immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Schwyz

  • Monument becomes a home with history

    Monument becomes a home with history

    It only took nine months to turn the listed Gütsch farmhouse in Lauerz SZ into a modern detached house. Strüby now reports on this in a press release. The company was commissioned to carry out the extensive conversion and renovation work. Strüby was able to contribute its strength and experience in dealing with listed buildings in project development, architecture, engineering and implementation.

    The early, close, constructive and solution-oriented collaboration with the cantonal monument preservation authority and its head Monika Twerenbold proved its worth, “so that the result was extremely satisfactory for everyone involved,” Kilian Boog, Head of the Conversion division at Strüby Unternehmungen, is quoted as saying.

    A lot has been done on the outside and inside, with the late medieval block building from 1492/93 “largely retaining its original character”. In combination with modern elements, an architectural “jewel” has been created that is “full of history and stories and fascinates with its symbiosis of old and new”.

    The wooden cladding, roof and windows were renewed. The outer shell was given an energy-efficient refurbishment, while the heating technology inside was switched to an energy-efficient heat pump and photovoltaics. When planning the rooms, emphasis was placed on highlighting existing “handcrafted details, interesting signs of use, religious symbols to protect against evil spirits and decorative elements”. The floor plan and room heights remained unchanged.

  • Preliminary project cantonal school Ausserschwyz in Nuolen

    Preliminary project cantonal school Ausserschwyz in Nuolen

    The demolition of the 1947 school building offers a unique opportunity to redefine the urban development of the site. A new school and village square will be created that opens up towards Seestrasse and the village. The historic Patres building will be freed from extensions and staged as a solitaire, restoring it to its original splendour.

    Modern school buildings
    The new school wing will be realised as a compact timber construction that will house classrooms and a canteen with a view of the lake. The existing gymnasium will be converted into an assembly hall and can be used flexibly as a singing hall. New music rooms and improved administrative areas will complement the available space. The buildings from 1967 and 1982 will be retained and adapted to today’s requirements with targeted interventions. A new access structure ensures a clear separation between school operations and escape routes, which enables versatile use without fire safety restrictions.

    Open space design with a historical reference
    The open space concept connects the school site with its surroundings and creates high-quality recreational areas. The newly designed square with numerous trees and a water basin is reminiscent of the site’s history as a former spa hotel. The existing sports area will be retained, supplemented by car parking spaces and equipment rooms. A metal footbridge crosses the Mühlebach canal and connects the campus with the lakeshore.

    Construction method and energy supply
    The new building fulfils the high sustainability standards and is certified according to SNBS and Minergie-A. Heating is provided by a groundwater heat pump, which also enables recooling in summer. In addition, the roof area is equipped with photovoltaic elements to generate part of the operating energy itself. Efficient mechanical ventilation ensures a pleasant indoor climate.

    An educational centre with a future
    With the renovation and partial new construction of the Ausserschwyz cantonal school in Nuolen, a future-oriented school centre is being created that combines tradition and modernity. At the same time, the new school site blends harmoniously into the townscape and will become an open, lively meeting place for the whole community.

  • Modernization ensures fresh water in the spa

    Modernization ensures fresh water in the spa

    Shortly before Easter, the Wellness Hotel Stoos modernized the water technology in its Wellness & Spa. Aqua Innovation GmbH was involved as a partner, as the Rotkreuz-based company specializing in water and air treatment systems explains in a post on LinkedIn. The Aqua Innovation team put in a few extra hours to ensure that the system was back in operation in time for Easter.

    Specifically, Aqua Innovation was responsible for the installation of a high-precision programmable logic controller (PLC) and the installation of a chlorine dosing system with integrated pH control. The new control system makes it possible to monitor and control all parameters from temperature, water flow and filter cycles to chemical water treatment centrally via the building management system. “We’ll save a personal test of the system for later,” writes Aqua Innovation with a wink in the article.

  • Management change at timber construction company successfully completed

    Management change at timber construction company successfully completed

    There has been a change in management at the Seewen-based timber construction company Strüby. According to a press release, Ivo Steiner has been fully responsible as the new CEO since December 6. The 45-year-old business economist from eastern Switzerland took up the position as designated CEO on June 1, 2024 and underwent an intensive induction phase.

    In the press release, the Board of Directors states that Steiner is “a perfect fit for the operational leadership” of the company “thanks to his solid education, extensive management experience at several companies and his down-to-earth, pragmatic personality”. Strüby has over 400 employees.

    The current CEO, Anton Strüby, will in future assume his strategically important role in the company as Chairman of the Board of Directors. In this role, he will contribute his expertise and network for the benefit of the company, according to the press release.

  • Successful financing for smart charging solutions

    Successful financing for smart charging solutions

    Sintio AG has successfully completed a seed financing round, the specialist for charging solutions, which was founded in 2020, announced in a post on LinkedIn. The Innovation Foundation of Schwyzer Kantonalbank (SZKB) has joined Sintio as lead investor. “The foundation has already successfully supported numerous technology start-ups in Switzerland and we are delighted that it will contribute its expertise and network as a reliable partner to the further development of our company,” writes the young company from Freienbach in the post.

    Sinito has developed software for the intelligent operation of charging solutions for electric vehicles and launched it on the market in 2022. “The Sintio software enables the measurement, control and individual billing of charging energy, which is particularly useful for property management companies and companies with real estate portfolios,” writes the SZKB Innovation Foundation in a separate post on LinkedIn. The amount of the foundation’s investment and the total funds raised in the financing round are not communicated in the posts.

  • Intelligent energy systems for residential buildings

    Intelligent energy systems for residential buildings

    Lynus has founded Enerfin AG. The Tuggen-based technology company, which specializes in energy systems for the optimal use of renewable energy, announced in a press release that the new subsidiary will be responsible for tenant electricity contracting. Specifically, Enerfin will plan, finance, set up and operate tenant electricity systems. Property owners will share in the profits. The new company already has 300 residential properties with around 2,400 residential units in its portfolio.

    Enerfin uses Lynus software and hardware to optimize energy systems in residential buildings. The technology company’s software uses machine learning “to predict and control the energy flows in the building – right through to the connection to our virtual power plant”, explains Paul Hauser, CEO of Enerfin and Lynus, in the press release. “In this way, renewable electricity is used optimally.”

    By connecting the properties’ energy systems to Lynus’ virtual power plant, property owners can realize a higher profit than with conventional tenant electricity contracting, writes Lynus. The background to this is the marketing of the flexibility that results from the forecast of energy generation and consumption created using machine learning. “Enerfin combines benefits for tenants and landlords with the advantages of intelligent tenant electricity solutions for the electricity grid and the climate and makes the whole thing as simple as possible for users on both the supplier and consumer side,” says Hauser.

  • District heating network in Lachen successfully expanded

    District heating network in Lachen successfully expanded

    Energie Ausserschwyz AG has completed work on the core renewal and expansion of the district heating network in the center of Lachen. “We are very happy and proud to have reached this milestone,” said Philipp Züger, Head of District Heating Construction at Energie Ausserschwyz AG, in a press release issued by the company. The district heating network of Energie Ausserschwyz AG has currently reached an extension of over 26 kilometers.

    From the fall, around 40 customers in Lachen will receive district heating from the wood-fired power plant in Galgenen. Energie Ausserschwyz has invested around CHF 15 million this year in the expansion of the network, which will be in place from 2021. Further areas in Lachen are to be connected in the coming year. Specifically, the press release mentions Neuheimerstrasse, Zürcherstrasse and Säntisweg. “Interested parties are welcome to contact us,” explains Züger. “We will then be happy to clarify when a connection is possible.”

    Energie Ausserschwyz AG was founded in 2020 and its main shareholder is EW Höfe AG from Freienbach SZ. The company sells heat and electricity from a wood-fired combined heat and power plant and a biogas plant at the energy center in Galgenen.

  • Future for the AHV site in Schwyz

    Future for the AHV site in Schwyz

    The relocation of the cantonal administration to the new Kaltbach administration and security centre opens up new opportunities for the subsequent use of the previous administration site. The canton of Schwyz emphasises its responsibility not to leave the vacant site to its own devices, but to establish a value-adding and centre-promoting use together with the municipality of Schwyz. The building rights are to be awarded to a private investor as part of an investor tender in order to drive the development forward.

    Findings from the study process
    As early as 2022/23, the cantonal building construction office conducted a study to analyse potential uses for the site. This revealed the high attractiveness of the site for private-sector projects. Initial development concepts showed that commercial uses, combined with centre-promoting elements such as cultural spaces or green areas, could enrich the village in terms of urban development.

    Roadmap to implementation
    The next steps include the preparation of a partial revision of the municipal utilisation planning, which should be completed by 2025. The subsequent procedural steps, including a referendum in the municipality of Schwyz, are expected to take until 2027. The planned timeframe until the structural realisation of a follow-up project extends until 2029, after the relocation of the cantonal administration.

    An overview of the timetable

    By the 2nd quarter of 2025: Preparation of the subzone plan revision

    By the 1st quarter of 2026: Consultation and cantonal preliminary review

    By the 4th quarter of 2026: Public consultation and objection negotiations

    By the 3rd quarter of 2027: Referendum in the municipality of Schwyz

    From 2029: Construction realisation

    Sustainability and added value
    The target image for the site at Bahnhofstrasse 15 primarily comprises commercial uses, supplemented by publicly accessible areas. Green spaces and cultural facilities could further enliven the neighbourhood and contribute to the attractiveness of the location. The canton and the municipality of Schwyz see this project as an opportunity to strengthen the urban character and contribute to the economic and social development of the centre in the long term.

    The subsequent use of the former AHV building is an important step for the future of the village centre of Schwyz. With strategic planning and clearly defined milestones, the canton and municipality are working to create a value-adding and sustainable neighbourhood. The invitation to tender for investors and the revision of the sub-zone plan are key elements on the way to creating a lively and economically attractive neighbourhood.

  • Slender bridge construction to relieve the historic Hirschenbrücke bridge in Schwyz

    Slender bridge construction to relieve the historic Hirschenbrücke bridge in Schwyz

    The Schlieren-based construction company Strabag AG is building a new bridge for non-motorised traffic next to the listed Hirschenbrücke dating from 1940. According to a press release, the bridge for pedestrians, bicycles and light vehicles connects the two villages of Lachen and Altendorf in the canton of Schwyz and carries traffic over the train tracks of the Zurich-Chur line. All road users currently use the same bridge. In order to increase safety for slow-moving traffic, the canton of Schwyz has planned an additional bridge to be built next to the existing bridge.

    Construction work on the new pedestrian bridge will be completed by the end of 2024, according to the press release. Work on the connecting structures and road expansion will then follow in 2025. It is expected to take until the end of 2025 before the new bridge is opened to non-motorised traffic.

    According to Strabag, the new bridge is very slender and has been designed as a three-hinged arch. This echoes the design language of the old Hirschenbrücke, which was designed by civil engineer Robert Maillart in 1940.

    According to Strabag, extensive preparatory work such as securing the excavation pit and anchoring the foundations using micropiles preceded construction. The prefabricated bridge was lifted into place at night in just 3 hours and 15 minutes. In August, the civil engineering team lifted the two prefabricated arch elements weighing 27.5 tonnes into place. The work required the closure of the SBB railway tracks, the transmission line, the cantonal road and the railway track. In September, the two edge elements were also installed at night.

  • Outstanding projects at the Real Estate Award 2024

    Outstanding projects at the Real Estate Award 2024

    The event begins with a networking aperitif at 5 pm, which offers the opportunity to exchange ideas with leading figures from the industry. The winners in the categories of sustainability, project development/innovation, digital and marketing will then be announced at a gala dinner. The Real Estate Personality of the Year will also be honoured.

    Guest speaker Patrizia Laeri will provide insights into the topics of finance and diversity. Councillor of States and FDP President Thierry Burkart will discuss the current challenges and opportunities in the property sector with Annina Campell.

    Performances by comedian Joël von Mutzenbecher and the rockabilly band ‘the B-Shakers’ round off the evening. The Real Estate Award 2024 offers a varied programme that combines professional exchange with entertainment.

  • Swiss sales company in the canton of Schwyz

    Swiss sales company in the canton of Schwyz

    Gira has opened its Swiss branch in Feusisberg. From there, the building technology specialist from the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia intends to gain a foothold in the Swiss market with its own sales company. In addition to Switzerland, Gira is also represented in the UK, Austria, the Netherlands and Spain. According to the information provided, importers market and sell Gira products and system solutions in a further 35 markets with a focus on Europe and Asia.

    Alfred Mölzer, who has been Managing Director of Gira Austria GmbH since 2022, will be responsible for the Swiss business. Together with his team, he meticulously prepared the establishment of Gira Swiss GmbH over a period of around one and a half years, according to a company press release. In addition to analysing figures and statistics, numerous discussions were held with market participants from the retail, trade, architecture and construction sectors, according to Mölzer. “This is the only way to get a feel for what makes the market tick and which specific needs we need to fulfil with our range of solutions and services.”

    These have shown the medium-sized technology company that there are opportunities for a successful market entry, particularly in the field of building automation. After all, the company has played a key role in shaping the digital networking of home and building technology with its developments from the very beginning. This will therefore be the “spearhead” of market development.

  • Implenia and Frutiger win construction contract for Sisikon tunnel

    Implenia and Frutiger win construction contract for Sisikon tunnel

    The consortium (ARGE) of Implenia and Frutiger has been awarded the contract to build the Sisikon tunnel. According to a press release, the joint venture of the cantons of Schwyz and Uri has awarded the contract for lot 200 to the consortium led by Implenia. The contract is worth 430 million Swiss francs, resulting in a volume of 250 million Swiss francs for Implenia. The tunnelling is part of the New Axenstrasse transport infrastructure project.

    The core of the construction work is the single-tube, 4.4 kilometre long road tunnel with two-way traffic, which will be built by drill and blast. The consortium is also building underground structures such as access tunnels, diversion points, ventilation centres and exhaust shafts. This work will be followed by civil engineering works such as the construction of a large gallery to protect against natural hazards. The up to seven simultaneous tunnelling points and very tight space conditions are considered to be particular challenges. “We will be able to contribute our extensive expertise and experience in tunnelling and civil engineering,” says Christian Späth, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia. Due to its size and complexity, Lot 200 forms the centrepiece of the new road section on the eastern shore of Lake Uri and Lake Lucerne.

    According to the press release, construction work will start in mid-2025 and is scheduled to end in 2034.

  • Illegal demolition of the 700-year-old wooden house in Illgau SZ

    Illegal demolition of the 700-year-old wooden house in Illgau SZ

    Violence breaks all rules. The administrative court of the canton of Schwyz recently ruled that the demolition of properties requires a permit. The municipality of Illgau approved the demolition, but appeals were still possible, which would have been raised by Homeland Security. The Planning and Building Act of the Canton of Schwyz stipulates that anyone who erects, changes or converts buildings and facilities without a building permit or in deviation from a building permit is punished with a fine of up to CHF 50,000 in accordance with the provisions of the Justice Act and the Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure . In the case of greed, the penal authorities are not bound by the maximum amount of the fine. “We therefore thought long and hard about whether to file a criminal complaint or not,” says Isabelle Schwander, President of Schwyz Homeland Security. However, the Schwyz and Swiss Heimatschutz came to the conclusion that conducting criminal proceedings is the task of the law enforcement authorities and not of Heimatschutz. This is also because the suspicion at hand is to be investigated ex officio.

    In several discussions, the Schwyzer and the Swiss Heimatschutz tried to make the builder understand the immeasurable value of this building. Possible structural solutions were also shown with specialists and it was offered to provide support with regard to financing. Unfortunately all without success. For the future, Heimatschutz will try, together with experts and owners of Schwyz wooden houses, to show that renovations are always possible and that this does not have to fail because of finances. Naturally, Homeland Security is also of the opinion that being placed under protection should not lead to financial damage. Finally, it must also become better known that listed and high-quality refurbished properties experience a massive increase in value and are also easy to rent. The Schwyzer and the Swiss Heimatschutz are convinced that it is possible for all those affected to find a good solution.

  • Central Switzerland remains an attractive company location

    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.