immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Zurich

  • UBS and Wincasa launch new property advisory service

    UBS and Wincasa launch new property advisory service

    UBS and property service provider Wincasa are offering owners of investment properties a new advisory solution. According to a press release, both companies want to use this offer to support owners in the renovation and energy-efficient refurbishment of their properties. The expertise of the Zurich-based financial institution UBS and the real estate company belonging to the Implenia Group will make the renovation of investment properties easier and more seamless, according to the press release. In particular, the focus is on greenhouse gas emissions. The real estate sector is the second-largest emitter in Switzerland with around 25 per cent.

    In a consultation with UBS and Wincasa, the needs of owners of investment properties are discussed and a modular offer is drawn up. UBS experts determine the financial feasibility of planned projects.

    “We are delighted to be launching this comprehensive advisory solution for the energy-efficient refurbishment of investment properties in the Swiss market together with Wincasa,” said Alain Conte, Head of Corporate & Real Estate Banking Switzerland at UBS, in the press release. “With this new offering, we want to give an additional boost to sustainable thinking in the property sector.” “Wincasa and Implenia have extensive expertise and experience in advising, planning and implementing renovation projects, particularly in the energy-efficient refurbishment of older existing properties. We will bring this expertise to the new offering and thus create added value for UBS customers,” adds Jens Vollmar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wincasa and Head Division Buildings at Implenia.

  • Developing alternative forms of housing with building groups: Lessons learnt from the Winkelhalden

    Developing alternative forms of housing with building groups: Lessons learnt from the Winkelhalden

    Alternative living concepts for the 55-plus age group are in demand: the “zusammenhalt” co-operative easily filled 75 flats in Winterthur. Winkelhalden AG in Oberrieden attracted almost a third of its residents from the “hip” city of Zurich. What these housing concepts have in common is that they are based on a committed community. However, it often takes a lot of initiative and luck for the communities to obtain plots of land.

    Developers and investors who have plots of land and want to supplement them with stimulating offers can attract such building groups as partners. The decisive factor here is the question of the right time to connect the building groups and the form of involvement in the development process. An evaluation of the Winkelhalden AG project provides answers to these questions.

    The Winkelhalden AG project comprises 44 flats and a wide range of communal spaces such as a bistro, star bar, fitness centre, sauna and studios. The project was initiated by two private individuals who acquired the land, developed the business model for the public limited company, secured the financing, carried out a study commission, looked for fellow campaigners and realised the project. All of this was only possible because the initiators had a high level of entrepreneurship and a lot of experience with community-orientated business models.

    One of the biggest challenges was generating the equity capital to finance the project. This required enlarging the group early on in the process and finding people willing to invest who were prepared to commit to the initially uncertain development process and the as yet unspecific housing concept. The consequences are visible in the evaluation. A tenant survey one year after moving in shows that the time of entry into the project characterises the relationship to the community: those who joined in the two years when the construction project was developed, the building permit was submitted and the flats were selected were the most successful in integrating into the community. They feel the least pressure to participate in community life. Of those who joined earlier, a third feel more under pressure to participate. They also have the highest proportion of those who have found it difficult to integrate into the community.

    In this context, developers and investors can make a valuable contribution to community concepts: they can relieve building groups of the burden of financing and thus the early integration of less convinced residents by providing temporary equity and pre-financing the project development. In return, they can benefit from a small and committed building group, which ideally develops the alternative living concept from the time the spatial programme is defined and initiates and implements the participation process from the time of the preliminary project, with which future co-inhabitants are connected and integrated into the community. The building group can be a mixture of people who will live in the project in the future or who have relevant experience in developing alternative housing projects.

    Alternative housing concepts do not appeal to the mainstream, but demand is far from being met: the fully let Winkelhalden AG currently manages a pool of interested parties with over 60 applications. Cooperations between professional developers and investors with experienced and proactive building groups help to distribute strengths and competences among the most suitable players.

  • The heart of Switzerland pulsating with diversity and innovation

    The heart of Switzerland pulsating with diversity and innovation

    Zurich’s geographical and demographic structure contributes to its unique character. With its division into 12 districts and 34 neighbourhoods, nestled between the banks of the Limmat and the Uetliberg, Zurich offers a picturesque backdrop for its 428,700 inhabitants and 1.4 million people in the entire agglomeration. A remarkable 32% of the population, which comes from 172 nations, reflects the city’s international presence and openness.

    Zurich’s economic landscape is characterised by diversity and strength. The financial sector, which represents a quarter of local economic output, and the booming creative industries with 39,000 jobs emphasise Zurich’s role as an economic powerhouse. With a high tourism rate, underpinned by 3.4 million annual overnight stays and a major air and rail transport hub, Zurich is also a key centre of attraction for international visitors. In addition, a diverse cultural scene, with world-class museums and a historically valuable old town, enriches urban life. Festivals, art and music events as well as the natural recreational areas on Lake Zurich and the Uetliberg offer residents and visitors a high quality of life.

    Zurich thus not only stands for a successful combination of cultural diversity and economic dynamism, but also for a progressive attitude towards the future. This city shows how modern urbanity can be designed in harmony with historical heritage and natural beauty, and sets itself as a leading example of innovation and quality of life in a global context.

    Foundations for a vibrant city
    Zurich Urban Development is a division of the Department of the President of the City of Zurich and reports directly to the Mayor. It comprises five areas and its remit is to provide the foundations and strategies for socio-spatial urban development. The team deals with a variety of topics and is committed to an integrated and user-orientated understanding of urban development and planning. This includes, for example, preparing studies and expert reports, conducting impulse projects and representing socio-spatial aspects in projects led by third parties. Urban development also takes on coordination and special tasks. An important focus of the work is the involvement of the population. Participatory processes and workshops are organised in order to incorporate citizens’ ideas and concerns into urban development. In this way, the City of Zurich creates broad acceptance for a number of projects and strengthens the sense of togetherness in urban society. In addition, an intensive exchange with other municipal offices and external partners is maintained in order to ensure holistic and sustainable urban development. The aim is to further develop Zurich as a vibrant, diverse and liveable city.

    Strengthening the location for tomorrow
    Economic development promotes dialogue between politics, administration and business and advocates good framework conditions. It supports young entrepreneurs and projects that strengthen the future viability of the location and make it visible both nationally and internationally. The Economic Development Agency attaches great importance to sustainable urban development. It is committed to ensuring that the business community is given greater consideration and involvement in order to achieve the City of Zurich’s sustainability goals. The targeted promotion of education and innovation is an important building block for strengthening the location for tomorrow. The Economic Development Agency is committed to ensuring that educational programmes are closely linked to the needs of the economy in order to secure qualified specialists for the future. It also supports innovation projects and technology transfer in order to drive the regional economy forward and create new jobs. Through this holistic approach, economic development contributes to strengthening the location in the long term and making it fit for the future.

    Key to promoting growth
    Innovation and digitalisation in companies are actively promoted by economic development. Targeted funding programmes and consulting services support companies in using future-oriented technologies and strengthening their competitiveness. The Economic Development Agency is also committed to the creation of qualified jobs and the training of skilled labour. It works closely with educational institutions and companies to ensure that young talent is trained in a customised way and to combat the shortage of skilled workers in the long term.

    Impetus for the future
    An important aspect of business development is the promotion of start-ups and innovative business ideas. By providing targeted support and advice, young entrepreneurs are encouraged to realise their ideas and lead them to commercial success. The Economic Development Agency regularly organises events and networking meetings to promote the exchange between established companies and start-ups and to create synergies. In this way, Zurich can be further strengthened as an innovative and attractive location for start-ups.

  • Modernisation of the Herzogenmühle health centre

    Modernisation of the Herzogenmühle health centre

    After more than three decades of operation, the Herzogenmühle health centre is undergoing a fundamental modernisation. This measure takes into account the change in operational requirements and the changing needs of the residents. The project focuses on various structural optimisations that are to be implemented between July 2024 and July 2025. In particular, the aim is to create larger communal areas by merging various rooms. The aim is to improve mobility within the centre and increase the quality of stay for residents. Special niches for rollators and wheelchairs will make it easier to get around.

    A major part of the conversion involves converting unused bathing facilities in the basement into a modern health and fitness room, including a physiotherapy facility. In addition, a previously unused nursing bath will be reactivated and the podiatry department will be relocated to a new area within the hairdressing salon. The outdoor areas of the health centre will be enriched by numerous newly planted trees, which will improve the local climate and contribute to increasing biodiversity.

    In addition to these optimisations, necessary repairs are also planned. For example, the windows need to be refurbished due to leaks and the flat roof needs to be completely replaced. Photovoltaic systems are to be installed on the redesigned roof in order to increase the building’s energy efficiency. Furthermore, adjustments will be made to the exterior to increase accessibility and improve accident prevention. The energy and building technology will also be comprehensively modernised, including the installation of automated shading for the cafeteria, dining hall and multi-purpose hall to ensure better heat protection in summer. For these comprehensive measures, the city council approved new expenditure totalling CHF 1.664 million for the renovation and CHF 4.218 million for the partial refurbishment, including the usual reserves.

  • Disposal security thanks to long-term landfill planning

    Disposal security thanks to long-term landfill planning

    The sustainable organisation of waste management and the careful use of resources are playing an increasingly important role in today’s society. In the canton of Zurich, this is clearly demonstrated by targeted efforts to promote the circular economy, which has led to a significant reduction in the amount of waste that ends up in landfill sites. Nevertheless, there is waste that cannot be integrated into the material cycle and therefore requires safe disposal.

    The canton’s Building Department has identified 23 new, suitable sites for landfills in an extensive and broadly supported process. These sites serve as the basis for a partial revision of the cantonal structure plan and make a significant contribution to securing waste disposal in the long term. The aim is to precisely determine future landfill volume requirements and at the same time select sites in such a way that transport routes for disposal are optimised and environmental impact is minimised.

    Particular attention is being paid to reducing waste from construction activities, which accounts for the largest proportion of landfill volumes. Significant volume reductions can be achieved through measures such as sorting construction waste and cleaning contaminated excavated material. From 2030, a significant reduction in the annual landfill volume is expected compared to today. Over a period of 40 years, it is estimated that a total of around 17 landfill sites will be required, strategically distributed across the canton to further improve the efficiency and sustainability of waste disposal.

    This long-term planning and commitment to a sustainable circular economy show how responsible behaviour and innovative solutions can ensure safe and environmentally friendly waste disposal.

  • Extension to create more living space

    Extension to create more living space

    The densification of Swiss cities should also be realised upwards. This is what the FDP is calling for together with FDP Urban, an initiative of FDP city parties. According to a press release, they propose increasing the permitted building height in all residential zones by one to two storeys. In addition, the maximum permitted height of existing buildings should be increased by at least three metres.

    The increase in height would make it possible to build flats without building over existing green spaces. Areas with protected townscapes or listed buildings are to be excluded.

    The FDP points out that similar proposals have already been implemented in Geneva since 2008. The FDP City of Zurich is currently collecting signatures for its municipal popular initiative “More living space by adding storeys – neighbourhood-friendly and sustainable”. The FDP Switzerland submitted a 6-point plan against the housing shortage in 2023. It also proposed increasing the utilisation rate by adding storeys to buildings, among other things.

  • Ina Invest completes merger and increases market capitalisation

    Ina Invest completes merger and increases market capitalisation

    Ina Invest Holding Ltd has successfully completed the merger with its subsidiary Ina Invest Ltd announced in February. The Annual General Meeting of Ina Invest Holding Ltd approved the plans to simplify the company structure through a merger on 3 April, the real estate company announced in a press release. In future, the company will operate under the name Ina Invest Ltd.

    The merger also resulted in an increase in market capitalisation. To this end, 6,808,238 new registered shares were listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. This increased the share capital by around 40 per cent to CHF 282 million.

    The shareholding structure has not changed as a result of the increase in market capitalisation. Implenia Ltd remains the main shareholder with a 41.1 per cent stake in Ina Invest Ltd. The second largest shareholder is BURO Holding AG with 15.7 per cent of the shares. The MV Immoxtra Switzerland real estate fund, Swiss Life Holding Ltd and the RoPas (CH) Institutional Fund each hold more than 3 per cent of the shares in Ina Invest Ltd.

  • Mischa Bosshard manages Haupt + Studer AG

    Mischa Bosshard manages Haupt + Studer AG

    Mischa Bosshard took over the management of Haupt + Studer AG on 1 April. According to a company press release, the former project manager places particular importance on a partnership-based relationship with customers, sustainability and the development of employees and apprentices. “Sound expertise is essential in our industry, and young people are our future,” Bosshard is quoted as saying in the press release. “What we teach them, they can continue and build on.”

    Bosshard takes the place of René Hasler. The long-standing Managing Director was able to set another milestone in the history of Haupt + Studer with the anniversary celebrations at the end of March to mark the company’s 100th birthday.

    Haupt + Studer is active in the fields of electrical installations, building technology and telematics. It employs 41 specialists and ten apprentices. It has been part of the Baumann Koelliker Group since 2007.

  • Zurich Airport builds new cargo hall

    Zurich Airport builds new cargo hall

    Flughafen Zürich AG is modernising part of its infrastructure with the construction of a new cargo hall. According to a press release, the building in the east of the airport will have an area of 9500 square metres. The airport’s oldest cargo halls date back to the 1950s and 1960s. They do not always meet today’s requirements, according to Flughafen Zürich AG.

    The new Rächtenwisen freight hall will be used by dnata Switzerland AG, a service provider for ground handling and freight. The new cargo hall will include 20 docking ramps for lorries, areas for import and export processes and for customs and security checks. It will also be possible to handle pharmaceutical and hazardous goods here. Offices are located on a mezzanine floor on the south side.

    In the past, it was mainly standardised pallet goods that were transported, according to the press release. Today, transport specialises in small goods and freight with different temperature and size requirements. This trend increases the need for suitable freight areas.

    The hall is planned as a concrete column construction with a wooden supporting structure and photovoltaic system on the roof. Construction is due to start in April 2024, with commissioning expected in 2027.

  • Urbanistica calls for polycentric development in Switzerland

    Urbanistica calls for polycentric development in Switzerland

    The Urbanistica association is calling for a paradigm shift in spatial planning. The current focus on large centres and the constant expansion of transport infrastructure is exacerbating the housing shortage, leading to unchecked increases in housing prices and ever-increasing commuter flows, writes the association for good urban development, which was founded in June 2023, in a resolution.

    In future, residential development should take place in locations that already have a good transport infrastructure. “The existing transport infrastructure is basically sufficient to accommodate a population growth of up to 10 million inhabitants and the associated economic development,” the resolution states. However, the smaller and medium-sized cities need to be revitalised as interesting places to work with attractive amenities and a high quality of leisure activities. This would lead to sufficient living space, high settlement quality, sustainable economic growth and reduced mobility.

    Spatial planning should therefore be geared towards a polycentric, networked and urban settlement structure, towards a Swiss city network 2.0. A quarter of the resources from the current transport fund, CHF 500 million per year, should be made available for this purpose.

    Urbanistica had already launched a manifesto in favour of sustainable urban planning when it was founded. The manifesto is intended to stimulate a discourse on urban planning and urban development and has so far been signed by 1,500 people from business, universities and administration.

    The current resolution was prepared by a number of experts from various fields. The following people took part in the discussions: Vincent Albers, Christoph Caviezel, Prof Kees Christiaanse, Remo Daguati, Balz Halter, Thomas Held, Michael Hermann, Alice Hollenstein, Joris Jehle, Dunja Kovari, Prof Stefan Kurath, Prof Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani, Martin Neff, Mirjam Niemeyer Haris Piplas Marco Salvi, Markus Schäfer, Thomas Sevcik, Pascal Vincent, Joris van Wezemael.

  • Samuel Roth leaves House of Winterthur

    Samuel Roth leaves House of Winterthur

    House of Winterthur is looking for a new boss. Samuel Roth, who has put the location marketing organisation on a new path to success since August 2020, will step down from his position on 1 August 2024. According to a press release, he is taking this step at his own request “to take on a new challenge”.

    “In Samuel Roth, House of Winterthur is losing a committed and proactive managing director who has significantly shaped the further development of House of Winterthur into a modern location marketing organisation,” said President Beat Schwab. Roth has “established the House of Winterthur as an inspiring regional networking platform”, according to the statement.

    Numerous new programme items can be traced back to Roth’s commitment: these include tech lunches, the Smart Health series and House cultural evenings. He has also done a lot in the area of social media, which has greatly increased the relevance and reach of the various newsletters and channels. According to the press release, Roth’s strengths include countless other Winterthur success stories, which have sparked enthusiasm for the Winterthur region in many people.

    The search for a successor will be conducted by a specially formed nomination committee.

  • Rents in Zurich fall at the start of the year

    Rents in Zurich fall at the start of the year

    Rental prices across Switzerland rose by an average of 0.3 per cent over the course of January, SMG Swiss Marketplace Group(SMG) reports in a press release on the current Swiss Real Estate Offer Index. SMG’s experts observed mostly moderate price increases in almost all regions in a month-on-month comparison. The SMG Swiss Marketplace Group combines the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

    The highest increases in asking rents were recorded in Central Switzerland and Northwestern Switzerland, at 1.4 and 1.2 per cent respectively. Only the greater Zurich region bucked the trend. Here, those looking for a home “benefited from a reduction of -1.1 per cent”, Martin Waeber, Managing Director Real Estate at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, is quoted as saying in the press release. According to SMG’s experts, however, asking rents will continue to rise in the coming months, both in general and in the greater Zurich region. SMG cites the fact that rental housing construction is lagging behind immigration as the reason for this.

    SMG’s experts have also observed different developments in the residential property market. For example, prices for single-family homes rose by 0.9 per cent in January compared to the end of 2023. At the same time, the price increase for condominiums was significantly lower at 0.1 per cent.

  • Canton of Zurich organises first location day

    Canton of Zurich organises first location day

    The Zurich Department of Economic Affairs has organised the first Location Day. According to a press release, the aim of the meeting between the government of the canton of Zurich and stakeholders from business and science was to discuss ideas and measures on how the location can develop in the best possible way. The event took place on Wednesday, 31 January, from 12 noon to 7 p.m. at the Gleisarena in Zurich. Due to the high level of interest, the location day will be organised again next year.

    The event kicked off with a panel discussion on the Canton of Zurich as a business location. Director of Economic Affairs Carmen Walker Späh and Director of Finance Ernst Stocker discussed with Marc von Waldkirch, CEO of Sensirion, and Thomas Dübendorfer, President of the Swiss ICT Investor Club(SICTIC), the question of how Zurich can further improve its appeal as a centre of business and innovation.

    The second panel with Health Director Natalie Rickli, Professor Mazda Farshad, Medical Director of Balgrist University Hospital, Monika Jänicke, CEO of Zurich University Hospital, and Felix Huber, Head Physician at mediX Praxis Zollikerberg, focussed on Zurich as a medical location.

    Workshops were then held on the topics of technology location, with a focus on artificial intelligence; skilled labour location, with a view to expanding the talent pool; business location, to increase the attractiveness of the location; and mobility and sustainability, with the aim of identifying opportunities for mobility from digitalisation.

    The Location Day was preceded by a study on the attractiveness of the Canton of Zurich as a business location conducted by the Department of Economic Affairs.

  • Prices for single-family homes reach peak

    Prices for single-family homes reach peak

    Both asking rents and flat prices have risen sharply over the past twelve months, SMG Swiss Marketplace Group(SMG) reports in a press release on the latest Swiss Real Estate Offer Index. Specifically, SMG’s experts observed a 2.6 per cent increase in prices for condominiums between the beginning and end of 2023. At the same time, asking rents rose by 4.4 per cent. The SMG Swiss Marketplace Group combines the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

    By contrast, prices for single-family homes in December 2023 were down 0.7 per cent on the previous year. According to the experts at SMG, prices have reached a plateau. The already very high purchase price level and increased interest rates on loans are cited in the press release as the reason for this. In many cases, there is also a high need for investment, for example for energy-efficient refurbishments.

    “Sellers of condominiums are hoping that potential buyers will purchase an affordable condominium unit rather than a single-family home, which means that this form of home ownership remains in high demand,” Martin Waeber, Managing Director Real Estate at SMG, is quoted as saying in the press release. Rents for flats have seen a “massive increase of 8.6 per cent” in the last two years, “after the level of asking rents in Switzerland had been moving sideways for many years”.

  • Fixed-rate mortgages are more attractive than Saron mortgages for the first time

    Fixed-rate mortgages are more attractive than Saron mortgages for the first time

    Fixed-rate mortgages are currently more attractive than adjustable-rate Saron mortgages. This is according to a press release from the mortgage barometer for the fourth quarter of 2023 compiledby the comparison portal Comparis. According to the report, the realisation that interest rates have peaked for the time being seems to be gaining ground.

    The Swiss National Bank(SNB) also contributed to this with its decision to leave the key interest rate unchanged at 1.75 per cent for the second time in a row. The inflation rate has been well below the 2 per cent upper limit targeted by the SNB for months. There is already speculation on the market about an initial cut in the key interest rate.

    “The hope that key interest rates will not rise any further or will fall is expressed in significantly falling capital market interest rates and swap rates, which make refinancing for banks significantly cheaper,” Comparis financial expert Dirk Renkert is quoted as saying. “This means that fixed-rate mortgages are now significantly more attractive than Saron mortgages for the first time.”

    According to the information, the proportion of Saron mortgages taken out with Comparis mortgage partner HypoPlushas fallen significantly over the past three months. Whereas in the first nine months of the year around one in four mortgage customers opted for a Saron mortgage, in the last three months this figure has fallen to around one in six.

    In contrast, the proportion of four- and five-year fixed-rate mortgages has increased significantly. Around one in five people opted for fixed-rate mortgages with medium terms in the first nine months of the year. In the past three months, this proportion has increased to around a third of all contracts. The proportion of ten-year and longer-term fixed-rate mortgages remained virtually unchanged at around 40 per cent.

  • Unbound Potential receives further funding from Germany

    Unbound Potential receives further funding from Germany

    Four young companies have qualified for the final second stage of the SPRIND Challenge Long-Duration Energy Storage innovation competition organised by the German Federal Agency for Leap Innovations SPRIND. One of them is Unbound Potential from Thalwil. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich will receive a further 3 million euros in funding over the next 18 months to further develop its membrane-free battery technology, Unbound Potential explains in a press release on startupticker.ch. In the first stage, the start-up received 1 million euros in funding.

    Unbound Potential has already found its first commercial customer for its 0.5 megawatt-hour membrane-free redox flow battery. The start-up intends to use the funding from Germany to expand its production capacities and for further pilot systems to validate the technology.

    “Through the competition, we can help promising technologies achieve a breakthrough for which there is not yet sufficient private venture capital,” said Jano Costard, Challenge Officer at the Federal Agency for Leap Innovations SPRIND, in the press release. “By linking further funding in the second phase of the SPRIND Challenge to interim results, we are creating competition among the teams and ensuring that investments are made in the most promising technologies and teams.”

  • Venture Kick supports Planeto with 150,000 Swiss francs

    Venture Kick supports Planeto with 150,000 Swiss francs

    Planeto has received 150,000 Swiss francs from Venture Kick, as detailed in a press release. The start-up sponsor from Schlieren is thus recognising the development of the Thermal Energy System Simulation Assistant (TESSA) by the company from Plan-les-Ouates. TESSA is designed to facilitate the installation of district heating and cooling transmission systems.

    According to the press release, district heating and cooling is a good approach to reducing CO2 emissions when heating and cooling buildings. However, the installation of such systems is challenging. TESSA is intended to provide a remedy here. The software enables the simulation of corresponding systems and takes geodata and building physics into account. Artificial intelligence is used in the process.

    Planeto intends to use the fresh funds to equip TESSA with new functions, implement a marketing strategy, drive forward business development and recruit new employees.

  • Walo lays the foundation for top-class sport

    Walo lays the foundation for top-class sport

    Walo Bertschinger is installing the new flooring in the Munich SAP Garden construction project. According to the Dietiker construction company’s Facebook post, this presents a special challenge. The multi-purpose sports hall will be the new home of both the German ice hockey champions Red Bull Munich and the former German basketball champions FC Bayern Munich. The surface must therefore be chosen in such a way that it can be converted from ice hockey to basketball within a very short space of time. According to Walo Bertschinger, Duratex freezing slabs, including the necessary substructure, have already been installed on two of the four surfaces.

    The SAP Garden will be the new home of Red Bull Munich and an additional venue for FC Bayern Basketball. Sports-related events, such as e-sports, will also be held in the heart of the Munich Olympic Park in future, according to the operators. The multifunctional sports arena is set to open its doors in 2024. The spectator capacity is said to be up to 11,500 guests. The key figures state that the floor area is 22,512 square meters and the façade 6,114 square meters. A total of 54,332 cubic meters of concrete and around 13,160 tons of steel are to be used.

    In the immediate vicinity of the SAP Garden construction site, Red Bull, FC Bayern Basketball and the software company SAP have set up the Experience Center for interested visitors. The 160 square meter exhibition area provides an initial insight into the new arena.

  • Inventx expands in the Circle

    Inventx expands in the Circle

    Inventx is expanding and remodelling its site at Zurich Airport. The IT and digitalisation service provider for the financial sector was one of the first companies to rent space in The Circle in 2020, Inventx explains in a press release. A further floor has now been rented in the “IT hotspot” in Kloten.

    With the new premises, Inventx aims to create new jobs for the growing company. At the same time, the aim is to promote dialogue, encounters and co-creation. To this end, the Circle location is being expanded into an office home. In addition to state-of-the-art workstations, Inventx is setting up a gaming zone with billiards, darts and a lounge as well as large and small seminar rooms.

    “With our expansion, we are opening up a whole range of opportunities for our employees to realise their creativity and take their collaboration to a new level,” Inventx CEO Pascal Keller is quoted as saying in the press release. “This expansion is also a milestone for our customer interaction – we look forward to welcoming our customers to the new environment for even more co-innovation and intensive community building.”

  • Pavilion on ETH campus receives an Arc Award

    Pavilion on ETH campus receives an Arc Award

    In a practical teaching project, students at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) have used materials from the demolished Huber Pavilions to construct a building in the spirit of the circular economy. According to a press release, the Re-Use Pavilion on the ETH Hönggerberg campus has been honoured with the Arc Award in the Next Generation category. The Swiss Building Documentation honours the best buildings in Switzerland every year with the Arc Award, which was first presented in 2012.

    In summer 2022, three temporary wooden buildings – the “Huber Pavilions” – had to make way for a new building on the ETH Hönggerberg campus. According to a press release from ETH, the CircÛbi teaching project took advantage of this opportunity. Under the joint leadership of two ETH professors, civil engineer Catherine De Wolf and architect Momoyo Kaijima, students collected the structural elements or components of the dismantled teaching buildings in order to reuse the materials according to the principle of the circular economy. Around 30 students worked on the project for an entire semester. They inventoried the components with lasered QR codes and thus created a digitalised interface. This made it possible to create a new building from reused wooden components.

    The jury particularly recognised the fact that this study project was developed in collaboration with various disciplines. “Circular construction requires collaborative work: Bridging different disciplines and utilising digital technologies are urgently needed to spread the principles of the circular economy in the construction sector,” civil engineer Catherine De Wolf is quoted as saying.

  • OPENLY builds first house with its own net-zero construction system

    OPENLY builds first house with its own net-zero construction system

    OPENLY claims to be setting several records with its first construction project. The company, which is part of Dade Design Holding, is currently completing a building with 19 flats in Widnau using its OPENLY construction system. According to a press release, it is being built net zero. Thanks to building software developed in-house, it will even be climate-positive during operation, i.e. produce more energy than it consumes, thereby saving 300 tonnes of CO2.

    Many building materials and components that are not yet available on the market have been developed in-house, such as the automatically opening ventilation flaps in the windows. 400 cubic metres of hempcrete and 2600 square metres of hemp bricks were used, as well as 1000 cubic metres of a self-developed plant-based carbon concrete. 12 tonnes of steel girders came from a demolished building. The reinforcing steel is also 100 per cent recycled.

    The 400 tonnes of clay fill in the ceilings form natural heat stores. The specially developed kitchens were also realised in a CO2-neutral way. Thanks to proprietary building software, the use of energy in the building is intelligently automated.

    As the founder and CEO of OPENLY, Andy Keel, explains, OPENLY is developing “a bionic building system based on the intelligence of nature”, “which will be used by property developers and architects. At the same time, we advise and support companies and investment funds on the path to ESG-compliant construction projects that not only make bad things better, but also have a genuinely positive impact on the climate.”

    Public guided tours will take place on 30 November and 19 December. Registration is possible by email.

  • GZA appoints new ambassadors for Greater Zurich Area

    GZA appoints new ambassadors for Greater Zurich Area

    The location marketing organisation GZA has added four new Greater Zurich Ambassadors to its ambassador network: Jeff Poulton, CFO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Andreas Raptopoulos, founder and CEO of Matternet, Ophelia Snyder, co-founder and president of 21.co, and Michael Vollmer, Chief Business Development Officer and Managing Director Switzerland of Photon Medical Communications. The GZA is thus honouring “the outstanding achievements and leadership qualities of these personalities in their respective industries as well as the successful establishment of their globally active companies in the Greater Zurich Area”, according to a press release. The Greater Zurich Ambassadors are important for spreading the message of the Greater Zurich Area both digitally and offline and for attracting innovative companies. The GZA now has a total of 46 Greater Zurich Ambassadors.

    According to the press release, Jeff Poulton from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, which specialises in RNAi drugs and is headquartered in the US state of Massachusetts, believes that Zurich is a “great location to build a team to lead our international activities”. The drones from Matternet, based in Mountain View, California, have been transporting laboratory samples between hospitals and laboratories in Zurich on the world’s longest drone delivery route since December 2022. “Doing business in Zurich is like doing business in the future. The city just works,” says CEO and founder Raptopoulos.

    21.co, with offices in Zurich and New York, describes itself as the global market leader for exchange-traded cryptocurrency products. Its co-founder Ophelia Snyder sees Zurich as the “ideal location” for the home of her company. Michael Vollmer’s company Photon Medical Communications, based in Arizona, sells a collaboration platform for medical professionals. He praises Zurich’s “world-class employee pool, infrastructure, security, beauty, culture and cuisine”.

  • Zelgli school complex is equipped with a temporary pavilion

    Zelgli school complex is equipped with a temporary pavilion

    Until the Zelgli school complex in Schlieren is completed, a temporary pavilion will be set up, according to the city council news. The Schlieren City Council has approved a committed expenditure of CHF 460,000 for the construction of the modular building, including all preparatory work. It also approved CHF 267,000 for the rental of the temporary building for 24 months from 2024 to 2026.

    In order to meet the increased demand for school space, the Zelgli school complex needs to be expanded. A new building with four additional classrooms is being planned and the architectural competition is currently underway. However, a temporary solution in the form of a temporary pavilion is needed until the planned move in 2026/27. According to the city council news, this comprises two classrooms, a group room, a cloakroom area, a technical and cleaning room and toilet facilities.

    Schlieren City Council had already initiated the extended strategic planning for the Zelgli school complex in 2019. The increasing number of pupils made renewed planning necessary. In order to optimise the future development of the Zelgli school complex, the city council approved a loan in July 2019 to carry out a feasibility study.

    In April 2020, based on the current figures, plans were still being made for two to four additional classrooms, two additional kindergartens and a triple after-school care centre. By September 2020, the current figures had already shown that four new classrooms, two nurseries and a quadruple after-school care centre as well as the additional installation of sanitary facilities were required.

  • Home of Innovation opens coworking space in Effretikon

    Home of Innovation opens coworking space in Effretikon

    Startup & Innovation Space AG operates two coworking areas in Winterthur under the name Home of Innovation. Another location has now been opened in Effretikon. According to a media release by the location, tourism and economic development agency House of Winterthur, the rooms are located in the former building of ewp AG directly at the railway station in Rikonerstrasse 4.

    On the initiative of the Economic Development Agency and financially supported by the City of Winterthur, “well-equipped meeting rooms, modern coworking spaces and individually designable offices” have been created. Supplemented by advice on setting up and developing businesses, regular events and a lively community, an “economic ecosystem” has been created.

    Start-ups and small businesses in particular could find many opportunities for flexible forms of work and network. The project could act as a “hub for coworking, innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship and digital transformation”, Marco Nuzzi, Mayor of Illnau Effretikon, is quoted as saying.

  • Swiss Cobra reduces environmental impact of fireplaces

    Swiss Cobra reduces environmental impact of fireplaces

    Swiss Cobra wants to revolutionize fireplaces with a patented stainless steel stand. With its product called Cheminée Cobra, the woods can be positioned parallel to each other in a targeted manner. This allows the air-gas mixture to flow around the woods. The stand “not only makes lighting easier and beautifies the flame pattern, but also makes an impressive contribution to environmental protection,” as Christian Schmid, managing director of Swiss Cobra, explains in a statement.

    The contribution of Cheminée Cobra to environmental protection has now also been proven in a study supported by the Federal Office for the Environment(FOEN). According to the statement, the study attests to a reduction in pollutants of up to 40 percent. Schmid also explains the study results in detail. According to the study, Cheminée Cobra can reduce methane gas (OGC) by up to 64 percent, carbon monoxide (CO) by up to 38 percent and soot and particulate matter by 24 percent.

    The study, supported by the FOEN as part of its Environmental Technology Funding (UTF) program, was conducted by the accredited Swiss Testing Laboratory for Wood Combustion at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland in Windisch AG. The detailed results can be viewed online.

  • Ariv opens second location in Cham

    Ariv opens second location in Cham

    Ariv has signed a contract with HIAG Immobilien AG to rent around 3550 square metres in the new CHAMA quarter in Cham. The coliving provider, which is part of Aquilas Company Builder AG, plans to operate 71 modern flats here from next spring. After one year of successful operation in Basel, Ariv has thus opened its second location, writes the company in a corresponding press release. No details are given there about the rental price.

    “We are delighted to be working with Ariv and welcome them to Quartier CHAMA,” David Bendler, Head of Asset Management at HIAG, is quoted as saying in the statement. “The choice of Ariv underlines the attractiveness of our site and confirms our vision of establishing a modern and versatile quarter in Cham.”

    Ariv’s concept envisages fully furnished residential units complemented by a communal area offering a range of activities. The target group is primarily companies and private individuals looking for accommodation for a limited period of time. “The market in the Zug region is very dynamic and developing rapidly,” explains Ariv CEO Eva White. “The numerous international companies that are based in the region and recruit internationally, among other things, represent an interesting target clientele.” After the successful start in Basel and the new location in Cham, the company is currently putting out feelers in other directions. In particular, it is looking for suitable properties in cities such as Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva.

  • Partners test innovations for construction sector in new NEST unit

    Partners test innovations for construction sector in new NEST unit

    After three years of planning, construction is underway again at NEST. The new modular building part (unit) is called STEP2. As in all other modules of the research and innovation building of the two research institutes, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa) and the Water Research Institute of the ETH Domain(Eawag), the project partners are also testing innovations with high market potential there. STEP2 is scheduled for completion in spring 2024.

    As STEP2’s main partner, BASF is making a significant contribution to the success of the project with its expertise, network and sustainable materials, according to a media release. After completion, all units will also be used as offices or flats.

    On the first floor of the two-storey unit, a noise-insulating ribbed filigree ceiling for office and high-rise buildings was installed. The 3D-printed formwork is 100 per cent recyclable. The circular concrete further increased sustainability. The Cadenza concrete staircase, also made with computer-aided design and 3D printing, leads to the second floor.

    STEP2 also addresses the building envelope and its potential for energy optimisation. The building façade is designed in such a way that various fixtures can be tested with minimal effort. In addition, a comprehensive energy and comfort concept including innovative lighting design was developed.

  • Majority wants less traffic in the city

    Majority wants less traffic in the city

    The Swiss want their cities to become less congested, greener and more affordable over the next 30 years. This is the result of a representative survey conducted by the opinion research institute Sotomo on behalf of the express and parcel service provider DPD Switzerland in June this year. The survey is entitled ” Future image of a sustainable city“.

    According to the survey, six out of ten people would like to see more car-free zones in urban centres and almost as many (58 per cent) would like to see more trees in built-up areas and more segregated cycle paths. In return, they would accept fewer parking spaces and car lanes. 84 percent are in favour of better public transport. For connections between cities, 88 percent would like to see an expansion of the Europe-wide fast and night train network. 53 percent want motorways with more capacity.

    A clear discrepancy between young and older people can be seen in the topic of climate neutrality: while 22 to 24 percent of all age groups between 31 and over 60 consider the net zero target by 2050 to be realistic, only 12 percent of 18 to 30 year-olds believe this. At the same time, however, 87 percent of them consider this goal desirable. For all other age groups, the figure is only between 68 and 78 percent.

    A large majority is in favour of promoting affordable housing for the elderly (91 percent), including sympathisers of the FDP (88 percent) and the SVP (85 percent). 70 percent of the population want non-profit housing. Sixty-five per cent are in favour of taller buildings and 52 per cent are in favour of limiting the number of objections to building projects.

  • Avobis Invest launches first real estate fund

    Avobis Invest launches first real estate fund

    With Avobis Real Estate Funds SICAV, Avobis Invest AG is beginning the exploratory phase for the launch of its first own real estate fund. Within this framework, the Avobis Swiss Residential Fund sub-fund invests in fully let, as-new residential properties in Switzerland that offer a guarantee of stable and sustainable distributions. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority(FINMA)-regulated part of Avobis Group AG, a real estate and mortgage services provider, made the announcement in a media release.

    “The aim of the investment strategy is to achieve a stable and sustainable distribution for the investor with maximum value stability,” Ramon Scussel, Head of Investment Products, is quoted as saying. “Particular emphasis is placed on current and expected regulations regarding building efficiency and CO2 emissions. We are convinced that our fund is an ideal complement to the existing products on the market.”

    The Avobis Swiss Residential Fund sub-fund is aimed at qualified investors. An issue volume of around CHF 50 million is targeted. The subscription period runs from 30 October to 24 November 2023, with an option to extend and planned payment on 1 December 2023.

  • EKZ invests in new substation in Dielsdorf

    EKZ invests in new substation in Dielsdorf

    EKZ is building a new substation in Dielsdorf. According to a media release from the energy supplier, the investment will amount to a good 14 million Swiss francs. Commissioning is planned for autumn 2025.

    EKZ wants to ensure security of supply in the future. According to the information, electricity demand in the Dielsdorf region has risen on the one hand due to the increasing electrification of society. On the other hand, the industrial area of Dielsdorf requires additional electrical energy.

    Green Datacenter from Lupfig is currently building the Zurich Metro Campus there. It reportedly consists of three energy-efficient high-performance data centres and a business park with office space. The first data centre has been in operation since December 2022, and the groundbreaking ceremony for two more is planned for this year. Construction of the first office building also began in January.

    According to EKZ, the campus will be supplied via the new Dielsdorf substation and secured via the existing Regensdorf and Steinmaur substations. “Secure power supply via two independent substations is central to secure data centre operations, because data centres are the backbone of digitalisation,” Green CEO Roger Süess is quoted as saying. “In addition to investing in a secure supply, we at Green actively develop sustainable concepts and use waste heat. We also pay attention to high energy efficiency.”