterthur gilt.

  • Thierryturm-Gelände: Uni Freiburgs neues Fakultätsgebäude

    Thierryturm-Gelände: Uni Freiburgs neues Fakultätsgebäude

    Nach einer längeren Verzögerung aufgrund von Grundstücksverhandlungen nimmt das Projekt für den Neubau der Rechtswissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Freiburg auf dem Gelände des Thierryturms wieder Fahrt auf. Der Staatsrat hat beim Großen Rat einen Antrag auf einen zusätzlichen Projektierungskredit in Höhe von 12 Millionen Franken für Studienarbeiten gestellt. Zusätzlich wurde ein Verpflichtungskredit von 3,4 Millionen Franken für den Abbruch bestehender Gebäude auf dem Gelände beantragt.

    Das Projekt, das ursprünglich 2013 gestartet wurde, soll die angespannten Platzverhältnisse der Fakultät lösen und den Standort Miséricorde aufwerten. Der geplante Neubau wird nach den Kriterien des Standards Nachhaltiges Bauen Schweiz (SNBS) konzipiert, inklusive einer Photovoltaik-Anlage auf dem Dach. Die Integration eines Abschnitts der TransAgglo, einem wichtigen Bestandteil des regionalen Fahrradnetzwerks, ist ebenfalls vorgesehen.

    Die nötigen Projektierungsarbeiten werden gemäß der Verordnung über bedeutende Immobilienvorhaben des Staates vorangetrieben. Der geplante Abbruch der bestehenden Gebäude der Stiftung Le Tremplin, die dem Neubau weichen müssen, soll auch bodenkundliche Untersuchungen für eine eventuell notwendige Sanierung ermöglichen.

    Mit einem geplanten Baustart im Frühjahr 2027 und der voraussichtlichen Inbetriebnahme im Herbst 2030 belaufen sich die geschätzten Anlagekosten auf etwa 152 Millionen Franken. Für das Projekt könnte ein Bundesbeitrag für den Bau von Hochschulinfrastrukturen beantragt werden, der im Rahmen des zukünftigen Verpflichtungskreditantrags für die Durchführung des Projekts berücksichtigt wird. Dieses Vorhaben stellt einen bedeutenden Schritt für die Entwicklung der Universitätsinfrastruktur und die Stärkung des Bildungsstandortes Freiburg dar.

  • Europe’s most luxurious coworking space opens in Zurich

    Europe’s most luxurious coworking space opens in Zurich

    After the major fire, which left the building in danger of collapsing and caused damage totalling 25 million Swiss francs, it was a long road to reopening. The building insurance company of the Canton of Zurich described the incident as the “most expensive fire damage in the 200-year history of the GVZ”.

    The now revitalised building offers 5,000 square metres of space on the top six floors for 76 private offices and 600 state-of-the-art workstations. IWG has thus secured its largest location in Switzerland and offers a range of extras in addition to workspaces: a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Zurich, a fitness centre with personal trainer, a private members’ club with Italian restaurant and bar, a gaming centre and even a meditation and breastfeeding room.

    Patrizia Statelli, Managing Director of IWG Switzerland, Monaco and Gibraltar, emphasises the importance of hybrid working models in the post-pandemic era and the changing demands on workplaces. The flexible offices, meeting rooms and networking zones can be booked on an hourly or long-term basis, with the cost of around CHF 1,500 per person per month including all ancillary costs as well as use of the fitness centre and entertainment facilities.

    The fire delayed IWG’s move in by two years, but the company already had plans for this building before the accident. The ground floor is now home to a DQ Solutions shop, Yumi Hana with Korean and Japanese products and the new Club Mini Market.

    With the ambitious goal of growing from 53 to 70 locations in Switzerland over the next two years, IWG is also planning to cover the suburbs of major cities. Statelli is convinced that new, more flexible working models will characterise the future and reduce commuting, a concept that Europe’s most luxurious coworking space in Zurich now embodies.

  • Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area receives four new buildings

    Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area receives four new buildings

    The Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area in Allschwil will more than double in size in stages by 2028. The private investor Senn Resources from St.Gallen is investing around 350 million Swiss francs in the four new buildings planned. Together with the main building, which opened a year ago, they will form the Main Campus site. The Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area also has two other sites: the Jura site in Courroux and the Novartis Campus in Basel.

    As with the main building, three of the four new buildings will be designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, according to a press release from the Innovation Park. The “radically sustainable” Hortus office building is already under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2025. The All and Cloud laboratory and office buildings are in the planning stage. The public-facing Hope building was developed in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. Senn is building it with Basel architects Felippi Wyssen, who won the anonymous competition.

    “It is extremely gratifying that the partnership of a public and private institution has made it possible to build an innovation district of this size,” said Raymond Cron, Managing Director of the national umbrella organisation Switzerland Innovation. “This means that not only the life sciences location of Basel, but also the nationwide network of Switzerland Innovation ‘s six parks is gaining in importance.” “With Senn,” says Christof Klöpper, CEO of Basel Area Business & Innovation and CEO of Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, “a private partner is making a major contribution to attracting innovative companies to the region and supporting the objectives of Switzerland Innovation.”

  • Implenia wins two building construction projects in Germany

    Implenia wins two building construction projects in Germany

    Implenia has landed two major building construction projects in Germany, the Opfikon-based construction and real estate company announced in a press release. Implenia will be realising two further sections of the BERLIN DECKS city campus in Berlin-Moabit in cooperation with Dressler Bau GmbH. In Essen, developer TÜV NORD Immobilien GmbH & Ko. KG has commissioned Implenia to construct an office building in Essen. The volume of the contracts for Implenia is estimated at EUR 100 million.

    BEOS AG is realising a research and media quarter in Berlin. Implenia has already been awarded the contract for the first two construction phases. According to Implenia, sustainability plays a major role in the realisation of the project. Among other things, the company uses Lean Construction to optimise the construction process and use of resources.

    “We would like to thank BEOS for the long-standing partnership and the new contract,” Matthias Jacob, Country President Germany at Implenia, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The trusting cooperation is characterised by a shared entrepreneurial spirit and the commitment to continue to drive forward and successfully realise a demanding and forward-looking project such as the BERLIN DECKS, even in challenging times.”

    The office building with adjoining workshop and high-rise car park in Essen will be realised as part of the further development of the Technologiepark Nord in Essen-Frillendorf. Implenia is also focusing on sustainability here. The buildings will be designed for energy efficiency and connected to a district heating network. Photovoltaic systems will be installed on the roofs.

  • Halter realises residential development in Rothenburg

    Halter realises residential development in Rothenburg

    A project team led by Schlierer Halter AG will construct two identical buildings in Rothenburg, according to a media release. There will be 16 flats with 3.5 rooms, eight flats with 4.5 rooms and six flats with 2.5 rooms. The flats with 2.5 rooms will be rented out as retirement flats. The complex will also have adjoining rooms and cellars as well as a parking garage with 31 parking spaces.

    Following the recent ground-breaking ceremony, Halter AG is aiming to complete work on the building shell in the first half of 2024. The flats should then be ready for occupancy at the beginning of 2025. The developer is Lucerne-based Caranto AG.

  • EPFL and uHoo want to improve indoor environmental quality

    EPFL and uHoo want to improve indoor environmental quality

    EPFL is working on better indoor environmental quality (IEQ) standards as part of the EU INPERSO project. The aim is to develop a new approach to IEQ assessment that can then be used across Europe. This should help in particular with the refurbishment of residential and educational buildings.

    Sarah Crosby, EPFL researcher and leader of the project, and her team have evaluated several solution providers who could supply the necessary environmental data for the project. According to a media release, they have now chosen the company uHoo from Singapore as their partner. The company can measure 13 indoor parameters with various sensors and display the data on a digital platform.

    Dustin Jefferson Onghanseng, CEO and co-founder of uHoo, welcomes the collaboration with EPFL. “Our solution is designed to make a significant impact on the built environment by raising awareness for a healthier, greener and more conscious approach to indoor spaces,” he explains.

    According to the company, uHoo’s environmental platform is used by private and public organisations worldwide for commercial, residential, industrial, healthcare and airport buildings. In addition to its headquarters in Singapore, the company also has locations in Hong Kong and the USA.

  • Limmattal Summer Academy presents future projects

    Limmattal Summer Academy presents future projects

    The results of the Limmattal Summer Academy are currently being presented to the public by the OST- Ostschweizer Fachhochschule. The Summer Academy was about finding and describing future projects for the Limmat Valley. According to a media release, 60 students and young landscape and spatial planners, architects, traffic experts, sociologists and artists from universities in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands examined the Limmat Valley over the course of a week.

    The Limmattal Summer Academy was commissioned by the cantons of Aargau and Zurich and carried out by the OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule. Its results can be seen in the marquee at the Schlierefäscht until 10 September and will then travel to the Limmattal communities.

    “The Limmattal is one of the most dynamic core regions in Switzerland, the number one growth region,” Schlieren’s mayor Markus Bärtschiger is quoted as saying during this presentation. In order to be prepared for a sustainable future, however, the Limmat Valley needs new and unconventional impulses.

    The activities are concentrated on four focus areas: For example, the Zürcherstrasse between Unter- and Oberengstringen is to be upgraded to an aggloboulevard with recreational and green spaces. Another group of students combined the Fahrweid area into an emerald green ring by upgrading and linking ecological bridges in the area.

    The Silbern industrial cluster in Dietikon is to transition to a circular economy and become climate-adapted thanks to a pilot project. Ensuring public accessibility and usability of the riparian areas for all calls for a project around the Spreitenbach, Killwangen and Würenlos railway station area.

  • New Swiss solar cell production in the USA

    New Swiss solar cell production in the USA

    By expanding its business strategy to include solar cells “Made in USA”, Meyer Burger is responding to market requirements resulting from new regulations in the United States: Recently, the US Treasury Department announced guidelines for qualifying “domestic content”. These allow for an additional ten percent bonus on the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for US solar projects. “Meyer Burger strongly believes that domestically manufactured solar cells bring additional benefits to our customers, both in terms of using premium high performance ‘Made in USA’ solar products and qualifying for additional tax credits,” says Gunter Erfurt, CEO of Meyer Burger. With an initial production volume of two gigawatts of solar cells and modules annually in the US, Meyer Burger has the opportunity to receive tax credits of up to USD 1.4 billion from the start of production in 2024 until the end of 2032.

    As part of the decision to locate the solar cell plant in the USA, the company will receive another substantial financial package in addition to the IRA tax incentives: The city of Colorado Springs and the US state of Colorado are supporting the investment with almost USD 90 million, mainly in the form of tax credits, direct support and discounted electricity and water rates. In addition, upfront payments from module purchasers and a loan from the US Department of Energy (DoE) totalling more than USD 300 million are foreseeable. These are expected to help finance Meyer Burger’s growth in the United States.

    “Our presence in the US will allow us to reach existing and future customers faster. I would like to sincerely thank our partners in the Biden administration and in Colorado as well as our off-take partners DESRI, Ingka and BayWa for their support in expanding our US activities,” says Gunter Erfurt. He adds: “Meyer Burger is currently working on further multi-gigawatt offtake contracts in the US with new customers. We are already exploring opportunities to build further production capacity for solar cells and modules in the US”.

    The accelerated production schedule in the US is made possible by rerouting production machinery originally intended for the previously announced expansion of the solar cell factory at the Thalheim site in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. This equipment will now be installed at the Colorado Springs site in order to meet the planned completion date of the cell factory in 2024.

    As part of Meyer Burger’s successful application for the EU Innovation Fund, a multi-gigawatt expansion in Thalheim is planned at a later date. A prerequisite for such investments are favourable market conditions and secure, fair competitive conditions for European solar manufacturers in the EU.

    “Meyer Burger is a driving force for the expansion of solar energy in the US as well as in Germany and Europe,” says Erfurt. “We are pleased to lay the foundation for a transatlantic solar energy partnership and to continue to expand our production in Germany and the European Union.” In Germany, the company will therefore participate in the German government’s recently announced expression of interest in a PV industry renaissance.

  • “co-operate” – a model for climate-friendly construction

    “co-operate” – a model for climate-friendly construction

    As far as the sparing use of resources and the reduction of CO2 emissions are concerned, the campus that is taking shape on the Empa site in Dübendorf should certainly become a model student – from the top to the bottom, from the roofs to a depth of 100 metres, where the earth probes of a unique experimental seasonal energy storage system end. In summer, these “tubes” will store the waste heat from, for example, the refrigeration machines, ventilation systems and laboratory equipment, and then use it in winter for heating or for the production of hot water. The goal: to reduce the CO2 emissions of the buildings on the entire campus to a minimum and at the same time explore this innovative technology for a sustainable energy future.

    Minimising greenhouse gas emissions: This aspiration also shapes the constructions of the new campus. The three-storey building to the right of the entrance is a unique “wood-concrete car park” whose ceilings are a sophisticated construction of spruce beams and slabs with concrete overlay. According to the construction company Implenia, this hybrid construction method made it possible to reduce the thickness of the concrete layers to about one third. A significant saving was made on the “climate polluter” cement: around 9,300 m2 of concrete ribbed ceilings were replaced with wooden beam ceilings – also a contribution to the current trend of replacing concrete, where possible and sensible, largely with constructions made of wood.

    According to Kevin Olas, Head of Real Estate at Empa, one of the challenging aspects of this project was the cleverly integrated installation of lighting, electrical lines and waste water pipes, so as not to detract from the aesthetics of this sophisticated hybrid construction. In addition, the planning also had to take future aspects into account: With a view to climate change, the multi-storey car park was planned as a modular construction made of demountable prefabricated parts – with a view to a more distant future in which individual mobility may play a lesser role than it does today. Then parts of the building could also be converted into workshops or for other purposes.

    Urine as raw material for fertiliser
    In this future, environmentally friendly recycling will also determine building: Not only steel, concrete or wooden elements can be recycled in a climate-friendly way, but also human “raw materials”. Take urine, for example: in the large laboratory building at the centre of “co-operate”, “NoMix” toilets have been installed, which experts from the Eawag Water Research Institute have developed over the past few years. Without changing the usual use, they separate human urine from the so-called black water from faeces, flushing water and toilet paper.

    Because urine contains valuable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it can be used to produce fertiliser for agriculture. In a process specially developed by Eawag, the raw material is first stabilised in the basement of the NEST building using a biological process, thus losing its strong odour. An activated carbon filter removes all drug residues before the liquid is finally evaporated – to produce a high-quality fertiliser called “Aurin”, which is marketed by the Eawag spin-off Vuna GmbH. 1000 litres of urine produce 100 litres of this fertiliser, which since 2018 has also been approved by the Federal Office for Agriculture for use on edible plants.

    Many mosaic stones for a good carbon footprint

    In addition to the inconspicuous urine collection system, many obvious details document the campus’ claim to be a signpost for environmentally friendly construction. Photovoltaic installations will massively increase the campus’ own electricity production. And on more than 14,000 m2 of floor space, people move on recycled asphalt with a high proportion of 80 percent recycled material in the base layer and 20 percent in the thin surface layer.

    At the same time, the landscape architects have freely dispensed with asphalt in order to design close to nature: Previously sealed areas are “liberated”, such as Ludwig-Tetmajer-Strasse on the Empa site. “This ‘car park asphalt desert’ will become a green and shady zone,” explains Kevin Olas. And behind the large new buildings, biodiversity is also being promoted with diverse plants and trees – thanks to selected heat-resistant species that will also feel at home in future climate conditions.

  • New Empa and Eawag campus takes shape

    New Empa and Eawag campus takes shape

    The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa) and the ETH Domain’s water research institute, Eawag, are expanding their campus on the Empa site in Dübendorf, which will soon go into operation under the name co-operate, according to a media release. The architecture and design of the extension are conceived as a “signpost” for climate and environmentally friendly building and show approaches for less resource consumption and minimal CO2 emissions, for more circular economy through less material consumption as well as for gaining and saving energy, it says.

    A attractive building has been erected near the entrance to the campus. The construction is a wood-concrete car park, which was realised by Implenia using a hybrid construction method. Instead of concrete ribbed ceilings, wooden beam ceilings were used over an area of 9300 square metres. As a result, the building requires considerably thinner concrete layers and reduces the consumption of cement, which is “harmful to the climate”.

    According to Kevin Olas, head of Empa’s real estate division, lighting, electrical lines and sewage pipes had to be installed with consideration for the aesthetics of the hybrid construction. In addition, the modular construction method using prefabricated parts had to be used in view of climate change. This meant that parts of the building could be converted into workshops, for example.

    In addition to building materials such as steel, concrete and wooden elements, human “raw materials” can also be recycled: urine, for example, is suitable as a raw material for fertiliser production because it contains the nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The urine collection system NoMix-WCs installed in the laboratory building creates the raw material for the recycled fertiliser Aurin. This is marketed by the Eawag spin-off Vuna.

    Other building blocks on the campus include photovoltaics, recycled asphalt and no asphalt in the landscaping, which focuses on promoting biodiversity and provides for the planting of a diverse flora.

    Source: empa.ch

  • Tower complex on Sulzerallee: all of a piece

    Tower complex on Sulzerallee: all of a piece

    A tower complex is to be built on Sulzerallee in Neuhegi – in the heart of the new urban centre. The requirements for the urban setting and the architectural design of the building ensemble are correspondingly high.

    The “Gussstück” project by Graf Biscioni Architekten and Lorenz Eugster Landschaftsarchitektur was unanimously chosen as the winner of a study commission in which six architectural firms participated.

    At the intersection between Sulzerallee and the public park strip, the project envisages a 60-metre high-rise with around 145 flats and a multifunctional and flexible office building with a rental area of around 11,000 square metres, radiating out over Neuhegi.

    the planned tower complex is to be placed “precisely like a casting” at the outer end of Sulzerallee, writes the architecture firm on its website. The two buildings are to appear as an ensemble through common alignments and span an intermediate space.

    The tower complex is to be reminiscent, with various facets, of the formerly huge Giesserei site.

    At the current planning stage, the project comprises around 145 flats with a variety of different flat types, although the exact mix is still being worked out. It is important to the developer to offer a diverse range of different flat types and sizes as well as amenities. This will also allow for differentiated pricing.

    In general, the spaces are to be planned flexibly, so that a wide variety of commercial uses are also possible. The goal is to revitalise the neighbourhood with various forms of use that meet the needs of local residents and employees, but also serve as a point of attraction for external visitors.

    A photovoltaic system will be implemented with the project. It is also planned to certify both the high-rise building and the commercial building with the SNBS Gold sustainability label after completion.

    The preliminary project will be completed by May 2023, and the next step will be to work out the details of the competition project. The building application is expected to be submitted in autumn 2023, and construction is scheduled to start at the end of 2024. The client currently expects a construction period of around two years and an occupation date at the end of 2026 at the earliest.

    The site on which the tower complex is being built is being developed jointly by Mettler2-Invest and Swiss Life. The two plots are currently owned by Swiss Life. After completion of the study contract, they will be rezoned based on the winning project. Mettler2Invest will acquire the commercial part. The high-rise building with the rental flats and a small commercial part will remain in Swiss Life’s portfolio.

  • The new Lokstadt: urban, versatile, steeped in history

    The new Lokstadt: urban, versatile, steeped in history

    With Lokstadt, Implenia is developing a new, urban and diverse neighbourhood with 750 flats for around 1500 people. Lokstadt is located south-east of Winterthur railway station. In the past, this area was home to the workshops of the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Factory (SLM) – the most important locomotive forge in Switzerland. The neighbouring Sulzer factory took over SLM in the 1960s.

    The Rocket skyscraper is the tallest wooden residential building in the world being planned at
    .

    Some of the locomotives produced by SLM serve as namesakes for the various building plots. For example, the “Tender”: condominiums were realised here, which have been ready for occupancy since the beginning of 2023, as well as commercial space. The flats in the 17 “townhouses” were also for sale: these are four- to five-storey maisonette flats that have already been completed. In a second construction phase, six four-storey “townhouses” were built: these comprise a total of 24 flats and have been ready for occupancy since spring 2023. The “Elefant” office building, which is located directly on Zürcherstrasse, will also soon be ready for occupation.

    The central dialogue square will be framed by three buildings in future. The first is the “Krokodil” in timber construction. Here, 254 flats have been created to fulfil the diverse housing needs of three cooperatives and individual homeowners. Vertical bands of windows are reminiscent of the former industrial halls and give the building a clear structure. BIGBOY” is located at the front of Dialogplatz: the building, which is over 50 metres high and has 16 floors, is home to 125 rental flats and five office and commercial spaces of between 55 and 370 square metres. The roof terrace offers a unique view over Lokstadt and the whole of Winterthur. The industrial past of the site is honoured by the brick façade. Bigboy will be ready for occupancy in summer 2023. The third building is still under development and is currently the tallest planned timber high-rise in the world: “Rocket”, developed and realised on behalf of Ina Invest, will be 100 metres high and, with 32 storeys, will become the landmark of the new district and the Winterthur skyline. There are plans for 255 flats. Charitable flats are also planned in the “Tigerli” plinth building. A hotel is also planned. The move-in date is planned for 2027.

    BIGBOY offers 125 flats and a roof terrace for residents.

    Lokstadt stands for the sustainable use of resources, a carefully planned variety of uses and the innovative revitalisation of listed buildings. These include the former factory buildings. Under the leadership of Implenia, these are being transformed into experience spaces that reflect local history and modern city life. The neighbourhood is being developed step by step in accordance with the requirements of the 2000-watt society. Despite the dense construction, emphasis is placed on sufficient open spaces and a high quality of stay. The site will be developed with an underground car park for motorised traffic across all building plots. Above ground, pedestrians and cyclists have priority thanks to a generously designed pedestrian zone.

    With Lokstadt, Winterthur connects the 19th century with the 21st century: Here, the city’s industrial history is brought together with Winterthur’s future as a residential, educational and service city. The neighbourhood is being built for people who love city life and care about sustainability. In future, a Lokstadt app will serve as a communication and interaction channel for all tenants, owners and employees.

  • Lucerne through station: major project reaches milestone

    Lucerne through station: major project reaches milestone

    The Lucerne through station is intended to eliminate bottlenecks in the Lucerne rail hub with new, underground approaches and an underground station. The project, which is currently in the planning phase, is intended to create capacity in today’s fully utilised railway system and thus enable new, more direct and faster rail connections in the future. “The underground station and the new, underground access routes will improve the accessibility and attractiveness of Central Switzerland,” says Massimo Guglielmetti, SBB overall project manager for Lucerne through station. “Without infrastructure expansion, further development of rail services in Lucerne is no longer possible.”

    In the preliminary project, SBB presents the technical feasibility of the large-scale project, which consists of the sub-projects underground station, three-lane tunnel and Neustadt tunnel:

    • With the underground station, a total of 44 metres wide platform hall for four tracks will be built below the existing station. This will create more space at Lucerne station, which is currently used by around 100,000 passengers every day
    • The 3.8-kilometre-long three-lane tunnel will create an underground, direct line from Ebikon to Lucerne, crossing under the lake basin over a length of 400 metres. This second access removes the bottleneck situation in the railway network and enables more frequent and faster train connections
    • The 2.1-kilometre-long Neustadt Tunnel connects the underground station to the existing access road. This will enable through connections and eliminate the need for a majority of trains to turn around in the Lucerne terminus station

    In order for the planned improved service to be of benefit to the whole of Central Switzerland, the railway infrastructure in the catchment area must also be expanded at certain points. In addition, parking facilities are needed outside Lucerne station to be able to park trains overnight and outside peak times

    Lowering tunnel under the lake basin
    Compared to previous plans, a lowering tunnel is now planned for the subway of the lake basin. Five prefabricated elements of the tunnel tube will be lowered into the bottom of Lake Lucerne. This means that it is not necessary to drain the lake basin in sections. The environment and landscape are less affected. This construction method has never been used in Switzerland before.

    The costs for the three project parts, the underground station, the Dreilinden tunnel and the Neustadt tunnel, are estimated at 3.3 billion Swiss francs. For the realisation, SBB expects a construction period of 11 to 13 years

    Additional studies on howto proceed
     SBB is now clarifying possible implementation sequences for the major project on behalf of the Federal Office of Transport (FOT). The results should be available by the end of 2023. A decision will then be made on the next steps in the project. “All the work is going according to plan. I am convinced that the Federal Council will be able to present a well-studied and advanced project to parliament in 2026,” Anna Barbara Remund, FOT Vice Director and Head of the Infrastructure Division, told the media in Lucerne. The federal parliament will ultimately decide on the implementation

    Great importance for Lucerne and Central Switzerland
    The expansion of the Lucerne railway junction is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the region. “Central Switzerland has been waiting for the urgently needed infrastructure upgrades at the Lucerne hub and in the direction of Zurich for 50 years,” held Cantonal Councillor Fabian Peter, Director of Construction, Environment and Economic Affairs and President of the Central Switzerland Public Transport Directors. “An attractive public transport offer is crucial if we are to be able to cope with mobility growth at all and handle it sustainably,” said Fabian Peter. “In order for the through station to unfold its full benefits, Central Switzerland expects it to be realised and financed from a single source.”

    For the city of Lucerne, there will be the opportunity to make the space around the station attractive, to make the station more accessible and to increase the quality of stay. “The city will also work to ensure that the construction period of over ten years is as compatible with the city as possible,” said City Councillor Manuela Jost, Director of Construction. “Even during this time, open spaces must be preserved and the city centre must remain accessible.”sBB is planning the through station on behalf of the Federal Office of Transport. It is working with the canton and city of Lucerne, Zentralbahn, the Lucerne transport association and the cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden, and is involving the LuzernPlus association of municipalities.

    Source www.sbb.ch

  • Implenia wins building construction contracts worth more than CHF 170 million in Germany and Switzerland

    Implenia wins building construction contracts worth more than CHF 170 million in Germany and Switzerland

    Implenia has been commissioned by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts to act as total contractor for the planning and construction of a new rehearsal and workshop centre (PWZ) for the Bavarian State Theatre in Munich, ready for operation. After the Regensburg Initial Reception Centre and the Regensburg State Housing Estate, this is already the third project Implenia has realised as a total contractor for the Free State of Bavaria as client, represented by the Regensburg State Building Authority. Planning began in March and construction is due to start in June. Handover to the client is scheduled for December 2026. The order volume for Implenia is more than EUR 140 million.

    The agreed services include the planning and construction of the PWZ, from the excavation pit for the 93-metre-long and 86-metre-wide L-shaped building to the interior design, including building services, materials handling technology and stage technology for three rehearsal stages, as well as workshop equipment and canteen facilities. The contract also includes the design of the outdoor facilities, including a depot with access zones, delivery and parking areas for lorries and containers, an underground car park and the landscaped outdoor area.

    The technically demanding project includes the creation of large, freely spanned spaces for the rehearsal stages, which, as a steel composite construction, are reminiscent of bridge construction. An acoustically highly effective building partition will protect the rehearsal wing from noise and vibrations from the workshop wing. Other special soundproofing devices will allow the rehearsal stages to be used in parallel. Implenia was able to win the best planners for the special trades of stage technology and workshop technology.

    Partnership and integrated approach impressed even at the bidding stage
    Implenia impressed even at the bidding stage with its partnership approach and a team of highly qualified internal and external specialists who offered solutions to the complex technical requirements of the project. In the implementation phase, Implenia will manage the team and, together with its own specialist planners, realise the input and implementation planning as well as the new building ready for operation.

    As an integrated construction and real estate service provider, Implenia will provide a large proportion of the services itself across all divisions: The foundation engineering division is responsible for the excavation pit. For the shell construction, specialist knowledge from the civil engineering division will be called upon. BCL Building Construction Logistics, a member of the Implenia Group, is responsible for the smooth, safe and sustainable organisation of the construction site. The Façade Technology division is contributing its expertise to the construction of the building envelope made of dark grey corrugated fibre panels, prefabricated concrete elements and aluminium window elements with external venetian blinds.

    Digitalisation and tools to increase efficiency
    A BIM model was set up for the new building, on which all planners are working. This means that the planning status is transparent at all times and can be flexibly adapted. The BIM model is also used in the execution, for example to coordinate the various trades. In addition, it is planned to use the model for construction process simulations, for quantity takeoff and for tendering the finishing trades. Lean construction methods and tools are used to optimise construction processes, to control material flows and to precisely coordinate the trades. This enables a continuous and even construction process.

    High sustainability requirements
    Sustainable new construction and operation are important to both the client and Implenia. Accordingly, the building is being constructed in accordance with the Building Energy Act (GEG § 10), all materials comply with the “low-pollutant construction” requirements catalogue (QN 3) of the Bavarian State Construction Directorate, and the technical systems are designed for sustainable and environmentally friendly operation.

    Besenrainstrasse and Katzenbachstrasse Zurich – sustainable replacement housing
    In Switzerland, Implenia was commissioned by client Swiss Life Asset Management AG as general contractor for the replacement housing “Besenrainstrasse/Morgentalstrasse” in Zurich Wollishofen. This is a project with 36 rental flats and 22 underground parking spaces, which will be built using the solid construction method. Construction work started in March with a pollutant clean-up, and handover is scheduled for the end of November 2024. SNBS Platinum certification is being sought for the new building.

    Implenia was also awarded a contract by the SBB pension fund for a replacement building on Katzenbachstrasse in Zurich-Seebach. Implenia will also be the general contractor for this project. The new building will have 30 high-quality rental flats with a ventilated wooden façade on three floors and 18 underground parking spaces. Construction work has already started in February with a pollutant clean-up carried out by the master builder’s division. Completion is scheduled for February 2025. The flats will be built to the Minergie ECO standard.

    Through these two contracts, Implenia is further contributing to the sustainable renewal of Switzerland’s real estate stock with its comprehensive expertise. The total value of both contracts is over CHF 30 million.

    The three rehearsal stages for the houses of the Bavarian State Theatre and the workshops will go into operation at the end of 2026 (Image: © Dömges Architekten AG, Regensburg).
    New replacement residential quarter Katzenbach with 30 flats in Zurich-Seebach (Image: © Think Architecture AG).

    Media contact:
    Corporate Communications, T +41 58 474 74 77, communication@implenia.com

    Investor and analyst contact:
    Investor Relations, T +41 58 474 35 04, ir@implenia.com

    Investor agenda:
    16 August 2023: Half-year results 2023, analyst and media conference

  • Hammerwald Sursee: Neuer Gewerbe- und Bürokomplex

    Hammerwald Sursee: Neuer Gewerbe- und Bürokomplex

    An der Allmendstrasse in Sursee erfolgt in wenigen Monaten der Spatenstich für das Gewerbeprojekt Hammerwald. Geplant sind zwei Gebäudekomplexe sowie ein dreigeschossiges Parkdeck mit 450 Autoabstell- sowie Veloparkplätzen. Der Neubau soll Platz für rund 600 Arbeitsplätze bieten. Die Flächen im Gebäude A1 werden vermietet, während diejenigen im Gebäude A2 zum Verkauf stehen. Die insgesamt 27’000 Quadratmeter umfassenden Flächen werden für eine flexible Nutzung konzipiert. Bis 2025/26 soll der Komplex fertiggestellt sein.

    Das Gebäude A1 erhält sieben Geschosse, deren Mietflächen sowohl vertikal als auch horizontal erschlossen werden können. Die Flächen im sechsgeschossigen Gebäude A2 werden im Stockwerkeigentum veräussert. Die Stadt Sursee ist in den letzten Jahren stark gewachsen – dadurch fehlt vielen lokalen Gewerblern der Platz, um sich weiterentwickeln zu können. Dieser Umstand war Paul Fuchs, Inhaber der Hoch- und Tiefbau AG, bewusst, weshalb er gemeinsam mit Alex und Jörg Lütolf von der Sustra AG sowie Urs Meyer und Christoph Geiser von der Cerutti Partner Architekten AG die Hammerwald AG gründete. Das Ziel: Ein umfassendes Gewerbegebäude für Sursee zu erschaffen. Die Inhaber sind sich einig: «Der Hammerwald soll für das lokale Gewerbe ein flexibles Flächenangebot zu attraktiven Konditionen bieten», so Paul Fuchs.

    Unter der architektonischen Leitung von Urs Meyer, Cerutti Partner AG, wird das Gebäude A1 mit Gewerbe-, Ausstellungs- und Büroflächen bestückt. Das Gebäude A2 erhält höhere Räume und wird für grössere Nutzlasten mit einem integrierten Autolift für Lieferwagen gebaut. Die im A2 entstehenden Einheiten sind speziell auf Handwerksbetriebe ausgelegt. Das Parkdeck ist für Lastwagen befahrbar und ermöglicht die ebenerdige Anlieferung in der Ebene 1. Dank Treppenhauskernen und Steigzonen sind flexible Unterteilungen der Flächen sowie vertikale Verbindungen über mehrere Ebenen möglich. Neben den Handwerksbetrieben soll der Hammerwald die unterschiedlichsten Unternehmen und Branchen ansprechen.

    Der Gebäudekomplex punktet mit seiner Nähe zum Autobahnzubringer sowie zum Bahnhof Sursee. Das Naherholungsgebiet Surseerwald liegt direkt angrenzend. Das nachhaltige Energiekonzept sieht die Energieerzeugung mittels Grundwassernutzung über Energiepfähle vor.

  • New business card for Sursee

    New business card for Sursee

    Möbel Ulrich AG and Truvag AG, which have been based in Sursee for around 60 years, are jointly planning an office, commercial and residential building on the Ulrich site between Ringstrasse and Pilatusstrasse, which will complement and revitalise the existing furniture store. The project, called ALEA, is intended to become the new calling card for the location: The plan is to build 70 affordable rental flats with between 2.5 and 4.5 rooms using timber construction. In addition, there will be 2400 square metres of commercial and 1600 square metres of retail and restaurant space. The project scores not least with its central location directly at the railway station.

    The approximately 49-metre-high CO2-neutral timber construction was developed by the planning consortium Leuenberger Architekten AG from Sursee and Deon AG from Lucerne. The flats will have visible wooden beams and partly also wooden walls. The environmentally friendly material is breathable, insulating, very stable and load-bearing. In ancient Greek, ALEA means “warmth and protection” – these features should be visible and tangible for the future residents and employees. For fire protection reasons, only the façade design had to do without domestic and sustainable wood.

    But ALEA also does justice to its Latin meaning with its cube shape. The lower part of the building comprises three storeys – this is integrated into the slope. The silhouette is thus visible at a height of around 41 metres. While the upper part of the building is intended for residential use, the base area is available for offices, shops, commerce and gastronomy. A walkway creates a safe and fast pedestrian connection between the Kotten quarter and the railway station. All squares and connections in the new building are open to the public.

    The carefully thought-out traffic concept is intended to keep motorised individual traffic to a minimum: to this end, sharing services for cars, bicycles and e-scooters are planned. Accordingly, the parking garage will be equipped with a minimum number of parking spaces. The rental price structure is also intended to offer incentives for a life without a car. Generous parking spaces for bicycles have been designed to encourage non-motorised traffic.

    ALEA combines living and working.

    So that the tenants do not live anonymously, togetherness and mixing are to be promoted: A public square with a restaurant on the same level as the railway station creates meeting opportunities with various seating options around the building. The residents also have access to a green roof terrace for common use. Furthermore, several green terraces are planned.

    It is important to the initiators, who have strong regional roots, that “Surse residents build for Surse residents”:

    Not only were the partners chosen to carry out the construction work based on regional roots, but preference was also given to people who live or work in Sursee when renting out the apartments. In addition, Truvag AG, with around 80 employees, will relocate its headquarters to the new building. With the building planned by Möbel Ulrich AG and Truvag AG, the two traditional companies want to create added value for Sursee and enrich the area. The construction costs are expected to be in the double-digit millions.

  • Change on the Wellisareal

    Change on the Wellisareal

    The Wellisareal is located at the northern entrance to Willisau, next to the historic town centre, directly on the main traffic axis and near the railway station. It covers an area of 30,000 square metres.

    in 1927, Orgelbau AG, a company specialising in the manufacture of church organs, settled in the then still largely undeveloped “Grundmatt” at the gates of the old town of Willisau. With the founding of Wellis AG in 1931 as a subsidiary of the organ factory, the eventful history of furniture production took its course. Wellis AG specialised in designer furniture and was internationally known under the label “Team by Wellis”.

    As the company grew, the factory site developed into its current size by the 1980s. Furniture companies are still based on the site today.

    The northern part of the Wellis site belongs to Foroom Immobilien AG. It has concluded a long-term purchase agreement with GKA Immobilien AG. The southern part is owned by the Tolusso family. This is also where the stone industry Tolusso AG is located. Together, the owners want to develop the area into a residential and commercial quarter in the coming years. Due to the central and convenient location as well as the size of the site, the development and future use of the area is of high public interest.

    Three renowned planning teams from Lucerne, Zurich and Basel were consulted for the test planning. The concept of the Basel architects Herzog & de Meuron was the most convincing. It envisages transforming the area into an “open, lively living and working space”. The site is to be further developed in individual stages, building on existing structures and thus growing organically and in line with demand. Individual industrial buildings are to be preserved.

    The project by Herzog & de Meuron was further developed and should pave the way for the partial zoning change and the development plan that would be necessary for a transformation of the site. After the planning and a public circulation, the voters are to decide on the partial zoning change in autumn 2024. If everything goes according to plan, the earliest possible start of construction is 2025.