Category: Zentralschweiz

Eberli is building a new Lucerne city hotel

The new city hotel Tribschen is to be built in the Tribschen quarter of Lucerne by 2025. The office building of the owners HG Commerciale ( HGC ) and the Central Swiss Builders Association ( ZBV ) that has existed since 1975 will be replaced by a new building.

Eberli AG from Sarnen will be responsible for the overall project management, construction supervision and construction management, according to a message on LinkedIn. The Lucerne architects Lütolf und Scheuner Architekten GmbH had already won the architectural competition last year.

A business and holiday hotel with around 140 rooms in the three-star superior class is to be built. The hotel will be operated by Luzerner Tavolago AG . The subsidiary of the shipping company SGV already runs numerous restaurants in the region.

Eberli AG recently completed another hotel project. She worked as a total contractor at the Kempinski Palace Engelberg. The Obwaldner Hotel started operations last summer.

February 2022
Paperi's first "2000-watt area" in the canton of Zug

The paper mill shaped the community of Cham and the Zug West region for more than 360 years. A new living and working quarter with industrial charm is now being built on the former industrial site. Formative existing buildings are being supplemented with striking new buildings directly on the Lorze and implemented sustainably. The story continues and bridges are built between past and future, between people and nature, between living and working. “Sustainability” has played an important role as an overall topic since the beginning of the site development. As the client, the Cham Group committed itself to the goals of the 2000-watt society early on in the planning process and made the decision to use fossil-free heat supply out of conviction and even before the intention of certification. As the crowning glory of the ongoing sustainability efforts, the Papieri was the first area in the canton of Zug to be awarded the “2000 Watt Area” certificate today. On behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Daniel Kellenberger thanked the Cham Group for their commitment and perseverance in not only talking about energy and CO ₂ targets, but actually implementing them with the “2000 Watt Area” certificate, among other things.

Zero CO2 emissions
The Papieri area offers completely new foundations for an energy-efficient, climate-neutral and sustainable society. This makes it a pioneering project throughout Switzerland. Practically from the beginning of the development of the site, the Cham Group decided to completely dispense with fossil fuels for heat generation and to rely fully on the favorable location factors with hydropower, geothermal probe fields and photovoltaics. The highlight of the area is the completely CO ₂ -free energy system. The entire energy supply on the site is based on 100% renewable energies. This is achieved by means of geothermal probes and a river water catchment, which each serve a central heating and cooling network via heat pumps. Thanks to a ZEV (association for self-consumption) with the renovated small hydroelectric power plant on the Lorze and large-scale photovoltaic systems of 6,500m2 on the new buildings, around 40% of the total energy required can be generated on site. “Moreover, other aspects of comprehensive sustainability are explored in practically every project, be it through “building recycling”, ie intelligent conversion of the existing building, the use of CO ₂ -optimized construction principles such as timber construction, or through intelligent sharing offers in the field of mobility,” explains Lukas Fehr, Head of Development at the Cham Group.

Lighthouse character for municipality and canton
So far, only 43 areas in Switzerland have been certified with this label by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy –
26 of them as a 2000-watt area “in development”. Government Councilor Florian Weber is also pleased that the canton of Zug is playing a role in this. “100 percent for 2000 watts: the Cham Group is opening up a new era of comprehensive and sustainable energy concepts for large-scale developments at the Papieri site,” says the construction director. As Energy City Gold, the municipality of Cham also celebrates the award of the papers as a “2000-watt area”. “The award is a seal of quality for the Cham Group’s site development, an incentive for others and at the same time corresponds to the community’s commitment to climate protection. After all, Cham wants to become climate-neutral internally by 2030; by 2050, “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions should even be achieved for the entire municipality,” explains Drin Alaj, Head of Traffic and Safety for the Cham municipality. And Mayor Georges Helfenstein adds: “We see the developments on the Papieri site as an opportunity and are pleased about this certification and about the new, vibrant and now also certified sustainable quarter”.

Marketing start of the first office and commercial space
On February 10, 2022, the rental of the shop, office and commercial space on the ground floors of the properties in the first construction phase, which will be ready for occupancy at the end of 2022, will start on the papieri-cham.ch website. The Papieri area offers space for every business model and company of different sizes. Not interchangeable and arbitrary, but sustainable, well thought out and in the middle of a lively district.

February 2022
Tech Cluster Zug: More than just hot air

V-Zug employs around 2000 people at the Zug location. A few years ago, the former subsidiary of Metall Zug – Metall Zug is still the largest shareholder – was faced with an all the more serious decision: Where should production be in the future? The choices were a land reserve in Risch-Rotkreuz or moving abroad. In the end, the decision was made in favor of the previous location in Zug; a strong commitment with a vision: on the 80,000 m2 site, the production of V-Zug and other Metall Zug subsidiaries will be concentrated on around a third of the total area. In the coming years, a tech cluster is to be built on the free space. When completed, the area will offer around 3,000 jobs and living space for 300 people. The goal is an actual ecosystem of innovative technologies and services. The future users should come from areas such as cleantech, simulation technology or sensor technology or be related to the core competencies of Metall Zug – i.e. building technology, kitchen, food and cleaning.
Climate neutrality as a goal
Now the idea of such a cluster is neither new nor groundbreaking. On the other hand, the goal that Metall Zug has set itself for the realization is innovative: the area should be largely energy self-sufficient. Therefore, together with the local energy supplier, a separate energy system, the so-called Multi Energy Hub, is being implemented. The various areas of the energy sector and industry are linked – a holistic approach in which the areas interact and are connected to one another. Thanks to this sector coupling, the Tech Cluster Zug is not only supplied with energy, but also generates some of it itself. The area will have its own power grid for medium and low voltage. Several water networks with different temperatures enable the generation of cold and heat from the groundwater. The waste heat from industrial production is used to heat the apartments on the one hand and the seasonal groundwater and earth storage tanks on the other. In addition, comprehensive photovoltaics ensure a further step towards CO2 neutrality. Incidentally, the Tech Cluster Zug will be car-free: An intelligent mobility and parking system – the Mobility Hub Zug Nord – is intended to create sustainable solutions for urban areas.

February 2022
Canton releases 2.5 million Swiss francs for Uri energy funding program

Residents of the canton of Uri can access a total of 2.5 million francs from the Energy Uri 2022 funding program this year. The government council recently passed this sum, according to a media release . This is intended to renovate and insulate buildings, replace old heating systems and finance photovoltaic systems and charging stations for e-cars.

Building owners can have the insulation of the roof and facade subsidized at 60 francs per square meter. According to the press release, this covers a large part of the total costs. Applicants who also opt for a photovoltaic system integrated into the façade or roof can receive an additional CHF 200 per square meter occupied by modules.

What is new in this funding period is that the plants must be designed for electricity production in the winter months. "The angle of the modules must be 60 to 90 degrees and thus optimized for the production of valuable winter electricity." The canton wants to increase the spread of photovoltaic systems in facades, "where the electricity production is higher in the winter months with the appropriate orientation". , contribute.

The funding program also provides for subsidies for consultations. After a free initial consultation at the Energy Office, interested parties can receive 700 francs for more detailed advice on the façade, roof, windows and other parts of the building envelope. The funding amount was increased by CHF 300 this year. Advice on replacing oil heating systems with more sustainable types of heating is CHF 350 for buildings with fewer than five apartments. Owners of six or more apartments receive a subsidy of CHF 700.

Owners of apartment buildings who want to equip at least ten parking spaces with charging options for electric cars will be supported with a flat-rate amount of CHF 2,000. This is intended to cover part of the cost of a load management system. This is necessary if several e-cars are to be charged at the same time.

The canton has been supporting energy-efficient refurbishments in buildings since 2000 with the funding programme. "In the last two years, the funding budget has been fully utilized, which can be seen as a success," says the press release. It proves that owners take their responsibility seriously and make a contribution to the energy transition and climate protection.

January 2022
Canton of Lucerne increases funding for energy

The canton of Lucerne is increasing its contribution to the Energy 2022 funding program by CHF 3.5 million compared to the previous year to CHF 5.5 million. Together with the basic amount and the federal supplement, a total of around 23 million francs is available. Private individuals can submit their applications for grants to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in their own four walls from January 10th.

As stated in a communication from the canton, the funding program has been checked and optimized after five years of experience. The inclusion of important interest groups was helpful. “Cooperation with the trade, with the various associations and with the university is important so that we can continue the success story of the energy funding program,” said Fabian Peter, the government councilor responsible for construction, the environment and energy.

The most important changes for the year 2022 include new funding measures such as connection to a heating network with renewable energies, non-automatic wood firing and charging infrastructure for e-mobility in existing apartment buildings. There were also adjustments to the funding rates. Renewals of building insulation are now subsidized with 60 instead of 40 francs per square meter. The subsidy rates for solar thermal systems will be doubled. In addition, there are now flat-rate subsidy rates for building services up to 15 kilowatts, for example for a heat pump, a wood-burning stove or a district heating connection.

January 2022
Logistikcenter Luzern nimmt Form an

Imbach Logistik errichtet im Littauerboden sein neues Logistikcenter Luzern. Im August 2020 war der Spatenstich für den Neubau mit einer Gesamtfläche von rund 30’000 Quadratmeter erfolgt. Nun ist die Gebäudehülle fast fertiggestellt, informiert das zur Galliker Transport AG gehörende Unternehmen mit Sitz in Schachen.

Das Ende der Bauarbeiten ist für Herbst 2024 vorgesehen. Einmal fertiggestellt sollen im neuen Logistikzentrum rund 60 Mitarbeiter beschäftigt sein. Das Lager werde ein vollautomatisiertes Hochregallager mit Stellplätzen für 6500 Paletten und ein ebenfalls vollautomatisiertes Kleinteilelager beinhalten, erläutert Imbach Logistik. Im Zuge der Arbeiten werden zudem von Imbach am Standort bereits betriebene alte Hallen abgerissen.

Die Energie für das neue Logistizentrum will Imbach Logistik aus erneuerbaren Quellen gewinnen. Heizung und Kühlung des gesamten Gebäudes sollen mit Grundwasser erfolgen, eine auf dem Dach geplante Photovoltaikanlage ist auf eine jährliche Produktion von 950’000 Kilowattstunden Strom ausgelegt. Insgesamt investiert Imbach Logistik rund 60 Millionen Franken in das Projekt.

Aktuell werden Haus- und Gebäudetechnik installiert und die Fördertechnik für Paletten und Behälter eingerichtet. Im Kleinteilelager sind bereits erste Arbeiten für die Inbetriebnahme angelaufen.

December 2021
The groundbreaking ceremony for QUBO has taken place

The foundation stone for the QUBO in Sarnen was laid on Monday. The construction work for two interconnected buildings began. On the one hand, Eberli AG is modernizing and expanding its existing headquarters there. On the other hand, the Obwaldner Kantonalbank ( OKB ) is building a new building. Above all, the Startup Pilatus association should find space there. It promotes the settlement of start-ups in Obwalden. Both buildings are to merge into one unit through a central entrance, according to a press release by OKB.

“The QUBO will create a new, lively workplace in Sarnen,” the CEO of OKB, Bruno Thürig, is quoted as saying. “It creates space for new concepts and ideas in which the digital world of work and New Work can be lived.”

Accordingly, coworking workplaces, open spaces and various meeting rooms would also be offered in the new building. The OKB itself will set up a room as a creative lab. The room should also be available to external companies.

The redesign of the office space also enables Eberli AG to “work in a contemporary and efficient manner”, says CEO Alain Grossenbacher. In addition to Eberli AG, the future co-owner of the building, Orfida Treuhand + Revisions AG, and werkunion ag will also settle there. Architekturwerk ag, which is responsible for the architecture of the QUBO, belongs to it.

November 2021
Historical manor with a modern frame

Like a park, the spacious grounds of the Glockgut stretches through rural Herblingen. The former farming village is only a few kilometers away from the center of Schaffhausen. In the middle of the green surroundings and at the same time close to urban culture, it has a high recreational and leisure value. A total area of 24,223 m² offered the experienced Steiner AG project developers space right in the middle for the vision of creating a varied living environment for young and old – with a children's playground, flower meadows and open green areas full of tall trees and ornamental shrubs. At the end of March 2018, the project of the working group Theo Hotz Partner AG and Bergamini Partner Architects received the building permit. The main building of the former manor, which is worth protecting, formed the starting point for the development plan. After the Steiner Investment Foundation got involved in the project as an investor, construction began on the family-friendly and near-natural apartments in autumn 2018.
Open terrain
The old manor building is now gracefully framed by five modern apartment buildings. It was a particular challenge to design the different buildings and such a large area as uniformly as possible and to realize them from a single source. A special feature of the plot in the north-western area, which initially presented itself as a problem, helped here: a steep slope. The solution was to leave it undeveloped. The actually built-up part today covers an area of 10,330 m ² , while the preserved green space proves to be an enrichment for the quarter.
The first construction measure was the conversion of the two-storey manor into a daycare center – in close cooperation with the preservation of monuments. The adjoining shed, in turn, was torn down and replaced by a new multi-purpose building with the same location and similar cubature. On the ground floor, this new building houses a common room that is used by the after-school care center during the day and is available to the residents of the complex in the evenings and on weekends. "The space is intended to give the building an identity as a new center," explains Peter Herzog, team leader for real estate development at Steiner. The ensemble of the two buildings was therefore left free and fits harmoniously into the backdrop of the open slope behind. Arranged in a U-shape around the building, the new housing estate grew step by step.
The new residential buildings fit in with the simple manor with a straight-line architecture and corresponding colors and, with their loggias, balconies and terraces, bring the interiors together light and airy with the outside area. From the inside, they allow a generous view of the green area and sometimes into the distance. The buildings in the area are loosely distributed and connected by a network of paths. Kindergarten, primary school and various shops can be reached in a few minutes on foot from the quarter. In this way, the entire development is both naturally permeable and urban dense at the same time.
Sustainable investment
The five new multi-family houses comprise a total of 27 rental and 71 condominiums. These are 2.5 to 5.5 room apartments with an area of 65 m ² to 130 m ² . All apartments have a high standard and are tailored for families as well as for couples or individuals. With the prices and different apartment sizes, the aim is to achieve a mix of one-person and family households. "In terms of price, we are in the middle segment," confirms Peter Herzog. An underground car park with 136 parking spaces also provides space below the site. It is directly accessible for all new buildings.
The buildings are implemented in accordance with the Minergie standard and are heated with climate-friendly geothermal heat pumps. When possible, sustainable types of concrete with cement from mixed demolition were used for the construction. Recycled aggregates were mixed in here.
Planning tailored to your needs
The entire development is based on a design plan that was presented to both the responsible authorities and the local residents during the process. That contributed to the trust in this large project, explains Herzog and adds: "With the Glogguet development we have shown how we can build compacted and how the quality of the place remains." Despite the pandemic, the construction work could be carried out on schedule in compliance with the applicable protective regulations, so that the apartments were ready for occupancy in spring 2021.
www.steiner.ch
www.gloggeguet.ch
info@steiner.ch

September 2021
Schilliger Holz AG plans a new plant in Perlen

Schilliger Holz AG from Küssnacht is planning to build a new production plant for wood fiber insulation panels in Perlen. According to a media release, this is to be built on the Perlen Papier AG factory site. The CPH Group , to which Perlen Papier AG belongs, will hand over a land area of 20,000 square meters to the wood processing company with building rights.

Schilliger Holz AG is one of the main suppliers of wood chips to Perlen Papier AG. One of their sawmills is already located right next to the paper mill in Perlen. Thanks to the new plant, the two companies will work even more closely together: Perlen Papier AG will supply the new plant with electricity, process steam, fresh water and fully demineralized water. In addition, it will treat the waste water produced in the company’s own sewage treatment plant.

“We are pleased to be able to realize synergies in industrial wood processing together with Schilliger Holz AG at the Perlen location. In this way, Perlen will become the center for sustainable recycling of the important resource wood in Switzerland ”, Peter Schildknecht, CEO of the CPH Group, is quoted in a press release from his company.

According to Schilliger Holz AG, there has been “no more insulation board production in Switzerland for a long time”. With the implementation of the new plant, the company therefore wants to close a “large gap in the Swiss wood processing chain”. Wood fiber insulation boards are used, for example, for the thermal insulation of the outer shell surfaces of buildings.

The project is currently in the planning phase. Commissioning is scheduled for 2023.

September 2021
Lucerne location defies the pandemic

The canton of Lucerne was also able to attract new companies in the 2020 pandemic. According to a report by the Lucerne Economic Development Agency, a total of 19 companies have settled in the canton. Eight settlements came from abroad. The five immigrants from Great Britain stand out in particular. The other three foreign companies came from Germany, Poland and Slovakia. Overall, they want to create 329 jobs in the canton in the next three to five years, it is said.

Even founders were not intimidated by the pandemic. If the whole of Switzerland is taken into account, the number of start-ups even rose to a record level in 2020. In the canton of Lucerne, too, the number of start-ups increased by 11.1 percent compared to the previous year, as the report shows. The Lucerne Economic Development Agency supports you in the initial phase, for example with start-up courses.

Ivan Buck, Director of the Lucerne Economic Development Agency, speaks of an overall “challenging, but nevertheless successful” year. He is also pleased with the results of a satisfaction survey. This was carried out at over 200 companies as well as cantons and municipalities. Compared to the last survey three years ago, satisfaction could be increased at all levels. "A new record of 175 network partners rounds off this wonderful result," said Buck.

August 2021
Central Switzerland remains an attractive company location

The cantons of central Switzerland also attracted many new companies during the pandemic, according to an article in the “Luzerner Zeitung”. Uri has helped 16 companies set up in the canton. As Stefan Büeler, Head of the Office for Economics and Public Transport at the canton of Uri, explains in the article, he sees the canton on track to be able to achieve a similar number again in 2021. The canton benefits from major projects such as the Altdorf cantonal railway station, the cantonal hospital, the construction of the second Gotthard tube and the tourist development in Andermatt.

Meanwhile, the canton of Schwyz recorded a record number of start-ups last year. Urs Durrer, head of the office for economy of the canton Schwyz, attributes this in the article to successful settlements. The establishment of the American software company Palantir was a great success. Overall, there are currently more settlement projects to be managed than before the pandemic, said Durrer.

The canton of Lucerne settled 19 companies last year. The canton of Zug sees itself back at pre-crisis level when it comes to settling in. The canton of Nidwalden did not experience any slump during the pandemic.

During the pandemic, numerous settlement projects could be prepared, which are now being implemented, as several business promoters emphasize in the article. For example, many international companies had their settlement projects that they had to postpone due to the pandemic implemented in the first half of 2021, says Reto Sidler, media spokesman for the Greater Zurich Area . The location marketing organization and its member cantons – Schwyz, Zug, Uri and six other cantons – were able to relocate 55 companies from abroad last year.

August 2021
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences tests augmented reality for urban planning

Together with the City of Lucerne, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is testing the potential of augmented reality (AR) in urban planning. To this end, the university has developed an AR visualization of possible redesign measures in Bahnhofstrasse and Theaterplatz. For example, the projected second row of trees, the new Velostation and the mobile seating including planting could be experienced visually, according to a press release from the university.

The research groups Visual Narrative from the Department of Design & Art and Immersive Realities Research Lab from the Department of Computer Science as well as the Civil Engineering Department of the City of Lucerne were involved in the joint project. It has now been presented to the media. Presentations for the general public will follow on three days in September.

The AR visualization can be used on common tablets. The real environment appears on the display with virtual objects projected over it. Planned structural interventions can be viewed three-dimensionally and spatially. “Users can experience on site how Bahnhofstrasse could be designed and used in the future without any real structural or other interventions being necessary,” project manager Tobias Matter is quoted in the press release.

This would give all decision-makers from different areas the opportunity to take an uncomplicated and active part in the planning. In contrast, plans, models and specialist vocabulary are not immediately understandable for everyone. “The immersive visualization technology of augmented reality can thus be an effective tool to inform the public more transparently about construction and renovation projects, to encourage their participation in the planning and ultimately to create more acceptance for such projects among all those involved,” said Matter .

August 2021
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences is dedicated to climate-friendly building

The study “Ready for Climate Change?” By the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) aims to sensitize building owners to building climate-friendly. But it should also help buyers and tenants to evaluate a property.

The study suggests that in the future not only heating, but also cooling concepts will have to be taken into account. "The architecture of Switzerland is still too focused on making apartments pleasant and energy-efficient in winter", Gianrico Settembrini from the Institute for Building Technology and Energy at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences is quoted in a media release. The decisive factor, however, is that buildings are planned with future climate data and not, as is the case today, with data based on past values.

The building stock consumes around 40 percent of Switzerland's final energy requirements, the HSLU continues. This must be further reduced. However, if the increased use of air conditioning equipment were necessary, this value could instead increase even further. "The use of cooling or air conditioning devices should be avoided, technical solutions may only be used when the passive options have been exhausted," says Adrian Grossenbacher from the Federal Office of Energy . It provided financial support for this study.

In total, the study team identified eleven parameters that have an impact on energy consumption as well as the thermal and visual comfort of a living space. These parameters, such as the properties of the windows, sun protection and shading elements, were simulated in a reference building in Basel-Binningen, which is typical for the Mittelland.

The HSLU provides guidelines for planners online for download . In order to accelerate the precipitation of available knowledge in the new architecture, the university will bring experts up to date with the three-day advanced training course “Building in Climate Change – Effective Measures for Builders and Planners” in September.

August 2021
Tschopp Holzindustrie is making progress with the sawmill

The Tschopp Holzindustrie AG is a milestone in the construction of its new sawmill at its headquarters in Buttisholz known . The civil engineering work in the saw hall area was thus completed. Now the building construction work is to begin. The building should have a length of 125 meters, a width of 50 meters and a height of 20 meters.

The new sawmill is scheduled to start operations in spring 2023. Tschopp Holzindustrie is investing a total of 75 million francs in the expansion. It is the largest investment in the company's 100-year history to date.

Tschopp Holzindustrie specializes in the production of formwork panels for the construction industry. Since 2005, pellets have been produced from the waste wood for the energy industry. After the new sawmill has gone into operation, timber construction companies will also be offered products that have not yet been manufactured at home or not industrially manufactured in Germany and therefore have to be imported from abroad, such as three-layer natural wood panels.

August 2021
Emmi lays the foundation stone for a new cheese dairy

Emmi is building a modern cheese factory at its location in Emmen for 50 million francs. It will replace the existing cheese dairy building, which is over 40 years old. As stated in a press release , this new building is one of the most important investment projects in Emmi's history. On Thursday, the milk processor celebrated the start of the new project phase with the laying of the foundation stone: the building construction is being tackled. In addition to representatives from Emmi and the project partners, Council of States Damian Müller and Lucerne Councilor Fabian Peter were also present.

Preparatory work in the area began in November. The groundbreaking took place in January. The building should be ready by the end of the year. Commissioning – initially parallel to the existing cheese dairy – is planned for the end of 2022. The new dairy offers "space for highly professional and resource-saving cheese production," the message continues. In addition, it creates additional capacities in line with the long-term growth plans.

The Emmi Group has 25 production facilities in Switzerland. The company also has 14 subsidiaries abroad. It is also represented with production facilities in eight of them. Emmi exports its products from Switzerland to around 60 countries. "With regional milk from Central Switzerland, we will be producing even more high-quality cheeses such as our Lucerne cream cheese for the whole world in the future," said CEO Marc Heim.

"Emmi's investments show great confidence in the regional economy and in the canton of Lucerne as a location," government councilor Peter is quoted as saying. “As an important employer, she also serves as a role model in many ways. We are proud to have Emmi in our region. "

June 2021
Renggli AG wins the Prix SVC Central Switzerland 2020

First place for Renggli AG from Schötz
With over 95 years of experience as a timber construction partner and general contractor, Renggli AG offers energy-efficient and sustainable timber construction projects in modern architecture – for multi-storey residential buildings, commercial and public buildings as well as for single-family houses. Jury President Urban Camenzind, Economic Director of Canton Uri, paid tribute to the winner in his laudation: “Renggli AG is known for energy-efficient construction with wood and is one of the MINER-GIE pioneers in Switzerland and beyond. The family company already lived sustainability and put it into practice when this word was often still theory. Renggli AG is characterized by innovation and a pioneering spirit. This means that the company is also doing business successfully and is well equipped for the future. " Renggli AG employs over 230 people at its locations in Sursee, Schötz, Granges-Paccot, Ascona and Winterthur. The family company is run in the fourth generation by Max Renggli, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Elbatech AG and Shiptec AG in second and third place
Second place goes to Elbatech AG. It installs modern tunnel radio systems for the railway operators throughout Switzerland and thus ensures uninterrupted communication for all travelers. The design and assembly of traction power systems and diamond drilling are other important areas of activity. The company is characterized by innovative in-house developments and total solutions. Elbatech was founded in 2007, is managed by Florian Reichmuth and Stefan Franzen and employs 45 people.
Bronze went to Shiptec AG, the leading Swiss company in the shipbuilding industry. With its shipyard and an engineering office, the company provides technical services in the areas of ship design and engineering, shipbuilding, ship revisions, conversions and ship maintenance for professional and private shipping. Shiptec AG employs over 70 people and is managed by Ruedi Stadelmann.
Awards for Allvisual AG, Gübelin and Seiler Käserei AG
Allvisual AG from Steinhausen, an internationally active, owner-managed consulting company in the areas of digital transformation, product lifecycle management, smart manufacturing / service and 3D visualization, and the world-renowned family company Gübelin from Lucerne, known for its gemstone expertise and luxury, also received awards Watches, as well as the Seiler Käserei AG from Giswil, which has been producing excellent cheese specialties as an independent, owner-managed traditional company since 1928.
Prix SVC – an opportunity to put SMEs in the limelight
The sponsor and initiator of the Prix SVC Zentralschweiz is the Swiss Venture Club (SVC), an independent, not-for-profit association for the promotion and support of SMEs in Switzerland. Christoph Baggenstos, SVC Regional Manager Central Switzerland, emphasizes: “We award companies that belong to Switzerland's SME elite. Our focus is on exemplary companies that create jobs and help shape the Swiss economy. With the Prix SVC we offer these companies a platform to show their success to the outside world. Last but not least, the attention that our award winners receive from the Prix SVC should also be an incentive for other companies. "

May 2021
Holcim drives innovation from start-ups

The Zug-based cement giant Holcim is teaming up with three young Swiss companies, according to a media release . The aim is to advance innovative technologies in the construction sector and promote sustainability.

In cooperation with the Freiburg start-up Mobbot , for example, the integration of recycled building materials into 3D printing technology is to be promoted. Mobbot has developed the necessary 3D printing technology. Together with Holcim, it now wants to develop a concrete recipe that enables the use of recycled material in 3D printing.

Holcim has entered into another cooperation with the Bern-based company Neuustark . The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich ( ETH ) is developing a technology with which CO2 from the atmosphere can be permanently stored in recycled concrete. For this purpose, liquid CO2 is introduced into the demolition material. As part of the collaboration, neustark is investigating the CO2 conversion potential of the demolition concrete recycled by Holcim. In turn, Holcim is optimizing the concrete produced by Neustark. Holcim believes it is possible to integrate the neustark solution into its recycling process in the future.

The third collaboration between Holcim and the Ticino start-up company HeatNeutral has been agreed. This has developed an innovative combustion system that is intended to promote the decarbonization of production facilities. According to the information, the heating system works particularly efficiently and achieves an almost 100 percent combustion of fuels. This means that less fuel is required for the same output. In addition, the HeatNeutral system can also burn CO2-neutral oils such as vegetable oils, used cooking oils and biodiesel. Holcim is testing the solution in its concrete plant in Birsfelden BL.

April 2021
LafargeHolcim reports record high quarterly results

According to a release from LafargeHolcim , the globally active Zug-based building materials group generated net sales of CHF 5.36 billion in the first quarter of 2021. In a year-on-year comparison and adjusted for portfolio changes, this corresponds to growth of 7.4 percent. The recurring operating result at EBIT level rose in the same period on a comparable basis by 130.7 percent to 528 million Swiss francs.

"I am pleased to announce that we made an excellent start to the year with a record high Q1 result," said Group CEO Jan Jenisch in the announcement. "We are thus continuing our strong growth trajectory of the last few quarters."

Jenisch expects to be able to strengthen the growth dynamic with the acquisition of Firestone Building Products , which was completed in the reporting quarter. The American company, which specializes in building envelopes and roof systems and is based in Nashville, Tennessee, had annual sales of $ 1.8 billion in 2020. The successful integration of the new acquisition should enable LafargeHolcim to achieve its targets for 2022 in the current financial year. Specifically, on a comparable basis, the Group is aiming for a growth in net sales of 3 to 5 percent and an increase in recurring EBIT of at least 10 percent.

LafargeHolcim can also point to success in the area of sustainability. The group was named the most sustainable company in the construction industry by Vigeo-Eiris, according to the announcement. The rating agency for the environment, social affairs and governance has given LafargeHolcim the top grade A1 +. In addition, ten environmentally friendly products from the group, including the sustainable concrete from the ECOPact series, were recognized by the Solar Impulse Foundation . hs

April 2021
Unused potential in the cooperation between location promotion and the real estate industry

At first glance, business promotion and the real estate sector differ significantly. While location subsidies are usually borne by the public sector – federal government, cantons, cities, municipalities – real estate service providers are in the vast majority of cases private companies. This means that the former are non-profit organizations and the latter are for-profit companies. Location promoters want to win companies over to their sphere of activity and keep them for as long as possible; they are therefore interested in a long-term relationship. Real estate actors, on the other hand, are usually deal-oriented, which leads to comparatively short customer relationships. What is at the center of the activities is only clear from the naming: locations on the one hand, real estate on the other.
More similarities than differences
At second glance, however, there are important similarities. First and foremost, there are the customers, who are often the same, since a company looking for a new location is always looking for a new property. In the opposite case, the same is not always true, but in most cases. Because when a company needs a new property, for example because the existing one has become too small, the evaluation process usually also gives thought to the advantages and disadvantages of a change of location. The second thing in common is the property itself: no company can do without the four classic production factors of labor, capital, knowledge and land. Both location promoters and real estate players support their customers in optimizing the land or property factor. In doing so, they make an important contribution to their customers and support them in meeting their goals.
Benefit from each other
Due to the common ground there is great potential to benefit from each other. For example, both sides can gain advantages in marketing: The real estate industry can serve as a potent multiplier of the message of a location promoter, because real estate service providers are in direct contact with companies looking for new properties. This channel is still underutilized by location promoters. Conversely, real estate professionals are very interested in knowing the real estate needs of those looking for a location as precisely as possible in order to be able to provide a competitive offer. This information can in turn be provided by the location promotion.
to create transparency
In order to be able to create synergies, transparency is first and foremost necessary: Instead of staying among each other, the promotion of the location and the real estate industry have to merge, establish common platforms and exchange information. Both physical and digital platforms are available to them for this purpose. Real estate fairs are a good opportunity to meet face-to-face, maintain existing contacts and make new ones. At the international level, the MIPIM in Cannes in March and the EXPO REAL in Munich in October each year. For more than 20 years, there has been a Swiss joint stand at both trade fairs, which allows Swiss companies and locations to present themselves at a reasonable budget. The IMMO'Messe in Zurich, which is held in January each year, has established itself in Switzerland. This is where real estate investors present themselves and meet market participants of all kinds. Although the IMMO 'has long since established itself as a meeting point for the industry, locations and their representatives are still seldom to be found there. In addition to the trade fairs, there is a wide range of congresses that offer opportunities to maintain contacts around lectures and expert discussions. In addition, location promoters and real estate players can choose from a large number of network events. They are offered by associations, interest groups, locations and private companies.
Online is catching up
In today's pandemic-ruled times, online platforms have gained in importance. On the one hand, industry experts can make themselves heard by appearing at webinars and ensure broad awareness. Examples include the Real Estate Brains or Metropole Insights discussion platforms. On the other hand, online databases have become established that can be used by location promoters and real estate professionals alike. For example, companies can contact swisscircle-member.ch
present. Realestate-experts.ch is ideal for individuals and top-projekte.ch for larger real estate projects. In addition to these offers, every market player is called upon to use social media tools such as LinkedIn or Xing for themselves.
Networking
There are hardly any projects that can be carried out on your own – be it as a location promoter or as a real estate professional. As a rule, every actor depends on useful information, benevolent market participants, efficient suppliers and / or cooperative partners. That is why a good network is essential. This requires personal commitment and a wise choice of platforms for maintaining and expanding one's contacts. Such networks are providers of such networks as SVSM, Swiss Circle, SVIT, RISC, ULI and Fiabci.
Ideas to improve collaboration
There are already numerous opportunities to intensify the cooperation between location promotion and the real estate industry. At the same time, however, there is also potential that is still largely unused. In this way, locations could present themselves on the major real estate portals and get in touch there with companies looking for a new property. Or more congresses or events could be organized that are aimed at both location promoters and real estate service providers. Ultimately, those offers will prevail which strengthen the participants' perception in the market, allow the exchange of experiences and support the maintenance of the personal network.

April 2021
Shed Zug: "Every visit to us is unique"

Can you even plan the construction and opening of a gastronomy concept like the Shedhalle in today's crisis-ridden times?
Lina Fluri: The current situation certainly doesn't make planning the opening easy. However, we are adjusting to the originally planned opening date and are constantly watching how the situation develops. The construction was only marginally influenced by the pandemic and could therefore be carried out without major problems.
In retrospect, what were the most important changes due to the corona pandemic?
We recognize significant changes in the difficulty of planning certain projects and uncertainty about future developments. In addition, the home office has fundamentally shaken up the world of work. What was only possible physically in the past is now easily achieved digitally. This development will have far-reaching consequences for various industries and types of work.
Can you give an example?
In the catering industry in particular, people's consumer behavior has changed. Take-away food has become more important. The need of people to cultivate more social contacts again is great and will become noticeable in a rush to restaurants and bars after a relaxation. One or the other guest will probably spend an above-average amount of money to satisfy the appetite for social experiences.
All are corona tired. Can you get something positive out of this long time without meetings and events?
I believe that the corona pandemic caused a lot of suffering for many people. However, there are certainly branches and industries that have benefited enormously in these times of crisis. On a personal level, I notice that life has slowed down a bit, that we are increasingly focusing on the essentials again and appreciating the little things more, which is basically a very nice development.
The Shedhalle is intended for smaller events. Is that an advantage nowadays?
The Shed is characterized by its enormous flexibility. We can hold events for 6 to 300 people and always put together an attractive offer for the customer. However, the focus is on events between 20 and 100 people, which can be an advantage in the coming years. We close a big gap in the market with our private dining rooms, which can be booked for meetings of all kinds. The cozy rooms leave nothing to be desired and offer the customer the unique opportunity to combine business with high-quality cuisine.
The special industrial charm of the Shedhalle is emphasized again and again. What do you mean by that?
The Shedhalle will remain as one of two monuments from the industrial beginnings of Zug and is prepared for the next 50 to 100 years. We have tried to carry on the industrial touch with a lot of charm and passion and have created a place where industry meets contemporary and modern architecture. The industrial charm is noticeable in our attention to detail and in the respectful handling of the history of this place.
Lina Fluri, Shedhalle project manager.

April 2021
New life for the old spinning mill

"The winning project was selected on the one hand because of the urban development strategy on the northern area, and on the other hand because of the respectful handling of the listed old buildings", says the lead architect Urs Oechslin from Zurich-based Lilin Architects. The two new building ensembles in the foreground of the spinning mill, which are intended for different uses, create a reference to the context through their urban planning anchored in place. The volumetric differentiation is derived from the existing settlement pattern of the urbanized village. The sub-volumes are staggered in terms of depth and height and allow different views of the spinning mill. The building typology thus mediates with great independence between the individual village buildings and the large-scale spinning mill building. In this way, the spinning mill area is given a new, urban face in which the various identities of the building history are superimposed.
Desired longevity
Immediately after the study contract, the overall project was concretized, accompanied by the client, the building authorities, the preservation of monuments and representatives from the assessment committee and the neighborhood: "We are about to submit the draft of the development plan and the guideline project to a first round of official consultation" , so Oechslin. It is not easy to build a building park around the spinning mill that can keep up with the quality of the monument and whose beauty and benefits guarantee the desired longevity. In the immediate vicinity of such a monument, the demands on the architectural quality are very high. The cultural acceptance associated with aesthetics is more decisive for the value of the property than some technical innovations. What is no longer publicly pleasing will sooner or later be torn down. What, on the other hand, enjoys a social and cultural status, remains. The real meaning of a house ultimately lies in the contribution it makes to public life in the long term. Urs Oechslin: “If the population, the Baar community and the owners are successful in promising a place of great attraction, then the project will be approved by all authorities. It will have a political majority and will be supported by the broader population. "
Sustainable renewal
For some time now, the «Spinni» has not served the purpose for which it was originally built. Since the end of production, a wide variety of uses have established themselves in the rooms. The clear and simple building structure of the spinning mill building is functionally sustainable because user extensions integrated in it can be easily adapted to changes. The high quality longevity of the basic structure achieved in this way is also aimed at for the new buildings. That is why it is being adapted for the new mixed-use buildings. As a result, the proposed building structure is not tied to a specific use and will survive future renovation processes.
A coherent whole
The historically and structurally established strong identity of the area is a large fund from which any number of ideas can be realized. Time and again it is important to find suitable means to further develop, reinterpret and supplement this identity. In this way, the high level of social acceptance that the area enjoys today is to be further expanded. "Our motivation is to design a new, staggered part of the settlement with the intelligent combination of architectural, landscape-architectural and usage-specific interventions on the area of the old spinning mill on the Lorze", says Oechslin. And further: “This takes over the existing qualities and complements them adequately and respectfully. The demanding cultural, social, economic, ecological and building law requirements should be combined in a coherent whole in the interests of all those involved. "
The new use of «Spinni» needs to be carefully considered and planned.

April 2021
From paper to quarters

“The construction progress of the five buildings of the first construction phase is on schedule despite the pandemic,” says the person responsible for communication, Kathrin Sonderegger. In the southernmost high-rise building with condominiums (Papieri-Suites), the shell is already up to the fifth floor. In the former PM1-4 paper machine halls, new staircases, floor ceilings and apartment partition walls are being installed, as well as the renovation of the facade for the spacious loft apartments and studios (Papieri-Lofts). The new building with 160 rental apartments running parallel to this – 30 of them in the inexpensive range – is also well advanced in terms of shell construction. The Maschinengasse that is emerging between the two buildings is also slowly becoming recognizable. This will be animated at the end of 2022 by the various users of the one or two-story adjoining studios. Underground car parks 1 and 2 are currently under construction, and their parking spaces can be equipped with charging stations for electric cars in a future-proof manner.
Planning of the second construction phase is well advanced
The newly renovated and listed Lokremise was handed over to its new owner at the end of the year. Sonderegger says: "After the renovation of the workshop building, the second commercial conversion of a historic building on the site became a reality." At the end of the year, the construction of the new Ringstrasse (Papieri-Ring) began, which is part of the main development of the area and encircles the buildings of the second construction phase. As part of the second construction phase, in addition to the commercially used replacement building for the silo building, two high-rise residential buildings with 61 owner-occupied and 36 rental apartments will be built. Commercial space and a day-care center are planned on the ground floors. 64 micro-apartments complete the housing offer.
CO2-neutral energy system
Those responsible for the site development pursue the goals of the 2000 Watt Society. It is worth mentioning the sustainable energy supply of the Papieri area with a self-sufficient, CO2-neutral heating and cooling supply. A significant amount of electricity is generated by the company's own river power plant and photovoltaic systems on the building roofs. The construction of the energy center has been completed and the installation of the technical systems is in full swing. Also as part of the energy system, around 100 geothermal probes have already been drilled and installed to a depth of 320 meters. The energy system will be put into operation in autumn 2021, so that the existing houses and the buildings under construction can already be supplied with sustainable heat this winter. “In addition to the building permit, the canton's concession for the operation of the run-of-river power plant is available, the renovation of which will start in early summer 2021. The area of the former wastewater treatment plant (ARA) will be completely renatured, landscaped and supplemented with a small river arm ”, says Sonderegger.
Huge interest
The Cham Group is already seeing a great deal of interest from the population: "The residents find out what is happening on the site and we try to get updates accordingly," says Sonderegger. Unfortunately, the corona pandemic is currently making events such as the open construction site day in 2019 for residents and interested parties impossible. The reactions at the time were overwhelming. “The same thing can also be seen in sales: there is great confidence in our site development and the quarter that is being created here. The first apartments that came on the market at the end of 2019 were reserved within a week. Over 3000 people have subscribed to our newsletter. » One reason for the trust is that the Cham Group will be there as the owner and builder. The team has its offices on the site and is on the pulse of what's happening. Suggestions can be reacted to, feedback and inputs flow directly, and any reservations are defused.
On June 4, 2020, when the foundation stone was laid, a time capsule was filled with objects typical of the time and built into the foundation of the first construction phase. It should document the building project for future generations. What was the most special item? Sonderegger explains with a laugh: “In view of the fact that we can't even have lunch in a restaurant at the moment, and many people miss this time together in the team, the current menu cards from the surrounding restaurants are items of particular relevance. Who knows whether meat will still be eaten in 100 years' time – then minced meat tats might be part of a forgotten meal. "

April 2021
Suurstoffi: Area development with a model character

«The Suurstoffi offers everything we need for our work. We can no longer be taken away so quickly here, ”says Sanofi Aventis CEO Andrea Meyer. A nice compliment for Zug Estates, which in the last ten years has developed a district in Rotkreuz that impresses with its architecture, greenery and energy efficiency. The once unattractive area has been revitalized. "The Rotkreuz community has an excellent macro location and is easily accessible by public transport," says Martin Jöri, Head of Strategic Site Management at Zug Estates. “The area is right next to the train station, but can also be easily reached by motorized private transport. The quarter is a kind of village within the village, and the campus concept is omnipresent. "
A healthy mix
All in all, Jöri appreciates the mix of living, business, research, school and gastronomy. He also likes the typical district infrastructure with a hairdresser or doctor. According to the latest construction status, the area is practically completed: “A construction site with two office buildings (Suurstoffi p. 18/19) has not yet been developed – but the building permit is available. The construction will be triggered in accordance with demand if sufficient occupancy has been achieved beforehand. " Looking back, Jöri regards the high construction speed with the aim of on-time commissioning as the greatest hurdle that had to be overcome.
“Zero-Zero” goal
The Suurstoffi is breaking new ground with an exemplary energy concept. On the site, solar use, several dynamic underground storage facilities and an anergy network form the basis for achieving the “zero-zero” goal. That means: the around 165,000 square meter Suurstoffi area is CO2-neutral. The energy for heating and cooling is generated by underground storage and building waste heat, electricity is provided by various solar power systems. The aim is complete self-sufficiency with primary energy for heating and water treatment. It was precisely this ambitious energy concept that particularly appealed to Jöri about the building: “It is a future-oriented vision of a CO2-free quarter with as much energy as possible, which is provided from our own production. But the architecture is also great. There is no uniformity here. Each construction site has a varied design. We also attached great importance to a green and high-quality outdoor space. "

April 2021
The development of the Metalli is going according to plan

The Metalli development is located in the core zone of Zug and is to be redesigned. Urban development projects are known to be protracted projects. Interventions in urban structures change the appearance of a city and affect many people accordingly. «We are aware of our responsibility. It is therefore important to find out what the needs of the population, residents and all other users of Metalli are, ”says Peter Wicki, Project Development Manager at Zug Estates. Politicians, interest groups and other groups or people also bring their concerns to the table. The aim is to create an intensely greened, sustainable and ecological metal. The building should have architectural and urban highlights. The current qualities and the wide range of products are to be retained. The interest groups advocate a meeting place where non-commercial activities are also possible. What is wanted is a new town square that will enliven the center near the train station between Zug and Baar, which has grown significantly in recent years. The existing glass passage is valued and should be retained in the same or a similar form. The aim is to expand non-motorized traffic – as well as affordable living space, more pop-up stores and other spontaneous or temporary uses of space.
Dialogue with everyone
"This balancing act of involving the various interest groups and yet developing a clear and strong idea that supports this place, which is so important for Zug and makes the city even more livable, is a great challenge and will remain so until the end," says Wicki. Two other key questions particularly stimulate him in this project: “How can we continue to grow without using up more land and still maintaining or even increasing the quality of today's settlement areas? At its core, it is about sustainable, high-quality interior compression ”. Just as important to Wicki is how the inner cities change as shopping behavior changes. "In the new Metalli habitat, we have to find an answer to these two central questions." This is an extremely relevant and exciting task.
More sustainable and greener
Nowadays, urban living spaces are designed differently than in the past. The Metalli was never developed as a pure shopping center, as the project development manager explains. Therefore, the area already brings numerous qualities of a modern living space with it. “Today it is already a lively quarter with a wide variety of uses and quality of stay. We want to further strengthen these qualities. " With the new Metalli-Platz, the district is being networked even further with the surrounding city. “The climatic conditions and awareness of sustainability have changed significantly in recent years. The new living space Metalli will become more sustainable and green. " Particular attention is paid to planting more trees and improving the quality of stay outdoors. The usage concept of the new living space should adapt to the current requirements of the Metalli visitors. «The trade will continue to change. The worlds of online and offline will merge. Companies have to find new ways to address consumers, ”summarizes Wicki. Metalli offers an ideal platform for this. In addition, they want to offer more products from the region.
Last autumn, the structural project by Hosoya Schaefer Architects with Nyx Architects and the landscape architect Lorenz Eugster was submitted to the city of Zug. This project emerged as the winner of the urban planning competition. The development plan is currently being drawn up. A period of two years is planned for this phase. At the same time, the tender for the project competition is being prepared. "If everything continues to go according to plan, we will be able to start construction work in 2025," says Wicki.

April 2021
Vogelwinkel: Family-friendly residential development in a preferred location in Baar

The "Libelle" project is being implemented on the hillside, in Vogelwinkel, below the Himmelrich in Baar. The Zurich Park Architects were able to win the architecture competition with their four trumpet-like structures. Your project impressed the jury with its four finely graduated, two- to four-story buildings, which are integrated in a star shape into the topography of the rising slope. Seen from above, the new building resembles the wings of a dragonfly.
The outside space opens up like a funnel into the center of the area. The new buildings are cubic so that they enter into dialogue with the existing buildings. The facade is striking: it should be kept in a brightly flamed shade of red. An underground car park connects the four buildings and offers 141 parking spaces. Instead of corridors, the 2.5 to 5.5 room rental apartments have a set of rooms that are offset at right angles. Construction is scheduled to start in early 2022. The first tenants are expected to move in in 2025.
Thanks to its topography and traffic situation, the Himmelrich district in Baar is a sought-after place to live as well as a much sought-after local recreation destination. For this reason, the integration of the landscape into the Vogelwinkel development was a major concern for the client. A sustainable energy strategy has also been taken into account: the heat is generated using geothermal probes and solar collectors. Only proven, durable and ecological materials are used throughout the construction process. All apartments are designed to be barrier-free.

April 2021
“Lindenpark” development: mixed living in the center

The area between Erliweg and Birkenhaldenstrasse in Steinhausen is one of the last plots in the village center that can be built on. The landowner Viktor Jans – landlord of the Gasthaus zur Linde – has commissioned the architects Mächler und Töngi from Rotkreuz with the "Lindenpark" development. Since 2020, five buildings have been erected here, arranged in an oval shape. A green space is planned in the middle.
The tallest building with seven storeys and the largest with 757 square meters is located in the south of the plot on Bahnhofstrasse. 26 apartments are being built here. The buildings are reduced in every dimension towards the north. Houses 2 and 3 still have five floors and houses 4 and 5 have four floors. This is a conscious reaction to the surrounding environment. Thanks to the staggered height, the structures are optimally fitted into the existing picture, and at the same time the tradition of large-scale buildings along Bahnhofstrasse is taken up. The facades are bent several times so that the new buildings appear softer and less angular. In addition, the entire development is given a dynamic movement towards the edge.
Mostly small apartments are planned. Some larger apartments are intended to create new living space for families. The attic apartments are located in the southern area of the building. In this way they support the sloping movement of the buildings to the north. The project includes 148 parking spaces. A green courtyard with a play and lounge area and an open area with a garden restaurant to the south are planned in the center of the development. Photovoltaic systems on the roofs ensure an environmentally friendly power supply. The facades are uniformly materialized with a glued stone facade with a clinker look. In this way, they blend in harmoniously with the “Dreiklang” development on the opposite side.
The existing barn, which is located in the south-eastern area of the "Lindenpark", is being converted into a multifunctional cultural space with a restaurant. Further public uses are planned on the ground floor level in the area facing Bahnhofstrasse.
The planned development from above.

April 2021
A new business center for Neuhof-Baar

The Neuhof business district is the second and final stage of the Neufeld project. A modern, five-storey building with an area of around 5750 m² is being built between Zug and Baar. The demolition of the existing building is expected to begin in April 2021. Completion is planned for 2023.
The first stage of the new field project comprised the construction of the European headquarters of Emerson Process Management. The second building and the proximity to the A4 motorway junction and Baar Neufeld train station are intended to attract further international companies. HCI International Corporate Architects are responsible for both stages. In the basement of the new business center on the second stage there is a parking garage with charging stations for e-cars and e-bikes. A roof terrace is planned for the second stage as a relaxation area for the employees.
The interior is bright and the entire construction is environmentally friendly. The Minergie-certified building will have a triple-glazed facade, energy-efficient air conditioning, raised floors and a fully automatic LED lighting system. Future tenants can plan tailor-made areas such as reception areas, C-Suite and conference rooms – the construction costs are financed by the owner as part of the rental package.

March 2021
Live and work in stackable towers

The plans of the association Vision Zukunft Bösch are ambitious: 3000 jobs for 600 companies are to be created on 30 hectares in Hünenberg on the Bösch site. The aim is to upgrade the area and make it a leading location for innovative SMEs in the service, trade and industry sectors. Keeas designed the first development model in 2018 on behalf of the Zugwest Economic Region Association. At the same time the club was
Vision of the future of Bösch founded.
The challenge in developing the area: space is limited. So that numerous companies can still settle, three high-rise buildings are to be built. These are not classic high-rise buildings, but stackable towers: Energy self-sufficient boxes are attached to large lifts. Companies could easily grow taller here: Additional boxes can be flexibly stacked.
Creative SMEs in particular are likely to feel addressed by this location: there are slides instead of stairs. But the topics of energy and sustainability are also taken into account. Due to its high daily consumption, Bösch offers optimal conditions for the installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs. The waste heat from the nearby Perlen paper mill could be used as heating and cooling energy.
A range of e-cars, car sharing and e-bikes through to pooled company and visitor parking spaces is conceivable. The so-called energy and mobility hub works with large batteries. These optimize the energy consumption of the solar systems and charge electric vehicles at the same time. Truck and commercial ramps are to be built around existing commercial buildings. In addition, an autonomous bus is planned that will provide direct access to the IT campus and the Rotkreuz train station.
The municipality of Hünenberg owns a piece of land in the immediate vicinity of the International School im Bösch, which it would make available for the construction of a reference company. This future “Campus Bösch” is likely to lay the foundation for the overall project. The vision is constantly being developed.

March 2021
Second stage of the Quadrolith activated in Baar

You cannot overlook it: the Quadrolith in Baar immediately catches the eye with its golden facade. The plans of the real estate company Alfred Müller based in Baar envisage two modern commercial buildings with space for 1000 workplaces on 30,000 square meters. The first building alone, which was completed in 2018, takes up 12,600 square meters. From the beginning, the aim was to build it in two stages.
The remaining 17,250 square meters are currently being built on. The reference date is set for September 30, 2021. Marketing is already in progress. Companies of all sizes should be addressed with a flexible usage concept. The areas can be divided up and expanded individually. The U-shaped new building is then directly adjacent to the headquarters of Alfred Müller AG.
The office complex has a modular structure and a functional architecture. Thanks to the design, the overall depth of both buildings, each with six floors above ground, could be deliberately kept low. This ensures optimal lighting conditions and space efficiency. Gold-colored, vertical metal strips give the facade its striking color. The overhang of the top two floors creates a futuristic appearance. Numerous trees and two green inner courtyards also characterize the exterior.
Inside, the stairwells and toilet facilities are made of natural stone. The floors of the terraces on the 3rd and 5th floors are made of porcelain stoneware tiles. The height of the room varies from 2.40 to 2.54 meters depending on the floor. The windows are room high. An environmentally friendly heat pump heating system with energy piles and support from natural gas heating ensures reduced operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions. The concrete energy piles connected to the subsurface are provided with plastic pipes in order to exchange heat or cold with the subsoil. In addition, there are charging stations for electric vehicles in the open air and in the garage.

March 2021
Tech Cluster Zug: A signal for the future

The Tech Cluster Zug (TCZ) is a commitment to Switzerland as an industrial location: "Currently, four large new buildings have already been built for the consolidation of V-ZUG or are in the process of being developed," says CEO Beat Weiss, not without pride. There were a number of hurdles to overcome: “On the one hand, there are building law restrictions. The industry often has to react quickly to new circumstances. On the other hand, we also want to be attractive to third parties, although they don't want to wait five years for building permits. But the high utilization and high density on the area also presented us with some challenges. " Every new building must be compatible with the city, neighborhood and neighborhood.
So far, this has been an excellent success, especially since the development plan for the Zug Tech Cluster has been accepted without dissenting votes in the Grand City Council. There were no objections later either. The road to this goal was long: "It took five years to get the current planning law – from 2013 to 2018. But to this day, every new building application is, in spite of everything, a productive discussion with neighbors, the Zug Cityscape Commission and urban planning." Cooperation with well-known architects such as Diener & Diener from Basel, who, among other things, have realized the entrance building on the Novartis Campus, is definitely beneficial.
Three new major customers in Zug
For Weiss, it is exciting to bring all of the different interests under one roof: “A current key element is the Mobility Hub, which we are currently building. These include a multi-storey car park with around 600 potential electric parking spaces with options to switch to public transport or non-motorized traffic as well as shops and bistro space. This new infrastructure is located on the northern periphery of the city of Zug, which will be developed via the new connection axis to the motorway from mid-2021. " Such traffic management also contributes to the urban location advantages, which in turn attract more and more skilled workers to central Switzerland. The small area, the proximity to nature, but also the uncomplicated way of solving problems would make the city of Zug particularly attractive. This is also reflected in three new major projects that are being implemented for third parties: “There is SHL, for example. So far, it has exclusively produced in Taiwan and now wants to set up European production – not least because of the coronavirus. " It manufactures auto-injectors for insulin pumps and until now only had its main office in Zug. The second project concerns VZ DepotBank, which is part of the asset center in Zurich and accommodates a large part of its workplaces, particularly in the IT services sector, in the tech cluster. “Finally, we have the co-working space provider Westhive, who, after Zurich and other cities, is now also actively involved in our work,” says Weiss happily.

March 2021