immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Projects

  • Timber trading company opens modern site in Obernau

    Timber trading company opens modern site in Obernau

    Herzog-Elmiger AG has officially opened its new site in Obernau near Kriens. Previously, the wood-based materials trading company had been based on Langsägestrasse in Kriens for 65 years. The search for a new company site had become necessary because the family had been expropriated by the Federal Roads Office for the Lucerne bypass motorway project, according to a press release.

    The family business also celebrated its 120th anniversary on 23 and 24 August 2025 at the same time as the reopening. Siblings Melanie and Michael Herzog took over the business from their father André Herzog in 2022 and are now the fifth generation to run it.

    Customers, partners, neighbours and members of the public were given guided tours of the company’s new 10,190 square metre timber building and its business – from the fully automated storage area to the veneer warehouse with special woods and the new exhibition to the photovoltaic system on the roof, which saves around 336 tonnes of CO2 per year.

    The twelve-metre-high hall, its supporting structure made of Swiss wood and the view of the logistics department, where up to 200 tonnes of goods are moved every day, were particularly impressive. The rooms created for the employees also aroused great interest: an activity room, a room furnished with local Swiss stone pine wood for relaxation, a terrace with a large barbecue and a coffee bar.

    “With this new building, we have taken the opportunity to further develop our company in a future-oriented and sustainable way,” Michael Herzog is quoted as saying. “Here we have room for innovation and at the same time a strong connection to our tradition.”

  • Basel tests CO2-free operation of construction sites

    Basel tests CO2-free operation of construction sites

    The Department of Construction and Transport of the Canton of Basel-Stadt is analysing possibilities for the electrification of construction sites on the basis of a pilot test. In cooperation with Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the planning office EcoForce GmbH from Schötz LU and partners, the department is working on the basis for the future use of electric construction machinery, according to a joint press release.

    As a first step, an above-ground waste collection point for glass, tinplate, aluminium and batteries in Spalenring will be replaced by an underground one in Hegenheimerstrasse from the end of August until the end of October 2025. If collection containers are located below ground level, they are “more user- and disabled-friendly, cause less noise, blend in better with the cityscape and need to be emptied less frequently thanks to their larger capacity”.

    According to the information provided, the construction of a recycling collection centre with electric construction machinery serves as a test environment. “From the excavator to the wheel loader to the dumper”, the machines run purely electrically. The aim is for the Department of Construction and Transport to gain insights into the technical and organisational requirements for the electrification of future civil engineering projects.

    In order to draw a comparison with conventional construction sites, a second underground recycling collection point at St. Johann-Platz is being built with diesel machines. The CO2 emissions, electricity requirements and noise emissions as well as infrastructure requirements are of interest. Step two involves working with regional construction companies to draw up a concept for the necessary adjustments when converting to electric operation. According to the cantonal climate protection strategy, the operation of construction sites in the canton of Basel-Stadt should be CO2-neutral from 2037.

  • Simple building needs courage and less bureaucracy

    Simple building needs courage and less bureaucracy

    The term “building type E” stands for straightforward, pragmatic construction with reduced standards. This is enshrined in law in Germany and is possible in Switzerland as long as the minimum legal requirements such as fire protection and statics are met. Obstacles do not arise from paragraphs, but from excessive comfort requirements, a lack of expertise on the part of the authorities and pressure from investors.

    Conversion instead of new build as a lever
    The current regulations reach their limits, particularly in existing buildings. Conversions are often assessed according to the standards of a new building, which drives up costs and hurdles. Beat Flach, lawyer, National Councillor and SIA legal consultant, calls for more proportionality. Conversions should be treated more pragmatically, including when it comes to energy requirements. This would allow new, more affordable apartments to be built more quickly and save CO₂ at the same time.

    Standards as an opportunity, not a shackle
    SIA standards are not a rigid corset, but allow for alternative approaches. Planners can also achieve goals in other ways or define them through agreements. It is crucial that architects, engineers and authorities recognize and make use of this leeway. The fear of objections and dependence on third-party guidelines are currently leading to unnecessary bureaucracy and rising construction costs.

    Reforms for building permits
    The procedures are considered overly complex. Flach advocates a two-stage approval process. First a simplified examination of the central issues with the possibility of objection, followed by detailed clarification. This would give investors security, speed up the construction process and reduce costs.

    “Simple construction” does not mean less quality, but more courage to find pragmatic solutions. The key lies in conversion, in more flexible standards and in clear political guidelines. Only when planners, authorities and politicians pull together can construction become faster, cheaper and more sustainable.

  • New tower approved for Zurich Airport

    New tower approved for Zurich Airport

    The current tower was put into operation together with Dock A in 1985 and has reached the end of its service life after almost 40 years. The new tower is being built to the north of the existing site and will provide air traffic controllers with an optimized overview of ground and air traffic. Functionality, sustainability and workplace quality will be raised to a new level.

    Part of a major project
    The construction of the new tower is closely linked to the replacement construction of Dock A. Both projects were submitted by Flughafen Zürich AG 2023 and examined in a joint procedure. While the tower has now been approved in a partial decision, the process for the new Dock A is still ongoing. Until its completion, the tower will initially be operated as an independent building.

    Focus on sustainability
    The project is being led by architects Bjarke Ingels Group and is based on a construction method using wood as the main material. The roof of the new dock will be fully equipped with photovoltaics and is expected to cover up to two thirds of the electricity requirements. With an investment volume of around 700 million Swiss francs, the new Dock A replacement building is one of the most important infrastructure projects of the coming years.

    Objections and outlook
    Several objections to the project have been received, including from affected municipalities. According to DETEC, however, the construction itself will not lead to additional aircraft noise. On the contrary, emissions in the surrounding area could even decrease. Construction of the tower is scheduled to start in 2027 and the new Dock A is not expected to open before 2030. A third of all passengers at Zurich Airport use Dock A, so its renewal is seen as central to airport operations in the future.

    With the new tower and Dock A, Zurich Airport is focusing on a sustainable and functional infrastructure that meets the increasing demands of air traffic and environmental protection. The project combines high-tech air traffic control with modern building culture, a strong signal for the future of Swiss air traffic.

  • Higher earnings and project progress drive half-year figures

    Higher earnings and project progress drive half-year figures

    According to a statement, real estate company HIAG increased its net profit by 23.3 per cent to CHF 44.6 million in the first half of 2025 (prior-year period: CHF 36.2 million). Adjusted for revaluation effects, net profit totalled CHF 20.5 million, compared to CHF 25.5 million in the first half of 2024.

    EBIT also rose by 20 per cent to CHF 54.9 million. This was due to higher property income, increased valuations, successful sales of properties not in line with the strategy and strict cost discipline. The real estate company increased its property income by 5.8 per cent to CHF 39.3 million (prior-year period: CHF 37.1 million) thanks to several successful lettings of vacant space and successful project completions, such as the completion of the Fahrwerk in Winterthur. Marketing of the Livingstone project in Cham ZG also began in the reporting period.

    Project progress in the first half of the year led to a net appreciation of the development portfolio by CHF 17.2 million (2.2 per cent). The existing portfolio was revalued by CHF 9.4 million (0.8 per cent); the overall portfolio was thus revalued by CHF 26.6 million. Income from the successful sale of non-strategic properties totalled CHF 3.5 million, an increase compared to the previous year, in which no properties were sold.

    HIAG expects continued positive developments in 2025 thanks to further project progress, the notarisation of the condominiums in the Livingstone project, a sharpened corporate strategy, a strong balance sheet and a flexible financing structure.

  • Students consider Food Factory in Basel

    Students consider Food Factory in Basel

    Under the theme Feed the city, students from the Institute of Architecture at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland(FHNW) have spent a year examining the issue of sustainable food supplies. They developed concepts for setting up a food factory on the Rosental Mitte site in Basel, Immobilien Basel-Stadt reported in a press release. The cantonal contact for property management wants to transform the former company site into a district for living, working, research, leisure and sport.

    According to the FHNW students, the eight-storey former dye packaging warehouse in Rosental Mitte is the ideal location for a food factory. The “robust structure with its large spans, high ceilings and high load-bearing capacity” is “very suitable for new utilisation ideas”, they write in the press release. Building 1055, which is worth preserving, could also “serve as a meeting point in the neighbourhood and at the same time impart knowledge about food production”.

    The planned Food Factory in the centre of Basel is intended to visualise the entire food cycle, from production to processing and consumption through to waste recycling. To this end, the students have developed concepts for production and distribution and investigated interfaces with catering and research. The potential of new foods such as algae has also been taken into consideration.

  • Local communities to promote solar expansion

    Local communities to promote solar expansion

    The city of Zurich is interested in expanding solar power production in the city as quickly as possible. To this end, the city’s own electricity utility(ewz) is launching a new offer via local electricity communities (LEG). In future, owners of large photovoltaic systems (PV systems) will be able to sell their surplus electricity directly to households in the neighbourhood, the city administration announced in a press release. Previously, it was only possible to feed surplus electricity into the ewz grid.

    With the ewz.solarquartier offer, ewz will take over the networking of interested producers and consumers of solar power as well as administration and billing. The owners receive a stable revenue of 12 centimes per kilowatt hour supplied. “This means that LEG can generate up to 10 per cent more revenue than with the return delivery alone,” explains ewz Director Benedikt Loepfe. Households purchase the electricity at the price of the standard ewz.natur product.

    “The installed capacity of PV systems in the city of Zurich has more than quadrupled in the last ten years or so,” explains City Councillor Michael Baumer. The city wants to further strengthen this growth trend wherever possible, explains the head of the Department of Industrial Operations, where ewz is based. “In addition to the various measures already underway, a good offer for LEG helps to make the realisation of solar installations in the city even more attractive.”

  • Gebäudeversicherung Bern joins forces with Designform for sustainable remodelling

    Gebäudeversicherung Bern joins forces with Designform for sustainable remodelling

    Björn Ischi’s Designform GmbH has worked on the remodelling of the first floor at GVB – Gebäudeversicherung Bern in Ittigen. Together with the GVB team, “upcycling by design in its most beautiful form” was realised, writes Ischi in a post on LinkedIn. Specifically, material that was removed during the renovation was not disposed of, but reused directly on site.

    For example, “cool seating areas” were created from former wall sections of the old design for the new furnishings. Because not only can mobile phones and laptops be charged there, but users can also recharge their own batteries, the GVB team gave these seating areas the name “Powerbanks”, explains Ischi. For the owner and product designer of Designform GmbH, however, the project in Ittigen was “more than just upcycling with style”.

    This is because the GVB employees were involved in the planning and realisation of the conversion via two workshops. In the first workshop, needs were identified and ideas developed. In the second workshop, the employees then lent a hand in building the furniture themselves. “Screwdrivers instead of keyboards and suddenly the teams were literally behind the furniture,” says Ischi. Furniture specialist Girsberger from Thunstetten BE provided professional support for the project.

  • Switzerland needs faster approval procedures

    Switzerland needs faster approval procedures

    The housing shortage in Switzerland continues to worsen. Although construction activity has increased slightly compared to previous years, the pace is not sufficient to meet the rising demand. Forecasts show that only 42,000 new apartments will be built in 2025, around 20 percent less than would be necessary to ensure a stable supply. In view of strong immigration, growing domestic demand and low vacancy rates in urban regions, this will lead to noticeably rising rents and growing pressure on the housing market.

    BWO study reveals problems
    On July 1, 2025, the Federal Office for Housing published a comprehensive study on the causes of long planning and approval procedures and the increasing number of objections. The results clearly show that the procedures are often too complex, too lengthy and prone to delays due to objections, which are not always in the public interest. At the same time, the study also shows that there are ways to speed up procedures without undermining environmental or monument protection. It thus confirms what the SBC has been emphasizing for years: the bottlenecks in residential construction cannot be resolved without legal adjustments.

    SBCcalls for decisive action
    The SBC sees the results of the BWO study as a clear mandate for politicians. Now is the time to tackle reforms consistently and thus trigger investment. Developers and investors need planning and legal certainty in order to implement projects and bring urgently needed living space onto the market. “Time is of the essence. We must act now to stem the housing shortage,” says the association.

    Specifically, the SBC is advocating the following measures

    1. Faster planning and approval procedures
    Acceleration and streamlining of processes at cantonal and municipal level.
    Restriction of objections to vested interests worthy of protection.
    Curbing abusive objections, for example through procedural costs or liability for damages in the event of delays.

    2. Adapted spatial planning principles
    Increasing the utilization figures, for example by adding additional storeys.
    Reduction of boundary distances in order to use existing areas more efficiently.
    Creation of additional mixed zones for living and working in order to promote lively neighborhoods.

    3. Fair balancing of interests between residential construction and monument protection
    Balanced weighting of housing requirements and protection interests.
    Direct application of ISOS (inventory of Swiss sites worthy of protection) only in federal procedures directly related to the protection of the townscape.
    Early clarification of the trade-off between monument protection and densification in the structure plan and in building and zoning regulations.

    Political support available
    There are various initiatives in the national parliament that address precisely these points. They enjoy broad support across party lines. The SBC therefore calls for this work to be quickly translated into concrete legislative changes. This is the only way to simplify procedures, eliminate legal uncertainties and resolve blockages.

    Housing construction as a task for society as a whole
    The creation of sufficient living space is not just a task for the construction industry, but a challenge for society as a whole. Cities and municipalities need reliable instruments to meet demand without losing valuable time in lengthy procedures. At the same time, it is important to maintain a balance between high-density construction, ecological requirements and the protection of local landscapes.

    The BWO study gets to the heart of the matter. Switzerland needs structural reforms so that living space can be created more quickly again. The SBC welcomes the clear findings and calls for politicians and the administration to take responsibility now. Without reforms, the housing shortage threatens to increase further in the coming years, with all the negative consequences for tenants, families and the competitiveness of Switzerland as a business location.

  • Upcycling project transforms leftover material into office furniture

    Upcycling project transforms leftover material into office furniture

    Restemöbel has completed a major interior fit-out project for the photovoltaic company Planeco, headquartered in Münchenstein BL, in the Alte Papieri Arlesheim. In collaboration with the Basel-based construction office in situ, restemöbel has, according to its press release, turned leftover material into high-quality furniture on a large scale for the first time.

    Among other things, restemöbel has planned and manufactured lockers that consist of 100 per cent residual material, apart from the fittings. The company utilises waste that is generated during production in joineries and various ancillary trades in the Lörrach area and is usually thrown away or incinerated.

    “To change this, we invented restemöbel in the summer of 2019: small, fine furniture that is made almost exclusively from leftover materials,” says the company in its self-presentation. “In this way, we are trying to do something about wasting resources and energy and at the same time make the world a little more beautiful.”

    Restemöbel is currently still a project by Florian Oeschger from Basel and Markus Schier, who is based on the German side of the Rhine in Rheinweiler. It is supported by Oe Moebel GmbH, based in Basel, as well as the Florian Oeschger furniture workshop and Markus Schier wood workshop in Rheinfelden, Germany. The two, who have been partners since 2022, have announced that they plan to rebrand restemöbel in Basel in the near future.

  • First tower crane with its own power generation in operation in Baden

    First tower crane with its own power generation in operation in Baden

    The Baden Cantonal Hospital(KSB) is working with the Greenpower crane from Obwalden-based company rollende Werkstatt Kran AG for the renovation of its decommissioned ward block. According to a press release, it is the first tower crane in the world that can generate its own electricity.

    Depending on the operating situation, the crane can reduce electricity consumption by up to 50 per cent. It can also be operated with a smaller mains connection, which means lower installation costs and allows the crane to be used in locations with limited power capacity.

    This is made possible by the design with an integrated energy recovery system and battery storage. “When lowering loads or braking the crane functions, electrical energy is generated, stored and reused for subsequent work steps,” it says.

    With Greenpower, the manufacturer is focussing on the sustainable further development of crane use. “The system is a response to increasing requirements in terms of energy efficiency and grid availability on construction sites,” says Hansheini Dillier, Managing Director of rollende Werkstatt Kran AG.

    According to the press release, the device is used to remove building materials. They contain asbestos, PCBs, PAHs and heavy metals and date back to the construction period in the 1970s. At that time, materials were used for work on tiles and floor coverings, among other things, that are now considered harmful to health or the environment, according to KSB. Strict precautionary measures therefore apply to construction sites on old buildings in accordance with the Swiss Accident Insurance Fund and the Federal Office of Public Health.

    Dismantling of the building can only begin once the pollutants and contaminated sites have been properly disposed of. According to KSB CEO Pascal Cotrotzo, the demolition application is not yet legally binding. The remediation work is running independently of this and should be completed in spring 2026. Until then, the company is hoping for the “green light” from the relevant authorities.

  • Modern shading solution replaces old awning in Solothurn

    Modern shading solution replaces old awning in Solothurn

    Bieri Tenta AG from Grosswangen has replaced the old awning at the outdoor pool on the River Aare in Solothurn with a new mechanically tensioned membrane roof. According to a press release, the original awning could no longer be repaired due to its age. The awning installed by Bieri was constructed using modern technology and is intended to provide a permanent and safe shade solution for the playground.

    According to Bieri, it was no longer possible to simply re-tension the structure due to the original technical design. The existing awning was a textile supporting structure without static documentation. As part of a preliminary project, Bieri developed a new solution, taking into account current standards and recalculating the statics. The new mechanically tensioned membrane roof is a reconstruction of the original shape with modern detailed solutions and fulfils all safety requirements. The temporary winter support is also still part of the concept and has been adapted to the new structure.

    The membrane roof is characterised by its textile construction and now provides sufficient shade for the outdoor pool playground. The outdoor pool is a popular meeting place, especially on hot summer days, and is still being modernised today.

  • Billion-euro investment drives expansion of energy storage systems

    Billion-euro investment drives expansion of energy storage systems

    Energy Vault announces the foundation of its subsidiary Asset Vault. This is to be financed by a preferred equity investment of USD 300 million from an unnamed multi-billion dollar infrastructure fund. According to a press release, the Lugano and California-based developer of energy storage systems expects this to release more than 1 billion dollars in investment. The aim is to accelerate the deployment of energy storage projects with a newly installed capacity of 1.5 gigawatts in the USA, Europe and Australia.

    Asset Vault will reportedly be dedicated to developing, building, owning and operating energy storage assets in the world’s most attractive energy markets, either independently or in conjunction with generation assets. Crucially, Energy Vault will retain voting and operational control of Asset Vault. Energy Vault expects the transaction to close within the next 30 to 60 days. Asset Vault will then be established as a fully consolidated subsidiary. All energy storage facilities, which are secured by long-term purchase agreements and which guarantee the monetisation of the projects, are to be bundled in this subsidiary. Asset Vault is expected to generate recurring EBITDA of over 100 million dollars over the next three to four years, complementing Energy Vault’s existing energy storage business.

    This “unlocks the full potential of our own-and-operate strategy for storage IPP with immediate investment flexibility,” Robert Piconi, Chairman and CEO of Energy Vault, is quoted as saying. “By combining long-term contracted revenue with strategic capital and integrated, self-executed project delivery, we are well positioned to scale a resilient, mission-critical energy infrastructure to meet the current demands of renewable energy expansion and the massive increase in energy demand from data centre AI infrastructure.”

  • City of Zurich presents building culture

    City of Zurich presents building culture

    As part of the European Heritage Days 2025 on 11 and 13 September, the Zurich Monument Preservation Office and City Archaeology will be presenting Zurich’s architectural heritage. According to a press release from the city, Zurich’s heritage preservation authorities will open the Heritage Days on 11 September in the new Brunnenhof school building and music centre and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Heritage Year with Katrin Gügler, Director of the Office for Urban Development, and Head of Building Andre Odermatt. The vernissage of the publication “erhalten&umnutzen” will follow in the evening, with a panel discussion and musical accompaniment from the Zurich Music Conservatory (MKZ).

    In addition, on 13 September, the Zurich Department for the Preservation of Historical Monuments and the City Archaeology Department are jointly organising numerous guided tours focusing on the stories of Zurich’s architectural monuments. Conversions, restorations, finds and findings will be discussed. Both events on 11 and 13 September are free of charge. Prior registration is required for participation in the guided tours on 13 September

    The European Heritage Days, which in 2025 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Year of Monuments and Sites 1975, will this year be dedicated to the topic of architectural history.

  • Condominiums between city life and nature

    Condominiums between city life and nature

    “Urban living meets nature” is how Halter AG introduces a post on LinkedIn about one of the company’s new-build projects. Specifically, the Schlieren-based property developer is constructing a building with 43 condominiums and around 80 square metres of commercial space at Leimbachstrasse 28 to 32. According to the project’s website, the 2.5- to 4.5-room flats will be the ideal home for “nature-loving city dwellers”. Interested parties can sign up to a list there, which will be used to send out information about the project before the official marketing launch.

    The total of 43 condominiums, including penthouses and garden flats, are divided into 10 flats with 2.5 rooms each, 30 flats with 3.5 rooms and three flats with 4.5 rooms. The description of the project cites excellent transport links, diverse infrastructure and nearby recreational areas as plus points. Construction work is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and be completed two years later.

  • Visionary campus project takes shape

    Visionary campus project takes shape

    Construction work on the entrance to the InnHub La Punt began in March. A new chapter in the project for an innovation campus in La Punt was opened on 9 July, InnHub La Punt announced in a post on LinkedIn: “The start of construction of the InnHub marks the transition from vision to reality”.

    The InnHub La Punt is designed as a mixture of sports, health and educational facilities as well as a number of second homes. The innovation campus is intended to serve as a place of creation and exchange for locals, guests and companies. The internationally renowned British architect Norman Foster, who lives in the Engadin, is responsible for the design of the new coworking space, which covers a total area of 7,700 square metres. By using local wood, granite and lime mortar, he wants to set an example for sustainability and the circular economy.

    Construction work on the InnHub is due to be completed by the end of 2028. From then on, the innovation campus will offer companies a place of retreat and inspiration in the Engadin. If you don’t want to wait that long, you can already utilise the services of the InnHub PopUp in La Punt.

  • Wooden giant and landmark of the ESAF 2025

    Wooden giant and landmark of the ESAF 2025

    The idea was born in 2021 in the “Säntis Innovation Cluster Wood”. The “Holzvision Max” became a major project involving over 220 companies and institutions, supported by a patronage committee with representatives from business, politics, tourism and sport. Around 1000 specialists from forestry, the timber industry, timber construction and carpentry worked on the project, including many apprentices who produced individual elements in inter-company courses. The wood, mainly spruce and fir, comes from Swiss forests as part of regular forestry operations.

    Technology and construction
    Supports and trusses in the body and legs ensure stability. The frame is partially covered with board shingles, while the wall elements are open. A total of 18,727 screws were used. The supporting structure consists of 40 cubic meters of glulam, supplemented by round timber from Toggenburg. The project is designed for a service life of up to 25 years.

    Financing and cooperation
    The total costs are around CHF 4 million. Thanks to the broad support from the industry in the form of material donations, work and financial participation, the project is secure. A buyer is being sought for the subsequent use. The residual value is around 1.3 million francs, plus costs for storage and reconstruction.

    Tourism prospects
    After the ESAF, Muni Max could be set up in tourist destinations such as Elm, Braunwald or Herisau. The plan is to make it accessible with stairs, an elevator, exhibition areas and a viewing platform. In this way, it will not only serve as a symbol of Swiss wood and craftsmanship, but also as a sustainable visitor magnet.

    Symbol for the industry
    Muni Max is more than just an eye-catcher. It shows how the Swiss timber industry combines tradition and innovation, strengthens the regional value chain and involves young specialists in an ambitious project. At the ESAF in Mollis, it will visually tower over the actual stadium, the largest temporary stadium in the world with 56,500 seats.

    With Muni Max, the Swiss wood industry has created a project that radiates far beyond the event, a strong symbol of craftsmanship, cooperation and the future viability of a traditional raw material.

  • TourismusRegion Baden AG takes over management of city com baden

    TourismusRegion Baden AG takes over management of city com baden

    City com baden is reorganising its management. As of the beginning of August, TourismusRegion Baden AG(TRB) will take over the operational management of the association of traders and retailers in the city of Baden, city com baden announced in a press release. The aim is to ensure “that the increasing intersections in the areas of city centre development, destination marketing and business promotion are optimally utilised”, it continues.

    Andrea Protmann from the TRB team will act as managing director of city com baden. She will be available to the members of city com baden as a central point of contact. By handing over the operational management, the board of city com baden will be able to concentrate on representing commercial and political interests in future. As part of the handover of management, Alfredo Biffi is stepping down as managing director and member of the board of city com baden.

    Through increased cooperation with TRB, city com baden intends to benefit from the structure, digital expertise and networking of the regional destination organisation. The association sees numerous useful synergies in the connection to the regional economy. In addition, city com baden hopes that the collaboration will result in professional support and strategic development of events, communication, member support and the City Card.

  • Europe’s largest construction project takes shape

    Europe’s largest construction project takes shape

    The ambitious Ellinikon project is being built on the disused Hellinikon airport site south of Athens. Here, Greece is building a new city from the ground up that will serve as a model for sustainable and digitally networked urban development. In just a few years, this area is set to become a living space for over 10,000 people, a place of work for up to 80,000 employees and a destination for millions of tourists. The aim is to create a city that meets the ecological, technological and social requirements of the 21st century.

    From ghost airport to beacon of hope
    The site of the former Hellenikon International Airport, once the gateway to the world, was unused and dilapidated for decades. The debt crisis got the project moving. in 2014, Lamda Development was awarded the contract to lease and develop the site for 915 million euros over 99 years. The planning was in the hands of renowned architectural firms, including Foster Partners from London. The excavators have been rolling since 2020 and everything should be ready by 2036.

    A city of short distances
    Ellinikon is designed as a so-called “15-minute city”. Everything you need to live – school, doctor’s surgery, grocery store, sports field or café – should be within 15 minutes on foot or by bike. The planners want to significantly reduce motorized private transport. Local public transport, micromobility with e-scooters, bike sharing and a modern network of footpaths and cycle paths will replace the traditional car.

    Europe’s largest coastal park
    In the middle of the new urban area, a park is being created that will set new standards. 2.6 million square meters of green space, more than London’s Hyde Park. Ellinikon Park offers space for walks, sport, cultural events and nature observation. Around 80 % of the water used comes from natural sources already present on the site.

    Reusing instead of wasting
    Before the high-rise buildings could rise into the sky, the first step was to dig deep. More than 300 reinforced concrete pillars with a depth of up to 55 meters support the foundations of the new Riviera Tower landmark. The concrete from the former runways will be recycled on site and reused for roads and slope stabilization. A central goal of the project is net-zero emissions. Buildings are certified according to the LEED standard.

    The tallest residential building in Greece
    207 meters high, 53 floors, 169 apartments, the Riviera Tower will be the tallest building in the country. In addition to the Riviera Tower, another high-rise is being built, the Vouliagmenis Mixed Use Tower with a height of 150 meters. It offers office space, a hotel for business travelers and direct access to two subway stations.

    Smart City Ellinikon
    Ellinikon sees itself as a smart city. Data, sensors, networking and digital services play a central role. Intelligent street lighting, sensors for air quality and noise, apps for navigation, booking and payment as well as 5G and fiber optic networks for high connectivity are just a few examples. Intelligent power grids, energy-efficient architecture and microclimate analyses are intended to optimize energy consumption.

    Social commitment and tourism
    Ellinikon should not only be chic, but also social. The first completed building, a center for people with disabilities, was handed over in 2023. Further public facilities are being planned, such as kindergartens, schools, a clinic, cultural centers and sports facilities. Two large shopping centers, the Vouliagmenis Mall and the Riviera Galleria, are expected to attract an international audience. Even more spectacular, however, is the casino complex, which is being realized together with Hard Rock International.

    Economic boost for Greece
    The project is expected to contribute 2.4% to Greece’s gross domestic product in the long term. 70,000 to 80,000 direct and indirect new jobs are planned and tourism is expected to grow by over one million additional guests per year. The expected tax revenue amounts to 14 billion euros over the duration of the project.

    What happens next
    The first major construction phase should be completed by 2026/2027. Central infrastructure facilities such as transport routes, the first residential buildings, green spaces and educational facilities should then be in place. Full completion will follow by 2036. Ellinikon will not only be a new district of Athens, but a showcase for what urban development can look like in the future.

  • Capital increase planned for three property funds

    Capital increase planned for three property funds

    Procimmo SA is planning to increase the capital of its Real Estate SICAV. Specifically, three sub-funds of the investment company with variable capital are to be increased by a total of CHF 170 million. All three capital increases are to take place after the publication of Procimmo’s annual results on 30 September.

    The fund management of the Industrial sub-fund has planned a capital increase of around 100 million francs, Procimmo announced in a press release. The Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Industrial fund focuses on industrial, commercial and logistics properties. It currently holds gross assets of CHF 2 billion.

    According to a separate press release, the fund management of the Residential sub-fund is planning to increase its assets by 30 million francs. The Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Residential fund currently holds gross assets of around CHF 505 million, three quarters of which are invested in properties in Lausanne and Geneva.

    For the Residential PK sub-fund, the fund management company is planning a capital increase of CHF 40 million, Procimmo announced in a third press release. The Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Residential PK fund currently has around CHF 520 million invested mainly in residential property in French-speaking Switzerland.

    Founded in 2007, Procimmo SA operates as a real estate asset manager at its headquarters in Renens as well as in Zurich and Geneva. The company has been part of Procimmo Group AG since 2017. The Zug-based group of companies, which is listed on the BX Swiss, offers investment and services in the property sector.

  • Intelligent mobility for public transport in Bogotá

    Intelligent mobility for public transport in Bogotá

    Schindler is the sole supplier of lifts and escalators for Line 1 of the new elevated railway system in Bogotá. The metro line will use fully automated, driverless railway systems to provide modern, reliable local transport in the Colombian capital. The Schindler systems will therefore be customised to meet the special requirements of public transport, the company announced in a press release. The lifts will be equipped with easily accessible control buttons to enable barrier-free access to the stations.

    The Schindler Technical Operations Centre (TOC) in Medellín will monitor each lift and escalator remotely around the clock. The Schindler ActionBoard will also provide real-time status reports of all lifts and escalators, helping to optimise uptime and ride quality for passengers.

    “We are incredibly proud to be part of this historic project with our lifts and escalators,” said Vikén Martarian, responsible for the Americas and Escalators region, in the press release. “Bogotá will become more accessible for the people who live, work and visit the capital. Thanks to our lifts and escalators, they will be able to move around the metro stations more easily and comfortably.”

    From 2028, Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro will be the first metro line in the Colombian capital to transport over 1 million passengers a day. The line comprises 16 stations over a length of 23.9 kilometres.

  • New major orders for building construction projects in Berne and Zurich

    New major orders for building construction projects in Berne and Zurich

    “Implenia has won further large and challenging building construction contracts,” the construction and property company from Opfikon announced in a press release. The order volume is estimated at over CHF 400 million in total. The two largest projects are a new building for the University of Bern and a residential development in the Zurich Oberland.

    The Canton of Bern has commissioned Implenia with the master builder work for a new medical research and training centre for the University of Bern. The university plans to unite five institutes of its medical faculty here. Construction work is due to start in May 2026 and be completed in July 2028.

    In Oetwil am See in the Zurich Oberland, Implenia will act as total contractor for the Seraina Investment Foundation to realise the new Schachenweid development. Eight flat blocks with 90 condominiums are planned here. Construction work is scheduled to start in September 2025 and the apartments should be ready for occupancy in October 2027.

    In the press release, Implenia also lists the modernisation and conversion of an inner-city building, the conversion of an old factory site in western Switzerland into an urban quarter and two new construction projects for school buildings in Switzerland and Germany as further new orders. The new projects “are in line with Implenia’s strategy of focusing on specialised real estate, which requires extensive expertise and many years of experience,” writes Implenia.

  • Construction site safety and flood protection for major Winterthur project

    Construction site safety and flood protection for major Winterthur project

    Outsec AG has won the tender to provide security support for the construction of the new Campus T of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur, the security company from Dietikon announced in a press release. According to the statement, outsec will be responsible for construction site security and flood protection over the next four years. The security company was already involved in the interface coordination of the project during the planning phase.

    “The complexity of this project lies not only in the size or the construction phases, but also in the proximity to existing infrastructure and the crossing of a flowing body of water,” said Robin Hüttenmoser, operational manager at outsec, in the press release. “Flood protection must be guaranteed at all times, especially during the construction period – this is where we make an important contribution with targeted monitoring and early alerts.”

    Outsec’s tasks include access control, coordination of deliveries and area control along the changing construction site zones. For flood protection, the company monitors the water-bearing systems and is also responsible for triggering the alarm in the event of flooding. “With this campus, the ZHAW not only offers students and researchers new perspectives, but also gives us as a security provider the opportunity to demonstrate our digital and networked expertise,” says outsec Managing Director René Leuenberger. In addition to its headquarters in Dietikon, the company has locations in Winterthur, Baden AG and Wallisellen ZH.

  • Alpine solar project launched over 2000 metres

    Alpine solar project launched over 2000 metres

    Axpo, based in Baden, has commissioned STRABAG to realise an alpine solar project next to the Lai da Nalps reservoir above the village of Serdun in Graubünden. Around 1,500 solar panels and a technology centre will be installed in the NalpSolar project at over 2,000 metres above sea level, the Schlieren-based construction company announced in a press release. The first 10 per cent of the plant is due to go into operation this December.

    “The construction work is technically demanding, logistically challenging and ecologically sensitive, but above all a milestone for the energy transition in Switzerland,” writes STRABAG. The individual solar tables and other components have to be transported along a narrow, single-lane mountain road. The road, which is normally closed, was built by Axpo in the 1960s as an access road for the reservoir.

    As there are no storage facilities on the construction site, only the material that is immediately needed is transported. “The logistics now run like clockwork,” explains construction foreman François Borner in the press release. “Instead of being stressful, it is now easy to plan.” In the press release, STRABAG cites the uneven ground and respect for the nature conservation zones in the construction area as further challenges in the project.

    Due to the altitude, NalpSolar will produce a lot of electricity, especially in the winter months, explains STRABAG. The construction company is aiming to complete the work in 2028. The electricity from NalpSolar is reserved for the SBB power grid for the next 20 years.

  • Clear the stage for the best projects in the industry

    Clear the stage for the best projects in the industry

    When the doors of Trafo Baden open on October 2, 2025, the who’s who of the Swiss real estate, construction and finance world will gather for the Real Estate Award 2025 ceremony. In addition to the festive gala with dinner, the focus will be on inspiring impulses, networking and discussions about the future of the industry.

    A special highlight is entrepreneur and visionary Samih Sawiris, who will provide personal insights during the fireside chat, a conversation that promises new perspectives on entrepreneurial thinking and location development.

    Four categories, twelve finalists
    The start of ticket sales also marked the opening of public online voting. Until August 17, 2025, one vote can be cast daily in four forward-looking categories, each with three finalists.

    Digital: Evorest, Optiml, Quanthome

    Sustainability: IAZI CIFI, Mobimo, Neustark

    Project Development & Innovation: Element, UmweltArena, Xania

    Marketing: Avendo, maison.work, tRaumplaner

    The winners will be awarded live at the gala evening and jointly determined by the jury and the audience.

  • CO2-neutral commercial building with ramp and roof garden

    CO2-neutral commercial building with ramp and roof garden

    Felix Partner Architektur und Design from Zurich have symbolically handed over the first dismantled components of the former Stewi headquarters in Winterthur-Grüze to their customers for recycling at the start of construction of their Green Spin project in Winterthur. According to a press release, most of the demolished parts will not end up in landfill, but will be reused in other buildings. The demolition concrete will also be shredded and used to produce recycled concrete.

    A service building for commercial tenants will be built on the same site. Companies that also focus on sustainability themselves are set to move in from late summer 2027.

    The building shell is planned as a CO2-neutral timber construction. A green inner courtyard and a roof garden will also be realised. Photovoltaic modules on the façades and wind turbines will supply green electricity, while geothermal energy will be used for heating. The building is to be certified in accordance with the international BREEAM sustainability standard.

    The centrepiece is a ramp that is up to six metres wide and rises gently around the inner courtyard. It provides access to the rental areas on all levels, including by bicycle. The commercial, office, production and sports space will be complemented by catering outlets and individual retail outlets.

    “I hope this project will inspire others to think big and act boldly,” said FDP National Councillor Andri Silberschmidt in his speech at the start of construction. Jens Andersen, Winterthur’s master builder, emphasised that the project “fits in perfectly with our strategy of sustainable urban development”.

  • New building in Sursee for cycling team

    New building in Sursee for cycling team

    According to an article in the “Luzerner Zeitung”, the Tudor Pro Cycling Team, currently based in Schenkon, is about to move to Sursee. The team would like to invest 18 million Swiss francs in a new six-storey headquarters there. The initiator is Sette Immo AG, which runs not only the professional team but also a junior team through its Sette Sports Group. Fabian Cancellara, a former racing cyclist, is not only team manager of the Tudor Pro Cycling Team, but is also active at Sette Immo AG.

    The team’s new headquarters is due to be completed in September 2026 and will provide space for storage, workshops, training and meeting rooms. Offices for the administration and recreation rooms for the drivers will also be built, as well as a showroom for the team. A photovoltaic system will also be installed on the roof.

    The team, which is sponsored by watch manufacturer Tudor from Geneva, is currently taking part in the Tour de France until the end of the month.

  • Aircraft manufacturing headquarters to be extensively modernised and condensed

    Aircraft manufacturing headquarters to be extensively modernised and condensed

    The aircraft manufacturer Pilatus is planning to modernise its headquarters in Stans. According to a press release, the buildings, some of which are very outdated and energy inefficient, are to be comprehensively reconstructed. The production and administration areas will also be densified with new buildings. The architectural structure will be adapted to the landscape conditions. The vertical construction method will make better use of the space without the buildings exceeding heights of 32, 36 or 56 metres.

    According to the company, the buildings will follow the principles of sustainability and comply with international standards (LEED). Recycled concrete and local timber will be used. All buildings are subject to high energy standards. Large-scale photovoltaic systems will ensure that the building produces its own electricity.

    With this comprehensive renovation, Pilatus is showing its commitment to the Stans site and to the well-being of its 2,500 employees. Their environmentally friendly journey to work by public transport will be subsidised with financial support of up to CHF 1,000 per year, according to the press release.

    On 26 November 2025, the population of Stans will be able to decide on an amendment to the land use plan.

  • The Möbeliareal Glarus is taking shape

    The Möbeliareal Glarus is taking shape

    Following the rezoning from industrial to mixed residential and commercial use, the foundation for a new use was laid. With the submission of the development plan, this vision is now becoming a reality.

    Dialogue as the basis for sustainable development
    An intensive dialogue process, which was launched in 2022, formed the basis for the current indicative project. In this collaborative process, key issues relating to urban development, the mix of uses, open spaces and ecology were discussed together with experts, neighbours and interested parties. The results have led to careful planning that strives for a balance between historical buildings and new architectural elements. The former production buildings of ag möbelfabrik horgenglarus will become available from 2027 and can be integrated into the first construction phase.

    A new urban building block in the centre of Glarus
    Möbeliareal ag’s aim with the project is to create a lively, open and mixed-use area. Existing buildings such as the renovated former upholstery shop, a Hans Leuzinger building and the established RAUMSTATION coworking space already show how new uses can be integrated into existing structures. The planned new building complements the complex with exciting open spaces and gives the area a new urban legibility.

    Planned start of construction in 2027
    The development plan, based on the indicative project by agps architecture ltd. and Böe Studio GmbH, was submitted to the municipality for a preliminary review at the end of 2023. The legally binding plan is expected following any revisions. The first building applications could then follow, with construction scheduled to start in stages from 2027. This marks the continuation of a development process that has been prepared with in-depth market analyses and planning studies and is now moving into a concrete realisation phase.

    Prospects for urban living spaces
    The Möbeliareal is an exemplary project in the centre of the cantonal capital. Historically rooted, socially mixed, architecturally far-sighted and economically viable. The carefully orchestrated transition from an industrial production site to a diverse living space is an example of how site development can succeed in the area of tension between tradition and the future.

  • New sports hall in Sissach is being built underground

    New sports hall in Sissach is being built underground

    ERNE AG Bauunternehmung is well on track with the realisation of a triple sports hall in Sissach. The project is being realised by ERNE plus as total contractor, the Laufenburg-based ERNE Group company announced in a press release. Construction work has been in full swing since the ground-breaking ceremony on 12 April last year.

    As total contractor, ERNE plus is coordinating all the trades involved in the construction work. The close collaboration will ensure that the construction project is completed on time and to a high standard, writes ERNE AG. ERNE is using digital tools for planning and realisation.

    The design of the triple sports hall, developed by architects Penzel Valier AG from Zurich, is based on sustainable construction methods, according to the press release. A large part of the hall will be built underground so that an all-weather pitch can be created on the hall roof. Above ground, the hall will be connected to the existing school building via a pavilion.