immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Projects

  • How the Wolf site in Basel is becoming a residential neighbourhood

    How the Wolf site in Basel is becoming a residential neighbourhood

    The relocation of freight handling to the harbour area freed up a 16-hectare site near Basel SBB station. SBB has been pursuing the vision of a mixed neighbourhood here for years, combining living, working and leisure. The urban development plan is based on a design by Christ & Gantenbein and EM2N. The central element is a large courtyard that stretches from east to west, shields against noise and links public and private uses as a green boulevard.

    Two faces “Janus“project
    The Paris-based firm Experience, together with M-AP Architects from Lausanne, won the competition for the MF02 construction site. Their “Janus” project responds to the contrasts between the railway side and the inner courtyard with two architectural languages.

    A horizontal ribbon façade with striking concrete frames stretches towards the track side, conveying a powerful image to passing trains. Towards the courtyard, a finely structured façade with staggered balconies and greenish decorated surfaces appears.
    The construction method follows a hybrid approach of concrete skeleton and timber construction. The floor plans are compactly organised, with a clear separation between bedrooms, wet rooms and spacious living areas. Only the lack of privacy in the ground-floor flats was criticised.

    Noise protection as a design element “Binaria” project
    The “Binaria” project by Basel-based ARGE Parabase and Confirm won the competition for the MF03 construction site. It counters the street noise with a robust north façade made of reused trapezoidal sheet metal and protruding acoustic elements. In contrast, a transparent, green glass façade with balconies and plant troughs opens up to the courtyard side.
    The multi-storey passageway connecting the courtyard and the street is particularly striking. The circular ventilation grille made of sound-absorbing panels makes a strong architectural statement here. Inside, linear floor plans allow for flexible living concepts from 2.5 to 5.5-room flats. Sustainability is characterised by reused beams, recycled concrete and re-used wood.

    Pilot character with high standards
    Both winning projects pursue innovative approaches to noise protection, the flexibility of the flat layouts and the use of recycled materials. The roofs are used for photovoltaics and rainwater management, the façades are partially planted or fitted with integrated solar technology. Energy is generated from renewable sources, while shading and evaporation provide thermal insulation in summer. Special attention is paid to reversible construction. Constructions are to be screwed together instead of glued in order to facilitate subsequent reutilisation or material cycles.

    Milestones and prospects
    The new buildings in the west of the site will be realised in the first stage, with construction scheduled to begin in 2028. A second stage with a city logistics hub and additional uses will follow from 2031. Even before completion, SBB will open the site for interim use. The listed 2,000 m² railway hall will be used for sports activities, for example. The Wolf site will thus become a pilot project for urban housing construction that answers questions about noise protection, sustainability and socially mixed housing on a large scale. For Basel, this is not just an urban planning experiment, but a decisive step towards more affordable living space and a higher quality of urban life.

  • Strategic milestone for Zofingen

    Strategic milestone for Zofingen

    The 27,636 square metre site near Zofingen railway station was home to the traditional Swissprinters print shop until 2024. Following its closure, Ringier Areal AG sold the western section to Turidomus, while the eastern section remains in Ringier’s ownership. In recent years, Ringier, together with the town of Zofingen and the Basel architectural firm Christ & Gantenbein, had already developed the strategic basis for the conversion. The development is now building on this.

    Diversity and sustainability in the centre
    The “Areal West” is a site of strategic importance. The location opposite the old town and directly behind the railway station offers ideal conditions for a new, urban residential district. Over 300 flats for different lifestyles and household sizes are to be built on five building plots. From compact flats to family flats.

    The project development is based on the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard. A climate-friendly neighbourhood square, green open spaces that reduce heat islands and photovoltaic systems are planned. District heating is also planned in order to keep the neighbourhood’s carbon footprint low from the outset.

    Study commission to specify
    A study commission is planned for 2026 to specify the urban integration and the specific design of the housing on offer. The aim is to create a lively neighbourhood that not only provides housing, but also creates a sense of community and identity. Depending on the process, construction could start from 2028, with first occupancy from 2030.

    Experience with transformations
    Reference projects such as the Ziegeleipark in Horw/Kriens, the Reitmen neighbourhood in Schlieren and Zwhatt in Regensdorf show that the Group understands complex transformation processes. With the “Areal West” in Zofingen, the group is continuing in this vein. The aim is to transform the industrial past into a future-proof, sustainable neighbourhood.

  • Solar power stored seasonally for the first time in Kaltenbach

    Solar power stored seasonally for the first time in Kaltenbach

    At the post office in the village of Kaltenbach, which belongs to the municipality of Wagenhausen, surplus solar power from the summer months can in future be utilised in winter. This will be made possible by a SeasON demonstration system in the new post office delivery centre in Kaltenbach, Matica AG announced in a press release. The thermochemical process developed by the company in collaboration with Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts utilises caustic soda for the loss-free storage of electricity and waste heat.

    When the electricity is stored, water is removed from the caustic soda solution and transferred to a separate tank. Concentrated caustic solution and separate water can then be stored at room temperature. If the stored energy is to be utilised, the concentrated caustic solution is diluted again with the separated water. The resulting mixing heat is supplemented by condensation heat. It is generated by vaporising the water in the closed system with the help of low-temperature heat from a heat exchanger.

    “For us and the team at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the realisation of the project in Kaltenbach is another important milestone on the way to the market launch of our innovative over-seasonal energy storage system SeasON,” said Matica CEO Marc Lüthi in the press release. “The experience gained from building the system, installing it and analysing the operating phase is essential for the efficient further development of our pioneering solution.”

    The Wagenhausen-based company installed its first demonstration plant in Frauenfeld in 2024. A third system is planned for spring 2026 in a housing estate in North Rhine-Westphalia.

  • New dynamics for self-consumption communities

    New dynamics for self-consumption communities

    Primeo Energie is expanding its business for energy communities. The Basel-based energy company will take over the billing services for self-consumption associations (ZEV) from Energie Wasser Bern(ewb), Regio Energie Solothurn(RES) and AGROLA from the beginning of 2026, Primeo Energie announced in a press release. The three energy suppliers will continue to provide their customers with ZEV services, but will have these carried out by Prime Energie.

    “We believe in energy communities as an important element of the energy transformation,” said Primeo Energie CEO Cédric Christmann in the press release. “I am therefore all the more pleased that ewb, RES and AGROLA have placed their trust in us and transferred their ZEV services to us.” The takeover expands Primeo Energie’s Swiss-wide network to over 20,000 ZEV measuring points. The company’s growth strategy in the area of energy communities is intended to strengthen Primeo Energie’s position “as a leading provider of ZEV services”, according to the press release.

  • New fish ladder for the River Aare launched in Thun

    New fish ladder for the River Aare launched in Thun

    Energie Thun AG officially began the construction of a new fish ladder in the Selve Thun Aarewerke with a ground-breaking ceremony on 1 September. The preliminary construction work had already started in January 2025. The new fish ladder with two entrances will enable improved fish migration. Commissioning is scheduled for March 2028. The project is being financed via the grid surcharge fund, which is fed via a surcharge on the electricity price.

    The construction was necessary because the damming of the Aare at the Aaare works by a flap weir is hindering undisturbed fish migration. There is currently only one entrance in the tailwater at the little-used power plant 94.

    Energie Thun submitted the project application back in 2013 after the need to restore fish passability was recognised as part of the recertification of the Aare power plants with the naturemade star environmental label. The Office for Water and Waste (AWA) approved the early restoration in 2014. This was followed by several years of preliminary examination and development of the construction project. The overall construction decision was made in 2022 and tenders were invited in 2024.

    The contract was awarded to IG ThunFisch, a consortium of IUB Engineering AG, Kissling Zbinden AG andthe fish ecology department of Kraftwerke Oberhasli AG. The largest part of the fish ladder is being built by Frutiger AG, which specialises in special civil engineering and hydraulic engineering.

  • 170-metre tower sets the tone in the Quartier de l’Étoile

    170-metre tower sets the tone in the Quartier de l’Étoile

    Halter AG, based in Schlieren, and Fordinvest (Schweiz) Immobilien GmbH, based in Pfäffikon SZ, are realising the Tour de l’Étoile 3 in Geneva. According to a press release, the high-rise building will be located in the new Quartier de l’Étoile in Geneva and will offer more than 300 flats, spaces for public facilities, restaurants, shops and services as well as a top floor open to the public. With a height of 170 metres and an area of over 50,000 square metres, it is set to become an architectural landmark in Geneva.

    The background to the project is the Praille-Acacias-Vernets(PAV) spatial planning project in Geneva. As part of this project, nine new urban neighbourhoods with over 12,000 flats, 6,000 workplaces, public facilities and open and green spaces are to be built over an area of more than 140 hectares in the coming years. The signing of the planning agreement with the Fondation Praille-Acacias-Vernets and the Canton of Geneva has now paved the way for the development of two high-rise buildings.

    Together with the high-rise building planned by Rolex, Tour de l’Étoile 3 will form a central element of the PAV development project and contribute to the social and functional diversity of the l’Étoile neighbourhood. Fordinvest acquired the existing Tour de l’Étoile back in 2000 and initiated the development of the new tower block. Halter is assuming responsibility for the realisation of Tour de l’Étoile 3 as the overall provider. The company is also already present in the PAV project with one completed high-rise project and plans to build another in 2026.

  • Tradition meets innovation in façade renovation in Davos

    Tradition meets innovation in façade renovation in Davos

    The Hotel Schatzalp in Davos, which opened in 1900 as a luxury sanatorium, has been given a new façade with the support of architecture researchers from ETH Zurich. The building was constructed using digital aids. According to a statement from ETH, the contract for implementation was awarded to local timber construction company Künzli Davos AG and Instructive Construction AG(Incon.ai), which specialises in augmented reality technology. Incon.ai is a spin-off of the ETH and is based at Technopark Zurich.

    The designs for the reinterpretation were developed by a team led by Silke Langenberg, Professor of Construction Heritage and Monument Preservation at ETH Zurich, and architecture professors Fabio Gramazio and Matthias Kohler at the ETH Department of Architecture. The task for the architectural researchers was to preserve the appearance and integrate digital technologies into traditional craftsmanship and operational processes. “Based on the design logic of the old building, we reinterpreted the balustrades,” Fabio Gramazio is quoted as saying.

    Matthias Kohler sees this as a “fundamental change in the way we build”. The digital model replaces the double metre in traditional construction methods. The digital model created using augmented reality simplifies planning for tradespeople and allows people to use their dexterity and intuition. As Kohler emphasises, people retain control over the process.

    The wooden balustrades on the building had become outdated and no longer met today’s safety standards, he explains. In addition, the typical appearance of the Schatzalp with the loggias attached to the south façade had been impaired by numerous changes.

  • Swiss freight metro is on ice

    Swiss freight metro is on ice

    The Cargo sous terrain(CST) underground freight transportation system has failed in its previously planned form. The private company Cargo sous terrain AG writes in a press release that its implementation is not economically viable at the present time. Private financing of the construction phase would require a different legal framework. The key is to embed the metro in an overall logistics system and to establish stable partnerships with the federal government, cantons and cities.

    According to CST, the technical and structural feasibility of the project has been proven. The plans for the underground logistics system with fine distribution in cities were confirmed as part of an independent review in spring 2025. It is now up to the authorities to proceed on this basis.

    CST remains in dialogue, but is shifting its focus: the company now wants to advise national and international organizations on urban logistics issues. In this context, CST must reduce costs and also cut ten jobs. According to the press release, CEO Christoph Späth deeply regrets this step. However, by restructuring, CST is setting the course for a sustainable future.

    “We do not currently have the resources to continue the organization with its current focus and are therefore adapting to the realities of the situation,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors Marco Rosso. It will take time until CST is firmly anchored in transport policy and can mobilize long-term investments.

    The plans for the freight metro had envisaged an underground network from Geneva to St. Gallen and from Basel to Lucerne with a branch from Bern to Thun. The first section of the freight metro from Härkingen to Zurich was originally scheduled to go into operation in 2031.

  • Olten-Trimbach heating network starts after approval from the cantonal hospital

    Olten-Trimbach heating network starts after approval from the cantonal hospital

    Aare Energie AG(a.en) and IWB are tackling the realisation of a heating network in the Hagmatt border area between the Solothurn municipalities of Olten and Trimbach. The partner companies had made the realisation of the plans for extracting thermal energy from the groundwater dependent on the involvement of Olten Cantonal Hospital. This key customer has now agreed to participate, a.en and IWB announced in a joint press release.

    A.en and IWB intend to start construction work on the heating network as early as next year. Its network length is expected to be 6 kilometres. A new heating centre in the Dellen drinking water pumping station is named in the press release as the heart of the system. Two heat pumps, each with an output of around 2.5 megawatts, will extract heat from the groundwater here.

    According to the press release, the provision of heat from groundwater can also be guaranteed at low water temperatures in winter. The annual heat output of the plant is estimated at 20 gigawatt hours. Interested parties who have already requested an indicative offer should now receive concrete offers and be able to conclude contracts. The partners expect the first heat deliveries from 2027.

  • Zurich’s “city in the lake”

    Zurich’s “city in the lake”

    bosshard presented his “City in the Lake” to the public in 1961. A gigantic terrace of 700,000 square meters, enthroned 14 meters above the water level, was to serve as a pedestrian city, including traffic arteries and over 70,000 parking spaces.

    The three zones were clearly designed.

    • In the north, a cultural center with theaters, museums, cinemas and an administration building.
    • In the middle, the office and business district for up to 50,000 workplaces, flanked by a shopping and gastronomy center.
    • To the south, a hotel zone with a view of the lake and the foothills of the Alps.

    A green strip up to 100 meters wide around the new city was to transform the lake basin into a park and river landscape.

    Infrastructure from a single source
    Bosshard’s plan envisaged a rigid separation of pedestrians and traffic. Cars, streetcars and a possible underground train were to run beneath the artificial plateau. Escalators would have guided commuters from the substructure into the high-rise city. Bosshard pointed to the public purse, the inexpensive use of cantonal waters and the use of prefabricated construction elements to finance the project.

    Criticism and opposition
    The reactions were fierce. In the NZZ, an architect voiced his “energetic objection” and spoke of a “frostily monumental” foreign city that would take away Zurich’s lake and thus its essence. The press felt compelled to emphasize that the publication of the project was not an endorsement, but was intended to provide information.

    Bosshard’s vision was criticized as a show of strength, even as “utopian folly”. Ecological aspects or the legal basis for such an embankment were largely ignored in the project dossier.

    A time of bold urban ideas
    Bosshard’s plan fits in with the 1960s and 1970s, when Zurich experimented with several radical projects. in 1971, for example, Guhl, Lechner and Philipp designed the “Wohncity” above the tracks between the main railway station and Altstetten, another plan that failed due to its cost and complexity.

    In retrospect, ETH urban researcher Christian Schmid speaks of an “act of desperation”. The narrowness of Zurich’s city center left little room for expansion. The idea of moving out to sea or over railroad land was spectacular, but neither practical nor financially viable.

    Housing construction remains an ongoing problem
    Today, the debate about covering railroad tracks is being revisited. This time, the main focus is on the lack of affordable housing. Schmid remains skeptical that such projects would also incur enormous costs and ultimately result in luxury apartments. Urban expansions such as those proposed years ago by the Krokodil architects’ group for Dübendorf are more realistic. Large areas, well developed and with potential for affordable housing developments.

    The “City im See” may have failed as an urban planning utopia, but it remains a symbol of an era in which Zurich designed high-flying ideas to solve its structural problems. Then as now, the city searched for space that did not exist and found answers in the boldest visions.

  • Sport, sustainability and community under one roof

    Sport, sustainability and community under one roof

    The cycling team Tudor Pro Cycling is planning to relocate its headquarters from Schenkon to Sursee. According to a press release, construction of the new facility has now begun. The 10,000 square metre building is to be sustainably designed and will open in 2027. It is intended to support the team’s growth and redefine the standards of professional cycling. The project is supported by the municipal council and the authorities of the canton of Lucerne.

    The CHF 17 million facility was designed in collaboration with Goldbeck Rhomberg. It is to be built on Zeughausstrasse in Sursee and will provide a five-storey space where drivers, mechanics, trainers and employees can come together to prepare for upcoming races. A public area will also offer fans and supporters exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and interactive experiences.

    “Together with Goldbeck Rhomberg, we have developed a ground-breaking concept that not only fulfils the needs of a professional sports team, but also takes into account the expectations of fans and the local community,” explains Raphael Meyer, CEO of Tudor Pro Cycling, in the press release. “It also sets new standards in terms of environmental sustainability and has been awarded DGNB Gold certification– one of the highest standards that buildings can achieve.”

    Sursee and the canton of Lucerne have reportedly supported the team from the outset and made the project possible. “We are delighted that this new building, which is dedicated to sport and a healthy lifestyle, is taking shape here in our municipality,” said Sabine Beck-Pflugshaupt, Mayor of Sursee. “It is a place that will help Sursee to shine in Switzerland and beyond our borders.”

  • Statics gap in timber construction is closed

    Statics gap in timber construction is closed

    Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa), the Bern University of Applied Sciences and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) have carried out a comprehensive series of tests in collaboration with the Federal Office for the Environment(FOEN). According to a press release, the aim of these investigations was to close a structural analysis gap in timber construction. Multiple tests and mathematical models were used to gain insights into the horizontal load of timber frame constructions.

    “We are investigating the horizontal bracing of buildings with timber frame walls that contain window openings,” said Nadja Manser, project manager at Empa, in the press release. “Neither in Switzerland nor in other European countries is there currently a regulation on how much horizontal load a timber frame wall can bear if it contains a window opening.”

    In order to obtain this data, the researchers carried out numerous experiments in Empa’s construction hall with two-storey and single-storey walls, each containing two window openings. The horizontal beams were subjected to a load of over 100 kilonewtons.

    The next step is to use the large amount of data obtained to create a computer model that is easy for structural engineers to calculate and that can be used to realise structural calculations for timber frame buildings. Throughout the project, the researchers are working with industry partners such as Swiss Timber Engineers, Holzbau Schweiz and Ancotech AG. One of the aims is to eliminate the need for expensive and labour-intensive steel anchors and the concrete cores that were previously required.

  • Dielsdorf data centres to supply district heating for the region

    Dielsdorf data centres to supply district heating for the region

    Green Datacenter AG(Green) from Lupfig AG and BRUGG Pipes from Kleindöttingen have agreed to work together to supply several municipalities in the canton of Zurich with district heating. According to a press release, the waste heat from the new Green Metro-Campus Zurich will supply 11,500 households in Dielsdorf and five neighbouring municipalities as well as industrial and commercial companies with district heating.

    In collaboration with the energy supplier Energie 360°, CO2-free heating is to be generated from the waste heat of the new data centre. An energy centre is being built right next to the Green Metro campus. The companies involved are relying on pipes from BRUGG Pipes to build the district heating network. The Aargau-based company has already supplied 126 pipes, each 12 metres long and with an external diameter of 70 centimetres. The pipe system is laid underground and is no longer visible after construction. The system is equipped with a smart monitoring system for maintenance purposes.

    “The data centres in Dielsdorf are a good example of how waste heat can be used sensibly and CO2 can be saved,” said Martin Rigaud, CEO of BRUGG Pipes, in the press release.

    Energie 360° aims to supply the first district heating in 2026. Green is already using the waste heat from the data centre to heat its own office buildings and a nearby industrial complex.

  • Furniture made from shuttering boards as an educational project

    Furniture made from shuttering boards as an educational project

    Industrial designer Björn Ischi has fully equipped the remodelled Building 1 at the Sursee campus with recycled furniture. Together with Designform GmbH, Ischi has equipped the seminar and training centre, which is specifically dedicated to the training of construction site cadres, with sustainable seating landscapes and study tables. The furniture was made from shuttering boards and other old materials to meet the needs of the students.

    Ischi points out in a press release that the circular furniture is economically competitive with products at standard market prices. Sustainability is therefore not a compromise, but a win-win situation.

    The project at the Sursee campus was initiated back in 2022. Ischi began cataloguing existing material on campus in 2024. On this basis, the industrial designer created the circular furniture. The project was technically coordinated by furniture manufacturer Girsberger from Thunstetten BE.

    Ischi emphasises the good cooperation with the management of the seminar and education centre. “Where others throw away the old, Campus Sursee has shown the courage to rethink,” says Ischi. Short distances and clever ideas have beaten long journeys and the production of new furniture. “The future is created when we value the old and reinterpret it.”

  • Acquisition of land in Meggen

    Acquisition of land in Meggen

    The acquired plot on Neueggweg is practically undeveloped and, according to the zoning plan, is in residential zone C. The location is quiet, yet well developed, an advantage for future residents. According to the current planning status, Mobimo will realise a condominium development with around 70 residential units on the site. The project volume amounts to around CHF 120 million. The start of construction is dependent on a mandatory design plan obligation. Completion of the development is scheduled for the end of 2032.

    Development pipeline and market environment
    With the purchase of the site, the company is substantially expanding its development pipeline for the coming years. Demand for residential property in good locations around Lucerne remains consistently high. The municipality of Meggen is one of the most sought-after residential locations in Central Switzerland and, in addition to its proximity to the city of Lucerne, scores highly for its attractive location and quality of life. Lake Lucerne, the local recreational area around Meggen and the municipal infrastructure further strengthen the location.

    Project objectives and outlook
    The new development not only offers new living space, but also provides urban development opportunities thanks to the design plan. The process gives architectural firms the opportunity to contribute innovative housing solutions and modern, needs-orientated spatial concepts. The planning takes into account both the desire for attractive green spaces and the requirements for residential density and sustainability.

    Several planning steps are still required before the planned completion at the end of 2032. The exact start of construction depends on the development and finalisation of the design plan. The occupancy date will be communicated promptly based on the official procedures and marketing.

    The project in Meggen will create new living space, further develop the location and expand the company’s commitment to attractive, sustainable living in Central Switzerland.

  • Biochar concrete opens up prospects for a climate-neutral construction industry

    Biochar concrete opens up prospects for a climate-neutral construction industry

    Four construction companies from Switzerland have joined forces to found KLARK AG, based in Landquart GR, on 25 August 2025: Ulrich Imboden AG from Visp VS, Logbau AG from Maienfeld GR, Novakies AG from Rapperswil BE and Toggenburger AG from Winterthur. Their common goal is to make KLARK concrete, which is CO2-neutral thanks to the addition of biochar, available throughout the country.

    In a press release, they describe the founding of KLARK AG as a milestone for the Swiss construction industry: “It shows that ecological responsibility, economic thinking and cooperative structures can go hand in hand – even and especially in an industry that has long been considered sluggish.” KLARK stands for a move towards a building materials market “that not only measures climate effects, but actively changes them”. This is “industry innovation instead of individual battles”.

    The KLARK climate clay is mixed with as much biochar from untreated waste wood from regional forestry until a CO2-neutral product is created. According to the information provided, it has the same properties as traditional concrete, which causes CO2 emissions of up to 250 kilograms per cubic metre.

    The CO2 reduction performance has been verified with a verified life cycle assessment in accordance with the accounting rules of the Coordination Conference of Building and Property Bodies of Public Building Owners(KBOB). The life cycle assessment results are published on the KBOB list. KLARK concrete can be produced with 50, 75 or 100 per cent sink rate and is fully recyclable.

    Eberhard Bau AG from Kloten ZH, Aarebeton Aarau AG and Arnold & Co. AG Sand- und Kieswerke from Flüelen UR are already on board as licence holders for the production of KLARK concrete. “This creates a central competence centre for CO2-saving construction with concrete, supported by regional pioneers with a national reach,” the press release states.

  • Building project combines art, architecture and cultural development

    Building project combines art, architecture and cultural development

    Nüssli Schweiz AG from Hüttwilen has broken ground on the expansion of the Mack Pyramid in Monheim am Rhein, according to a press release. The Thurgau-based event construction company was awarded the general contract in spring 2025. Following the construction of an eight-court sports hall, this is the second contract from Monheim for Nüssli.

    The construction is an architectural and artistic challenge. A second mirrored pyramid will be placed on top of the existing Mack pyramid. Additional exhibition and storage rooms are to be created in the new double structure. The existing space will also be renovated and modernised.

    The deep foundations are due to be completed by the end of October 2025 and the shell of the stairwells by the end of the year. The supporting structure consists of a steel construction with stairwells made of reinforced concrete. Where possible, prefabricated components from the Nüssli armoury will be used.

    The topping-out ceremony is scheduled to take place in March 2026, just in time for the 95th birthday of German artist Heinz Mack. Full completion of the building is planned for summer 2027.

    “We are proud to be realising the vision of the city of Monheim am Rhein together with our partners,” said Udo Baader, Head of Project Management Special Projects at Nüssli, in the press release. “The extension of the Mack Pyramid is not only an architectural highlight, but also a cultural impulse for the entire region.”

  • Between innovation and reality

    Between innovation and reality

    In the middle of the Zurich conurbation, the new H1 residential tower towers above the Zwhatt site. With a height of 75 meters and 24 storeys, the building is a visible marker for the Regensdorf skyline and for hybrid construction methods between concrete and wood. Despite its striking red hue and eye-catching façade, the interior is dominated by natural and neutral materials. The architecture remains restrained, the structure classic. Three solid base storeys and a central concrete core support the building, while timber columns, timber-concrete composite ribbed ceilings, lightweight façades and solar panels ensure resource efficiency.

    The HBV structure allows for a high degree of prefabrication and a significant reduction in gray energy. Compared to conventional solid buildings, 20% of emissions are saved, a total of around 670 tons of CO₂ over a life cycle of 60 years. The horizontally positioned photovoltaic modules serve as a brisesoleil and generate around 155,000 kWh of electricity per year, which covers around 36% of the apartments’ energy requirements.

    Quality of living, community and urban density
    At the base of the H1, three-sided arcades connect the building to the neighborhood and ensure an urban quality of living. Inside, a clear, modular structure ensures compact, flexible apartments. 156 units are organized around the central core and are reached via short, bundled access routes. There is space for community halfway up the building with a two-storey meeting room, a launderette and spectacular views. The wooden elements create a pleasant indoor climate, while exposed beams and clay surfaces ensure a cozy atmosphere.

    Sustainability and the ambivalence of the high-rise principle
    H1 is a project of transition. The high proportion of wood reduces the CO₂ profile, but does not make the use of concrete superfluous. The climate-friendly construction method, local raw materials such as beech wood from the Jura or clay and the focus on renewable energy make sustainable construction a reality. Nevertheless, the high-rise building remains an ambivalent concept. The densification saves space, but the statics and fire protection still force hybrid constructions.

    In terms of urban planning, the Zwhatt site represents a new development perspective for Regensdorf. The silhouette of H1 and other towers characterizes the skyline. The quarter combines living, working and open spaces and stands for an urban development that remains flexible and adaptable.

    The H1 residential tower exemplifies change in the construction industry. It combines advanced timber hybrid technology, a high degree of prefabrication and urban integration. H1 is thus a “building of transition”, a step towards net zero, but also a reflection of the challenges and potentials facing sustainable residential construction in urban centers today.

  • Efficiency in timber construction thanks to statics

    Efficiency in timber construction thanks to statics

    Timber frame construction scores highly as a sustainable alternative to concrete. However, there is a problem with structural planning. Walls with windows were previously considered “statistically invisible” due to a lack of reliable data on load-bearing behavior. Planning, use of materials and costs suffered as a result.

    Large-scale tests for greater material and cost efficiency
    In order to close this knowledge gap, Empa, the Bern University of Applied Sciences and ETH Zurich launched a joint research project, supported by the FOEN and industrial partners. In Empa’s construction hall, wooden walls are deliberately subjected to extreme horizontal loads, generating valuable data on the load-bearing capacity of walls with window openings. The aim is to use the horizontal bracing values of such elements reliably in everyday engineering in the future.

    Less concrete, more wood
    The findings are being incorporated into a new, simple computer model. The initial results show that walls with windows also make a significant contribution to bracing. This reduces the need for steel anchors and concrete cores and cuts the amount of material, time and costs involved in timber construction. In the long term, this results in more economical and ecological buildings.

    Cooperation between research and industry
    The focus is on the practical suitability of the new model. In close dialog with industry partners, the complex research model is translated into an applicable solution for planning practice. This benefits planners, investors and residents alike.

    With new test procedures and calculation models for window walls, the research project is taking timber construction a step further towards greater efficiency, resource conservation and innovation.

  • New building strengthens Solothurn cantonal police force

    New building strengthens Solothurn cantonal police force

    The tasks of the police have become more diverse. Technology and society are changing rapidly. Legal requirements are becoming increasingly complex. KAPO Solothurn needs new structures to be able to react to this. Well-trained employees and ongoing training are more important than ever. Sufficient equipment is also a basic requirement for efficient work today.

    Lack of space, outdated infrastructure
    The existing infrastructure no longer meets current requirements. Many services work in cramped and unsuitable rented premises. There is a lack of special rooms for training and modern investigations. Forensics and the education and training service are particularly affected. Employees therefore have to move to external premises. This complicates processes and costs time.

    The new building as a solution
    A central unit for the police is being built at the Oensingen site. More than 150 employees from eleven different services will work under one roof in future. This will create better communication and shorter distances. Cooperation with the nearby heavy traffic control center will also be simplified. The new building offers enough space for current and future teams. Modern working and training conditions ensure greater efficiency and motivation.

    The focus is on training and quality
    A new on-site training center simplifies the training of police officers. Forensic technology will have modern laboratories and examination rooms. This increases the quality of work and improves conditions for everyone.

    More efficiency, lower costs

    The new structures will simplify processes and reduce costs. The internal synergies and proximity to the SVKZ lead to shorter deployment times. This makes the jobs for the police more attractive and increases their effectiveness.

    Facts, figures and outlook
    The building is planned to cost around 85 million francs. The floor space amounts to a good 10,400 m². The building offers rooms for all important police services. It has special training areas, laboratories and 204 parking spaces. Completion and occupation are scheduled for 2031. Luna Productions from Deitingen delivered the winning project in the competition. The costs are constantly being reviewed and optimized.

    The new building will position the Solothurn cantonal police for the future. Better working conditions, more efficient processes and modern technology will ensure that police work can continue to develop flexibly.

  • Fraunhofer ISE Testlab sets standard for inverters

    Fraunhofer ISE Testlab sets standard for inverters

    With the increasing expansion of renewable energies, the rotating masses of conventional power plants, which previously ensured a stable voltage and frequency, are no longer present in the grid. Grid-forming inverters must take over this task and reliably stabilize the grid even in critical situations such as frequency changes or short circuits. Until now, however, there has been a lack of a uniform definition and standardized verification procedures for these systems.

    GFM Benchmark test procedure
    In the GFM Benchmark project, Fraunhofer ISE invited leading manufacturers to test their devices in the laboratory. Seven companies provided inverters with different outputs and development statuses. The test procedure was developed together with German transmission grid operators and simulates various grid situations. In addition to normal operation, it also includes extreme situations such as phase jumps and short circuits in the grid.

    While many devices react similarly under clearly defined requirements, there are still clear differences under more complex conditions. The ISE team was therefore able to provide manufacturers with valuable tips for optimization and highlighted the need for further development.

    Paving the way for standardization and market integration
    The project results have been directly incorporated into European standardization work and the VDE FNN note “Grid-forming properties”. For the first time, the new test guideline provides a recognized framework for the practical testing and certification of grid-forming systems. This is particularly relevant as a new market for instantaneous reserve will be launched in Germany from 2026, in which battery storage systems with suitable certification, for example, will receive additional revenue opportunities.

    Market maturity, best practice and industry dialog
    The market analysis and test data provide a solid basis for decision-making for manufacturers, grid operators, investors and standards bodies. The certification measurements that are now possible will accelerate the market entry of new, stabilizing inverters. In addition, Fraunhofer ISE supports the transfer of European requirements into national regulations and supports the industry with best practice guidelines.

    Fraunhofer ISE has set a milestone with the test procedure for grid-forming inverters. This will not only make the energy transition in Europe safer, but also measurably faster.

  • New orders in Germany strengthen building construction business

    New orders in Germany strengthen building construction business

    Implenia has landed contracts for building construction in Germany with a volume of more than 200 million euros. According to a press release, the projects are “in line with the Group’s strategic focus on large and challenging property projects that require extensive expertise and many years of experience”.

    On behalf of project developer and asset manager Rock Capital Group, the construction group will act as general contractor in Munich-Neuhausen, transforming the approximately one-hectare Bruckmann Quartier on Nymphenburgerstrasse into a high-quality office quarter. A combination of new construction and modernisation will create 28,000 square metres of office floor space in a prime central location. Individual parts of the building will be newly constructed, historic components will be modernised, one building will be extended and another will have a listed façade. Construction is due to start in 2025.

    In Brandenburg, Implenia is constructing a new administration building as the technical leader in a joint venture with GP Papenburg, a comprehensive school in the Ruhr region and a six-court sports hall with functional buildings for two grammar schools in Frankfurt am Main. All three new buildings will be handed over on a turnkey basis.

    Implenia is once again active at the Mainz customs harbour. The Group is now realising the Rheinwiesen living project for the project company of BWL Wohnungsbaugesellschaft and Volksbank Darmstadt. It consists of five five-storey residential buildings with an unobstructed view of the Rhine. Implenia has also been commissioned to construct a senior citizens’ residential complex in Magdeburg and an exhibition and sales building for the Stark Group in Nuremberg.

  • Researchers are working on clean water for cities of the future

    Researchers are working on clean water for cities of the future

    Researchers from the Dübendorf-based aquatic research institute Eawag and the School of Life Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland(FHNW) are involved in the EU project UrbanM20. According to a press release, the project, which is led by the Danish Technical University of Copenhagen(DTU), is dedicated to improving the monitoring and management of urban water management.

    The aim of the international project is to improve the quality of urban water in the cities of the future. Water utilisation, consumption and wastewater are to be monitored and stored in data exchange systems. Digital twins will be used to develop flexible programmes that improve water quality management.

    Twenty partners from ten countries are participating in the project. From Switzerland, for example, the City of Zurich Department of Waste Management and Recycling(ERZ) and the Association of Swiss Wastewater and Water Protection Experts(VSA) are on board. The participants want to develop intelligent sensors that use artificial intelligence to improve the monitoring of water quality. The digital twins are intended to help identify pollution problems and plan solutions. “We also want to support the authorities with practical guidelines to better monitor and maintain their existing systems,” said project coordinator Luca Vezzaro from the DTU in the press release.

    The UrbanM20 project is being funded by the EU with 5 million euros through the Horizon Europe programme. The Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is also supporting the project with 1 million euros.

  • Conference highlights the opportunities and challenges of circularity

    Conference highlights the opportunities and challenges of circularity

    The Kästli companies have organised their Kästli symposium for the fourth time. According to a press release, around 100 experts and interested parties discussed the circular economy in construction at the Rubigen gravel pit.

    The construction industry already recycles 70 percent of its approximately 75 million tonnes of construction waste every year. But: “Circularity is more than just recycling,” said Susanne Kytzia from the OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, according to the press release. The circular economy must strike a balance between many different interests. Many small decisions together could make a big difference.

    Patric van der Haegen from Eberhard Unternehmungen pointed out the high ecological and social costs of a purely profit-driven approach. “This makes it all the more important that we as an industry take responsibility now and set a new course.” Pascal Remund from host Kästli called for cross-generational thinking. “We need to think and act with foresight – in the interests of those who come after us,” said the Chairman of the Management Board of the family business, which will soon be 140 years old.

    Michael Widmer, Managing Director of the Swiss Building Materials Recycling Association (BKS ), also believes that politicians and the administration have a duty in this regard, especially when it comes to public procurement. However, all those involved in the construction industry also need courage, according to the participants. This ranges from building owners, planning companies and construction companies and also includes the scientific community. “The circular economy is not a goal, but a path on which we are constantly learning,” said Pascal Remund. “It is crucial that we act now – together and courageously.”

  • New solar plant boosts renewable energy production in the Alpine region

    New solar plant boosts renewable energy production in the Alpine region

    Swisspower AG has received approval from the canton of Graubünden for the construction of the Alpin Parsenn large-scale photovoltaic plant. According to a government press release, the decision is subject to conditions, although these are not specified.

    Swisspower AG is acting as the overall project manager. It represents Energie Wasser Bern(ewb), Industrielle Werke Basel(IWB) and Elektrizitätswerk Davos AG(EWD).

    The project, which until recently ran under the name Parsenn Solar, was approved by the Davos electorate on December 17, 2023. According to its press release from November 2024, Swisspower expected to receive the cantonal building permit before the end of last year; the ongoing work was fully geared towards the start of construction in summer 2025.

    According to the cantonal government, the solar plant will be built at an altitude of 2,500 meters in the Parsenn ski area, which already has an infrastructure and covers an area of almost 14 hectares. With 1493 module tables, it will produce around 12.1 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. In the earlier announcement, there was still talk of more than 10 gigawatt hours, which will supply around 2,200 four-person households in future. Logistical access will be provided via existing access roads. The use of helicopters and walking excavators for minimally invasive installation is also planned.

    Swisspower, based in Zurich, was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Swiss municipal and public utilities that supply their areas with electricity, natural gas, heat and drinking water. The alliance is supported by 22 shareholder partners from all over Switzerland.

  • Construction project becomes a learning laboratory for students and researchers

    Construction project becomes a learning laboratory for students and researchers

    The two ETH departments of Architecture and Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering are turning the complete renovation and extension of the HIL building on the ETH Hönggerberg campus into a research project. Instead of handing over the construction planning to an external planning office, an internal planning team involving professors, mid-level staff and students will be responsible for it, according to an ETH report. They will use their diverse construction expertise to research interventions and constructions in the HIL Living Lab in order to advance sustainable, circular and resource-saving construction in existing buildings.

    The HIL building was constructed between 1972 and 1976 and serves as the main building for the two architecture and construction departments. It has 800 workstations, 1600 seats in lecture theatres and seminar rooms as well as large drawing rooms and has reached the end of its first life cycle. In particular, there is reportedly a considerable need for refurbishment in terms of fire protection and building services. In addition, the striking building envelope is insufficiently insulated.

    In addition, the building is to be significantly expanded and extended by around 2035, as the ONA architecture centre is to be abandoned and integrated. The project also addresses the central question of how work, teaching and research should be organised at the HIL in the future. The aim is to create a modern space that is more conducive to interaction and collaboration with so-called hybrid teaching and learning landscapes. Those involved still want to define what this means in concrete terms.

    “The Living Lab enables us to incorporate teaching and research directly into a building project,” says Professor of Architecture Matthias Kohler on the project website. He initiated the project together with the Director of the ETH Real Estate Department, Hannes Pichler. “The fact that we are researching our own ‘home’ makes it all the more exciting for us because we can help shape our future.”

  • Densification and residential construction over railway tracks

    Densification and residential construction over railway tracks

    Centrally located railroad station areas in particular have enormous untapped potential. The redevelopment of railway yards is an urban development strategy that is already being used successfully around the world, for example in major cities such as London, New York and Vienna. In Swiss cities, too, this option is increasingly becoming the focus of debates on sustainable densification and innovative urban development.

    Political initiatives and reactions
    Josef Dittli, a member of the Council of States, has submitted a motion calling on the Federal Council to examine concepts and processes for the use of space above railway tracks. The focus here is particularly on technical and legal feasibility as well as sustainable integration into the existing urban structure. The Federal Council responded positively and sees great potential for residential construction in central locations in the track areas. The business is now being discussed in the Council of States and promises new impetus for urban development projects.

    Similar initiatives are also being promoted at cantonal level, for example by the FDP in Zurich, with the aim of making better use of the space available in urban areas and improving the quality of life.

    Opportunities and challenges
    The realization of such construction projects requires innovative processes and interdisciplinary cooperation between authorities, rail transport companies, construction companies and urban planners.

    Central to this are

    • Ensuring the functionality and safety of rail traffic
    • Sustainable and energy-efficient construction methods
    • Integration with existing infrastructure and the cityscape
    • Legally clear and transparent processes for planning and planning permission

    The use of space above railway tracks offers a promising answer to the challenges of urban densification and the creation of living space. With political initiatives at various levels and the positive attitude of the Federal Council, this potential could be tapped in a meaningful way in the future and future-oriented urban development projects could be realized.

  • Disbursements of subsidies for energy-efficient refurbishments stagnate in 2024

    Disbursements of subsidies for energy-efficient refurbishments stagnate in 2024

    The Swiss federal and cantonal building programme, which promotes measures to reduce the energy consumption or CO2 emissions of properties, distributed around CHF 528 million in subsidies in 2024. According to a press release, the amount paid out remains at the level of the record year 2023 and has stagnated for the first time since 2016.

    The subsidies for technical building systems increased by 5 per cent in 2024 to around 228 million francs (2023: 216 million francs) and enabled the replacement of 25,633 oil, gas or electric heating systems, 84 per cent of which with climate-friendly heat pumps. CHF 131 million was spent on thermal insulation projects, CHF 89 million on system renovations and CHF 23 million on district heating projects.

    Energy-efficient new buildings in accordance with Minergie-P or GEAK-A/A standards received CHF 43 million last year, a significant increase of 76 per cent compared to the previous year. cHF 17 million went towards information and training projects as well as quality assurance, two thirds of which went towards the creation of cantonal energy certificates with an advisory report.

    Subsidy commitments from the buildings programme amounted to around CHF 542.5 million in 2024, the majority of which (CHF 190 million) went to building technology projects and around a quarter (CHF 123 million) to system renovations.

    Thanks to the federal and cantonal subsidies, measures were implemented in 2024 that will save around 12 billion kilowatt hours and 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime, according to the press release. The impact per franc of funding also improved from 152 francs per tonne of CO2 (2023) to 147 francs in 2024.

  • Fast charging of batteries reaches new milestone

    Fast charging of batteries reaches new milestone

    Designwerk Technologies AG, based in Winterthur, has achieved a charging capacity of over 1 megawatt in a fast-charging test of a lorry battery under real-life conditions. This success means that fast charging of large batteries for electric lorries is now a reality and the hurdle for long-distance transport has been overcome, according to a press release.

    The test took place under real-life conditions at the depot of the motorway VI service area in Oberbüren. A peak output of 1140 kilowatts was achieved. This is 8 per cent more than the specification of 1050 kilowatts. It took 42 minutes to fully charge a 1000-kilowatt battery from 10 to 80 per cent. With this charge, a 40-tonne electric truck can cover a distance of more than 500 kilometres. The required charging time is within the time frame of legally prescribed breaks for the driver.

    “Thanks to Mega Charging, a 40-tonne truck charges as quickly as an electric car – only with significantly more power,” Niels Ross, Project Manager Charging Technology at Designwerk, is quoted as saying in the press release. “This is the key to electrifying heavy goods transport.”

    The use of electric trucks can save thousands of tonnes of CO2 every year. In Switzerland, registrations of battery-electric trucks rose by 41.2 per cent in the first two quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the press release.

  • Feasibility study for regional wind farm launched

    Feasibility study for regional wind farm launched

    Energy producer Axpo is examining the feasibility of a wind farm together with the two local communities of Rüthi and Sennwald and the political municipality of Rüthi. According to a press release, three wind turbines are planned in Rüthi, one in Altstätten SG and three in Sennwald. Together, they could generate around 54 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, even in winter. This corresponds to the average annual consumption of 11,500 households.

    Axpo informed the population in Rüthi on 25 August and in Sennwald on 26 August. Experts from the canton and Axpo answered citizens’ questions. The Axpo wind mobile was also on site to explain the technology and show a 3D visualisation of the potential wind farm.

    The press release quotes the mayor of Rüthi, Irene Schocher, who welcomes the transparent clarification of the wind potential and the early involvement of the local population: “A sound basis for decision-making is essential in order to realistically assess the potential of a wind farm in our region.” The local community of Sennwald is in favour of the project, according to its president Daniel Berger. It sees “the planned wind farm as an opportunity to strengthen the regional energy supply and make an active contribution to the energy transition.”

    A wind measuring mast will be erected in October 2025 to collect data on wind and bat activity for over a year. The economic viability of the project will then be assessed and a decision made on further planning. If it is realised, the local communities and the local population can participate in a project company.