immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Standorte

  • Impetus for sustainable site development

    Impetus for sustainable site development

    Switzerland is one step ahead with the harmonisation of labels. Minergie-Areal focuses on energy efficiency, comfort and climate-friendly mobility and, with its streamlined certification process, is ideal for smaller, manageable sites. It sets clear specifications, for example for building quality and monitoring. SNBS-Areal is convincing for large, complex sites of 10,000 m² or more and covers social, economic and ecological aspects in equal measure. With 30 tested criteria and a broad sustainability assessment, it also serves as a basis for ESG reporting and special utilisation planning

    The example of Kraftwerk1 in Zurich
    Kraftwerk1 demonstrates the value of self-organisation, diversity and solidarity in urban areas. Democracy, low-car living, social rental models and flexible spaces ensure sustainability in practice. The cooperative structure combines individual appropriation with neighbourhood cohesion and strong environmental responsibility

    Life cycle, costs and sufficiency as levers
    Costs are reduced in the long term where product life cycles are extended, recycling is promoted and resources are optimally utilised. Beat Salzmann explains how life cycle management and the circular economy influence financial planning. Sustainable buildings are investments in the future. Sufficiency, as Boris Szélpal explains, means targeted reduction and conscious use of materials and energy. It expands the understanding of sustainability to include the aspect of voluntary renunciation, the development of resilient living spaces and social structures

    Sustainable site development is a coordinated process. Standards create clarity, cooperatives live values and sufficiency opens the way to resilient neighbourhoods with a high quality of life and low environmental impact. The future lies in the balance between comfort and indulgence and in the openness to consistently develop new models

  • Swissbau 2026 creates new synergies

    Swissbau 2026 creates new synergies

    Collaboration has always been the defining theme of Swissbau: meeting in person, acting together, helping each other move forward. For the next edition in January 2026, the trade fair organizer is increasingly focusing on positive synergies. Joint development is not only practiced in the Swissbau Focus & Lab collaboration platforms, the exhibition areas of the trade fair have also moved closer together both spatially and thematically. This is particularly evident in the newly staged Hall 1.2, which provides an atmospheric stage for the entire interior design sector.

    Trend world interior design for design enthusiasts
    Newly positioned in Hall 1.2, the Swissbau public will encounter a world of bathroom innovations, trendy surfaces, atmospheric lighting and high-quality contract furnishings. The shared level for interior design offers space for discoveries and an in-depth exchange with renowned manufacturers and new brands. The highlight: the new Trend World in Hall 1.2 is also open on Saturday. Thanks to the Swissbau Focus with partner lounges, info points and events, the weekend visit leads directly to the Trend World via escalators.

    Experience the trade up close
    Swissbau’s eye-catchers in Hall 1.0 on the first floor are undoubtedly two real construction projects that are being built and developed in parallel by various trade businesses. In a steel hall, metalworkers, electricians, gate and door builders demonstrate their skills. In the two-storey residential building, woodworkers, plasterers and tilers can be seen at work. Both buildings will be completed on the construction site after Swissbau. The “Treffpunkt Handwerk” has even more to offer: In addition to playful activity areas and a forum with practical topics, craft businesses and topic-specific exhibitors will be presenting themselves in the surrounding area. A spacious BauBeiz invites you to talk shop.

    Benefit from the exchange with experts
    Swissbau Focus in Hall 1.0 and Swissbau Lab in Hall 1.1 are the best examples of an interdisciplinary dialog on current challenges and future trends in the industry.
    Leading associations, institutions and universities will contribute their positions to the Swissbau Focus event platform. Trade visitors can discover and try out suitable products and market-ready solutions in the Swissbau Lab. Visitors will also benefit from an enlarged Swissbau Workshop, where they can scrutinize innovative applications in practice. Participation in the extensive program in the Swissbau Focus and Lab is included in the admission ticket. Event registrations are easy to complete on the Swissbau website and should not be missed in any trade fair preparation for an optimal gain in know-how.

    A colorful marketplace for plaster and paint
    A new-born cooperation with the Swiss Painting and Plastering Contractors’ Association SMGV offers insights into innovative techniques, high-quality materials and sustainable solutions in the creative sector in Hall 1.1. With its presence at the multi-industry trade fair, the association aims to position itself more strongly with architects, planners and other construction professionals. Highlights of the themed area include the “Swiss Prize for Plaster and Paint” exhibition and award ceremony on January 22 in the Swissbau Focus, live training sessions by two newly crowned Swiss champions for the WorldSkills in Shanghai, the “SMGV-Marktblitz Spezial” industry get-together on January 21 and 23 and a “Maler-Gipser-Stübli” for personal discussions. The SMGV training centers will present practical examples of their diverse industry sectors. In the painter-plasterer workshop, experienced craftsmen will show how facades are designed with decorative plaster structures.

    Valuable partnerships
    Before exhibitors and partners take command of the halls on Tuesday morning and unveil their innovations, Swissbau will be opened by Bauenschweiz, the umbrella organization of the Swiss construction industry. In discussions with people from politics and business, the core group of the finishing trade and building envelope, as the industry with the highest turnover, will focus on its importance, needs and further development at the opening ceremony. The continued relevance of Swissbau in 2026 is also demonstrated by renowned partnerships. The Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA), the Swiss brand LAUFEN and the new partner Abacus Business Solutions are making a major commitment and contributing their specialist expertise to the trade fair’s offering.

    Swissbau under new management
    Rudolf Pfander has been at the helm of Swissbau for 25 years and has successfully led it into the modern era. In order to take on new tasks for MCH Exhibitions & Events after the 2026 edition, he handed over the reins to his deputy Tobias Hofmeier in September. The 36-year-old from Lörrach has been in charge of Swissbau project management and the successful development of the Swissbau Focus and Lab collaboration platforms since 2020. Rudolf Pfander emphasizes: “Tobias is the perfect successor for Swissbau. He knows the needs of exhibitors, partners and visitors inside out and is also aware of the future development opportunities for the trade fair.”

    Swissbau 2026 – the leading platform for the construction and real estate industry in Switzerland

    Exhibition duration, opening hours
    20.- January 23/24, 2026
    Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
    Saturday additional day Interior Construction and Swissbau Focus, Hall 1.2 and Hall 1.0 South, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

    Buy a ticket or redeem a voucher
    swissbau.ch/ticket

    Register for events
    swissbau.ch/events

    All information
    swissbau.ch

    Organizer
    MCH Exhibitions & Events GmbH, Swissbau, CH-4005 Basel

  • G15 Symposium: Progress instead of regulations – breaking free from constraints, shaping the future

    G15 Symposium: Progress instead of regulations – breaking free from constraints, shaping the future

    Despite its supposed resilience, Switzerland is no longer an island where global industry impulses have no effect. Issues such as digitalization, housing shortages and climate pressure are increasing the pressure on market players to act. At the same time, regulation remains a key area of tension. How much state intervention is appropriate so that innovation does not come to a standstill, but undesirable developments are corrected? It is precisely this interplay that the Group of Fifteen symposium is dedicated to with positions and multi-perspective contributions

    Positions from reputation to regulation
    This year’s panel brings together experts from a wide range of disciplines. Prof. Dr. Christian A. Schaltegger will focus on the balancing act between image, influence and innovation. For him, an environment of trust is essential if the industry is to develop sustainable and forward-looking investment models.

    Prof. Dr. Christian Kraft uses empirical examples to shed light on the extent to which the use of AI can help to safeguard investment decisions despite regulatory uncertainties. His experience shows that data-based decision-making aids are becoming increasingly important. However, this creates both new opportunities and risks.

    Use concepts and participation as levers
    Dr. Sibylle Wälty from ETH Zurich introduces a new urban planning perspective with the 10-minute neighborhood model. She shows how dense, heterogeneous neighborhoods strengthen urban qualities and achieve sustainable added value. The focus is on the aspect of social acceptance and the early involvement of local stakeholders.

    Legal expert Dr. Wolfgang Müller describes the often underestimated influence of rights of objection and their effect on project sponsorship and time horizons, between democratic participation and a brake on innovation.

    Transformative approaches and industry dialog
    It is important to look ahead. Paolo Di Stefano presents practical strategies to ensure that real estate portfolios remain resilient even under changing conditions. In the “Future Talk”, National Councillor Beat Walti and Government Councillor Esther Keller will discuss what the sector could look like in ten years’ time. In particular, how legislation, sustainability and social change should intertwine to enable progress instead of stagnation.

    Platform for dialog and transformation
    The Group of Fifteen is more than just an industry network. It offers an independent platform for dialog that regularly brings together experts from the fields of real estate, law, politics and science to develop new approaches. They constructively support the industry’s transformation process, provide guidance and raise awareness and that, ultimately, collaboration, openness and commitment form the basis for genuine innovation.

    Further information can be found at:
    https://group-of-fifteen.ch/

  • For the first time, some of Switzerland’s largest cities are meeting for a dialog

    For the first time, some of Switzerland’s largest cities are meeting for a dialog

    Since 2019, Swiss cities, municipalities, companies and organizations have been sending out a clear signal for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals every autumn. Raising the SDG flag stands for the commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the will to tackle global challenges together. In Lugano, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opened the event with a video message and emphasized Switzerland’s key role in sustainable development at national and global level. A special feature of this year, the SDG Flag Day was used as a platform for metropolitan exchange, from administration to innovation promotion

    Exchange, practical examples and youth visions
    The dialog revolved around the status of the 2030 Agenda in cities, best practices and the role of international networks for urban transformation. The delegations discussed challenges ranging from climate change to biodiversity, but also opportunities arising from cooperation between science, business, politics and civil society. The presentations by high school students from Lugano, who presented their visions for urban development in 2030 in the “Laboratori di cultura urbana – Mediazione Giovani”, were particularly impressive. Their “Summer Islands” project was implemented together with the city and the Institute of Architecture and stands for youth engagement and participatory urban development

    Framework and principles of the 2030 Agenda
    With its 17 SDGs, the 2030 Agenda, which was adopted by the UN member states in 2015, defines the international framework for action to tackle challenges such as climate change, resource consumption and social inequality. Their aim is to reconcile prosperity and the planet through partnership, peace and progress and to create sustainable living realities worldwide. Flag Day is part of the UN Global Compact and is used in Switzerland and internationally as a symbol of commitment and exchange

    The SDG Flag Day in Lugano was the starting signal for more intensive and networked cooperation between cities in the area of sustainable development. The lived practice of dialog, exchange and participation at several levels makes it clear. The implementation of the SDGs is not a competition, but a joint project for the future of society throughout Switzerland and beyond its borders.

  • Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus

    Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus

    The site extends over 115,000 square meters, structured around a central park that acts as a social and creative heartbeat, promoting communication and creating encounters. The striking main buildings, Main Campus HQ, HORTUS, ALL, SCALE, HOPE, Swiss TPH, ALBA Haus, Innovation Garage, Holiday Inn Express and the parking garages, create a visionary structure. Each building is more than just space. HORTUS is a prime example of the circular economy and sustainable urban development, ALL combines flexible working and laboratory landscapes in a new architectural idea, SCALE and HOPE are aimed at growing biotech and medtech industries, while Swiss TPH and ALBA Haus combine expertise in public health and research.

    Sustainability and community
    The cluster offers more than just space. Radically sustainable construction, energy recovery from photovoltaics, green roof landscapes and a self-regenerating campus park set new standards for urban development. With coworking, intellectual exchange zones and gastronomy, innovations are created in everyday life. Up to 8,000 workplaces will be created on the site and supplemented with sports, educational and leisure facilities.

    The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering
    In 2027, the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) will move into a new building on the campus. Endowed with one billion dollars by the Fondation Botnar, BIIE will focus on international immune-based research and therapies, especially for children and adolescents. As an anchor tenant in the ALL building, the institute will attract up to 300 researchers, putting Basel on the global map for cutting-edge research. The decision in favor of Basel was made against major international applicants from the USA, England, Israel and Singapore and underlines the importance of the research cluster in the region.

    Innovation, networking and prospects
    More than 100 companies, universities and international teams from biotech, digital health and medtech are working here on the challenges of tomorrow. Accelerator programs such as BaseLaunch, open community platforms and physical proximity establish a dynamic workspace in which knowledge transfer is lived directly. One third of the usable space is reserved for start-ups and founders and the link between science and entrepreneurial practice is promoted.

    The Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus brings a new quality of collaboration, spatial concept and scientific excellence. Basel’s vision of becoming a model city for circular innovation and applied research can become a reality here, internationally visible and locally rooted.

  • New hotel project strengthens tourism in Scuol

    New hotel project strengthens tourism in Scuol

    Halter AG and Bergbahnen Scuol SA have signed a purchase agreement for the land of the former Engadinerhof in Scuol. The two partners intend to establish a hotel business with 130 rooms there, as detailed in a press release. Additional added value is to be brought into the region through the annual occupancy rate. In addition, staff flats, tourist flats as well as first and second homes are to be built to meet local demand.

    “The hotel complex will give visitors unforgettable moments and at the same time help to further consolidate Scuol as a lively and attractive tourist destination,” comments Roman Kummer, project manager at Schlieren-based Halter AG, in the press release. The project aims to strengthen Scuol as a holiday and recreation destination in the long term. Bergbahnen Scuol is contributing its local roots and tourism experience to the collaboration.

    The current plan is to submit the planning application in mid-2028.

  • Lucerne presents structure plan to the public

    Lucerne presents structure plan to the public

    According to forecasts, the population of Lucerne will increase by around 120,000 people by the middle of the century and reach the 560,000 mark. In order to manage this growth in an orderly manner, the spatial development strategy sets out clear objectives in the structure plan. Priority should be given to compact, efficient settlement structures based on public transport.

    The plan ensures the economical use of land and coordinates the canton’s development plans with those of the federal government and the municipalities. It is intended to create the basis for spatially harmonizing living, working and mobility.

    Focus on inner development and affordable living space
    The central element of the revision is the creation of living space without endangering valuable cultivated land. The structure plan focuses on inward densification, for example through minimum densities and higher building densities in locations with good transport links, and allows selective extensions to building zones where they make sense for affordable housing construction.

    The so-called center areas create planning instruments for the targeted development of central locations with high densities. In future, municipalities will be able to make their housing supply binding. In addition, measures are needed in other policy areas, such as land policy or support programs for non-profit housing construction.

    Work zones and economic development
    The structure plan strengthens the local scope for action for economic areas. Municipalities are given the opportunity to expand their own work zones in order to promote new settlements with a regional connection and to link living and working more closely.

    The canton assumes a coordinating role with the program for development priorities. In addition, the structure plan creates the basis for an active land policy in order to develop areas in the canton’s interest. Such as strategic employment areas or infrastructure projects.

    Integration of overarching sustainability goals
    The structure plan revision links spatially relevant topics with overarching strategies. Aspects relating to climate protection, energy production and mobility development from cantonal projects such as “Future Mobility Canton of Lucerne” or the Climate and Energy Planning Report are anchored spatially. In this way, planning integrates ecological, economic and social developments.

    Procedure and political responsibility
    Since the revision of the Planning and Building Act in 2018, the Cantonal Council has been more closely involved in structure planning. It defines the strategic objectives in the spatial development strategy, while the cantonal government is responsible for operational coordination and the concrete spatial definition in the structure plan maps.

    The current revision is based on feedback from the 2023 consultation and the preliminary federal review in 2024. After the public consultation, all submissions will be evaluated before the revised version is forwarded to the Cantonal Council, probably in summer 2026, and then submitted to the Federal Council for approval.

  • The future of living

    The future of living

    The central symposium on 7 November in Bern will take stock of five decades of housing policy and focus on the challenges of the coming years. Experts from the fields of the environment, energy, spatial planning and property will discuss which management instruments will be needed in the future to reconcile climate targets, housing shortages and social change.

    The focus will be on issues relating to resource-conserving construction, socially mixed neighbourhoods and dealing with limited land areas. A public launch on 21 October entitled “Beautiful living – housing promotion” will address these topics. At the Kornhausforum Bern, experts from the fields of architecture, sociology and urban development will discuss ways to create liveable, dense neighbourhoods and the role of cooperatives and local authorities.

    Mountain areas under pressure
    The second symposium in cooperation with the Federal Office for Spatial Development and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs will take place in Interlaken on 10 November. It will shed light on the tense housing situation in tourist mountain regions, where rising demand for second homes and a lack of primary residences are increasingly displacing the local population and labour force.

    Workshops and practical examples show how municipalities can develop new instruments for affordable housing, from earmarking strategies to regional housing funds. The aim is to strengthen approaches that ensure long-term utilisation while maintaining the attractiveness of the location.

    Rethinking urban development
    At the same time, the framework programme presents innovative perspectives on housing and urban structure. The symposium “The city of short distances”, organised by EspaceSuisse and the Swiss Association of Cities, will address the interaction between housing, mobility and work.

    Guided tours of sustainable neighbourhoods in Bern show real examples of implementation with a focus on participation and communal living. The cinema evening with the film White Building brings global challenges such as gentrification and displacement back to local issues of urban development. In addition, the travelling exhibition “10 Minute Neighbourhoods” from 3 to 17 November on Waisenhausplatz illustrates how urban distances can be shortened in everyday life and quality of life improved.

    Shared future agenda
    The Swiss Housing Days have long been more than just a specialist congress. They are a platform, discussion forum and laboratory for shaping the housing policy of tomorrow. The BWO uses the anniversary to bring politics, business and society closer together. With the aim of rethinking housing as a social and ecological resource.

  • Further training in the property sector gains momentum

    Further training in the property sector gains momentum

    A total of 35 new students celebrated the start of their CAS Smart Real Estate AI, Data & Values HWZ and CAS General Real Estate Management HWZ degree programmes at the HWZ with a drinks reception, as detailed in a press release. Ten graduates of the CAS Smart Real Estate Business HWZ also received their certificates at the same event.

    The CAS Smart Real Estate AI, Data & Values HWZ is aimed at managers from the property sector, as well as property owners and financial specialists. You will learn interesting facts about data and figures in the property sector.

    The CAS General Real Estate Management HWZ is aimed at candidates for a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) who wish to expand their knowledge. Both programmes are part of the MAS Real Estate Management, but can also be taken as a self-contained CAS programme.

  • Merger strengthens building materials testing and measurement technology

    Merger strengthens building materials testing and measurement technology

    TransGeo AG will in future carry out its building material tests under the umbrella of TIC Holding Schweiz AG. The company from Muri near Bern has been taken over by the Baar-based group of companies with retroactive effect from 1 January, TIC Holding Schweiz AG announced in a press release. The Baar-based group is managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH.

    “With TransGeo, we have found a perfect addition to TIC Holding Schweiz AG in the field of building materials testing,” Fabian Kröher is quoted as saying in the press release. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of TIC Holding Schweiz and partner at Winterberg will also take over as Chairman of the Board of Directors of TransGeo as part of the transaction. The new acquisition has “an excellent reputation and is valued not only for its accredited inspections, but also for its expert advice on geological problems and has very strong customer relationships,” said Kröher.

    Winterberg intends to further expand its business with accredited testing and calibration services for construction and infrastructure as well as measurement technology and materials testing. To this end, the company is already conducting takeover negotiations with other companies, according to the press release. The newly acquired TransGeo AG will continue its activities as an independent company under the umbrella of TIC Holding Schweiz AG. The change will not result in any changes for customers or partner companies.

  • Future-oriented and more agile

    Future-oriented and more agile

    The Board of Directors has decided to reduce the Executive Board from six to five members. This is intended not only to increase agility, but also to optimize operational interfaces in order to drive forward the preservation and increase in value of the real estate portfolio more consistently. The Executive Board will now comprise the Real Estate, Development, Acquisitions, Finance and Corporate Center divisions.

    Management with clear responsibilities and comprehensive expertise
    Nadia Mastacchi is taking over the Real Estate division, which now includes portfolio and transaction management as well as property management. This creates a uniform interface that strengthens the portfolio as a whole.

    Marco Tondel remains Head of Development and is also responsible for realization. Bundling these tasks increases cost efficiency and strengthens the value chain.

    Vinzenz Manser, with over 20 years of experience at Mobimo, is now in charge of acquisitions. The merger increases the market impact and promotes the necessary agility in the face of intense competition.

    Christoph Egli is leaving the Executive Board after the independent property management division was dissolved. His many years of commitment and formative role in the property management business are highly valued by the Board of Directors.

    Sustainable management organization
    This reorganization is intended to bundle the entire value chain more strongly and position it more effectively in the market. The move underscores the strategy of continuing to respond successfully and agilely to the challenges of a changing real estate market.

  • Study shows enormous densification potential

    Study shows enormous densification potential

    Overall, there is sensible development potential in 30% of the existing settlement areas, which could provide space for 2 million new residents and 1.1 million jobs if a realization rate of 70% is achieved.

    The study, carried out by Sotomo on behalf of Urbanistica, suggests that sustainable inner-city development can only succeed if density and settlement quality are combined. Pure densification in locations with good traffic and infrastructure is not enough. Rather, improved local amenities, more green spaces, suitable quiet areas and a differentiated mix of uses must ensure quality of life and social acceptance.

    Agglomerations as focal points and areas of opportunity
    Although cities such as Bern and Zurich have the highest potential per area, the greatest absolute potential lies in the agglomerations. Up to 870,000 people could find new living space there through internal development alone. Municipalities such as Schwerzenbach, Opfikon and Vernier lead the ranking in terms of their development potential.

    Challenges in terms of settlement quality
    At the same time, the study reveals considerable quality deficits, particularly in agglomerations and cities. Problems include an unbalanced mix of uses, noise and insufficient greenery in urban areas as well as a lack of local amenities and access to recreational areas in peripheral zones. There are structural and social deficits, particularly in monofunctional commercial areas and parts of western Switzerland.

    Practical application and new business areas
    For investors and planners, the study offers a precise “treasure map” for identifying clearly usable properties and areas down to zone level. This facilitates strategic decisions and minimizes investment risks. In addition, the data supports the argumentation towards authorities and the population, which can accelerate the process of planning and approval procedures.

    The upgrading of existing sites opens up major opportunities for the construction and real estate industry. The transformation of monofunctional commercial areas into lively, mixed neighborhoods is considered a model for success and an important response to the housing shortage and rising construction costs.

    Internal development as the key to sustainable growth
    The study focuses on the fact that internal development is not just a question of space, but above all a question of quality. By concentrating on already developed areas, infrastructure costs can be reduced and urban sprawl curbed. The challenge remains to create social acceptance for redensification and to remove structural barriers. This is a prerequisite for sustainable and liveable urban development in Switzerland.

    This study therefore provides a promising, data-based foundation for future urban and regional development in line with the Swiss Spatial Planning Act.

  • “Zug Mar-a-Lago”

    “Zug Mar-a-Lago”

    At 5,500 square meters, the property is the largest private lakeside property and a one-off in Zug. The luxury villa with an asking price of around 50 million francs has been on the market since the end of June. Due to its splendor and location, it is already being referred to as the “Zug Mar-a-Lago”, alluding to Donald Trump’s famous estate in Florida. According to estate agent Robert Ferfecki, the buyer of this villa is considered the “King of Zug”.

    City with strategic interest
    The deadline for bids has now expired and the city of Zug is officially one of the contenders. City councillor and finance director Urs Raschle confirmed that the owner family had already contacted the city in the spring. The promise of an offer by the end of September was kept, although details of the amount remain secret.

    Personal approach as a trump card
    Raschle has gone one step further than just making a bid. He has written a personal letter to the owner family. Although contact is generally made via the estate agents, this letter is intended to emphasize the importance of the purchase project. Raschle emphasizes that even the Zug parliament has instructed the city council to examine the purchase. An emphatic message intended to convey credibility and negotiating strength.

    Future prospects for Zug
    A property acquisition of this magnitude could give new impetus to the public space. There are plans to expand the Seebad and Theater Casino. Projects that would bring added social and cultural value to the city. The decision on the purchase will be groundbreaking for the future development of Lake Zug and offers Zug the opportunity to make a statement as a modern and innovative location.

  • State-of-the-art logistics project strengthens Lucerne as a business location

    State-of-the-art logistics project strengthens Lucerne as a business location

    Imbach Logistik AG from Schachen, a subsidiary of Galliker Transport AG from Altishofen LU, has opened a new logistics centre in Lucerne-Littau, according to a press release. The centre, which was designed to meet modern Industry 4.0 requirements, is “a strong sign for Lucerne as a business location” with its fully automated high-bay warehouse and a highly flexible small parts warehouse, according to the company. Imbach Logistik will create a total of 60 new jobs with the new centre following its completion in two construction phases.

    A special feature of the new centre is the spatial arrangement of the warehouses: in contrast to the horizontal positioning that is customary in the industry, the small parts warehouse is positioned vertically above the high-bay warehouse in order to maximise the use of space. Warehouse automation is made possible by the use of state-of-the-art shuttle technologies and an integrated warehouse management and material flow system developed by partners SSI Schäfer AG and EPG. Together with EPG’s LFS software, the Schäfer Flexi-Shuttle system coordinates storage and retrieval as well as upstream pick-and-pack processes with a high level of efficiency.

    Sustainability is also a focus at the site: the building, which has a volume of 215,000 cubic metres, is fully powered by a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 1,000 kilowatt peak, which produces around 1,150,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The heating and cooling supply is environmentally friendly thanks to a groundwater heat pump in combination with a freecooling system. “With the new Lucerne logistics centre, we are creating the basis for even more efficient and sustainable services for our customers. Industrial companies in the region in particular will benefit from state-of-the-art technology and customised logistics concepts,” says Christian Kempter-Imbach, Managing Director of Imbach Logistik AG, in the press release.

  • New alliance for international location marketing

    New alliance for international location marketing

    The canton of Aargau is preparing to rejoin the Greater Zurich Area. The canton first joined the location marketing organisation between 2007 and 2010, the cantonal administration explains in a press release. At that time, however, the canton of Aargau was hardly able to achieve any success in attracting new business, partly due to different focal points. Today, however, the strategic orientation of GZA and the business location of Aargau “fit together very well”, the press release explains. At the beginning of the year, the canton therefore applied for renewed membership of the GZA.

    Specifically, location promotion is currently focussing on innovative sectors that are also important for the canton of Aargau. The press release cites life sciences, automation and digital tech as examples. According to the press release, the canton of Aargau, which has hardly been active in foreign marketing to date, has decided to join the GZA as it is “more cost-efficient and less risky than setting up its own foreign marketing”.

    Funds totalling CHF 8.5 million are required for the first period of new membership in the GZA from 2027 to 2032. This will cover the membership fee and the costs of two additional positions required at the GZA. The canton also plans to invest a further CHF 4.5 million in the years 2028 to 2032 to promote the location of so-called potential areas. The aim here is to support associations of groups of municipalities with economic potential with joint professional location promotion.

  • Examination of geothermal potential in the Burgdorf area started

    Examination of geothermal potential in the Burgdorf area started

    According to a press release, Localnet AG and CKW want to examine the potential for utilising geothermal energy in the Burgdorf area. The local energy supplier will contribute its knowledge of Burgdorf, while the Lucerne-based Axpo subsidiary will contribute its experience from ongoing geothermal projects.

    If the review is positive, the two companies want to inform the population about the next steps before the end of the year. “It is very important to me that the population is informed transparently about this project right from the start,” said Mayor Stefan Berger in the press release. “In any case, it makes sense to carefully examine the geothermal potential in our region. This is also in line with the objectives of our ownership strategy of a sustainable energy supply and long-term security of supply.”

    Localnet supplies 11,500 customers in the region with electricity, 2,500 with gas and a further 350 with heat.

  • Lift partner for Asia’s hotel boom

    Lift partner for Asia’s hotel boom

    The Schindler Group and Accor have signed a service agreement in Asia, Schindler announced in a press release. The globally active group of companies from Ebikon will supply lifts, escalators and moving walks for Accor properties in Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to the hotel group, which is also based in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. The agreement also includes modernisation, maintenance and service of the systems. “We see great potential in this collaboration and look forward to working closely with Schindler to fulfil the needs of our guests in our hotels,” said Sébastien Brunel, Senior Vice President Procurement, Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific at Accor, in the press release.

    Schindler will tailor the lifts, escalators and moving walks destined for Accor to the specific requirements of the hotel group. The two partner companies intend to work closely together and coordinate their efforts at an early stage. “This agreement provides a solid foundation for expanding our collaboration with Accor in the region,” said Calynn Tan, Chief Executive Officer of the Jardine Schindler Group(JSG), in the press release. “JSG aims to be a trusted partner of Accor, delivering state-of-the-art transport equipment and comprehensive maintenance services.” The Hong Kong-based Jardine Schindler Group was founded in 1974 as a joint venture between Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong and Schindler in Ebikon.

  • Development site at Zofingen railway station gains a new perspective

    Development site at Zofingen railway station gains a new perspective

    Pensimo has acquired the western part of the former Swissprinter site near Zofingen railway station through its Turidomus real estate investment foundation. The 27,636 square metres of land was owned by Ringier Areal AG. Together with the town of Zofingen and the Basel-based architectural firm Christ & Gantenbein, Ringier Areal AG had developed a strategy for converting the site into a mixed residential and working neighbourhood and was looking for an investor.

    According to a press release issued by Pensimo, a study contract will be launched next year to clarify the urban planning ideas and sharpen up the housing offer. At present, over 300 flats are planned, which will be built from 2028 and could be ready for occupancy from 2030.

    Alexander Büchel, the portfolio manager responsible at Pensimo, describes the acquisition of this “unique and strategically ideal development site” as a special opportunity. “Zofingen has an attractive location quality, is a cantonal development centre and the micro-location of the site is excellent.”

    The five building plots of the Areal-West site are to have a diverse range of flats and be certified in accordance with the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard. “We want to build on the industrial past,” says Büchel, adding that the aim is to develop a “sustainable offering”.

    The Swissprinters printing plant, like Ringier Areal a joint subsidiary of Ringier and NZZ, was closed in September 2024. The entire site covers around 55,000 square metres in a central location. According to Ringier Areal AG, it is currently pressing ahead with a development project for the eastern part of the site with the historic main building.

  • Lucerne is voted the most beautiful old town in Switzerland

    Lucerne is voted the most beautiful old town in Switzerland

    Lucerne has won the TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025 for the most beautiful old town in Switzerland. According to the press release, the award ceremony on 23 September in Berlin was the fourth time that trend destinations in various categories were honoured. The award is organised by TRAVELBOOK, the largest online travel magazine, which is part of the BOOK Family of the Berlin-based Axel Springer publishing house. For the first time in 2025, it was mainly TRAVELBOOK readers who determined the winning destinations. In an online vote, 150,000 votes were cast across all categories.

    The accompanying text on Lucerne emphasises that the city centre with its sights and impressive mountain panorama is easy to explore on foot. The highlight of a visit is not just the world-famous Chapel Bridge, which connects the old and new town centres. Visitors can discover several spacious squares such as the wine market with its fountain or historic paintings on the facades of houses.

    Bad Wimpfen in Baden-Württemberg was chosen as the most beautiful old town in Germany, while Salzburg can claim the title for Austria. According to the 2025 poll, Greece is the most hospitable country in the world. Other prizes went to Auvergne in France as the best camping region in Europe and to the Okavango Delta in Botswana as the best destination for a sustainable safari. This year’s insider tip region in Europe is the High Tatras in the Polish-Slovakian border region.

    “The results not only reflect the knowledge and desires of our readers, but also provide interesting impulses for the industry,” says BOOK Family Editor-in-Chief Nuno Alves. TRAVELBOOK has been inspiring millions of people to discover new places for years.

  • City of Zurich honors best construction projects 2025

    City of Zurich honors best construction projects 2025

    The award-winning projects, which were realized between 2021 and 2024, contribute to the identity and quality of life of the city of Zurich with their architectural quality, responsible use of resources and strong social connection. From Friday, October 3, to November 9, 2025, the award-winning buildings will be on display in the themed exhibition at the Zentrum Architektur Zürich.

    One hundred projects, ten awards
    “The quality and diversity of the hundred or so projects submitted was impressive,” explained Mayor Corine Mauch. The works submitted create lively urban spaces with a high quality of stay, promote social interaction and shape the identity of the neighborhoods. An interdisciplinary jury of experts chaired by City Councillor André Odermatt selected the ten outstanding buildings from this broad spectrum.

    Socio-spatial and ecological responsibility
    The assessment went beyond pure architecture. Socio-spatial aspects such as inclusion, meeting opportunities and the responsible use of natural resources were also included in the decision-making process. “What all these projects have in common is that they take responsibility for people, nature and the identity of the city. They shape how we perceive Zurich and create lasting memories,” says André Odermatt.

    Open space as the key to urban quality of life
    City Councillor Simone Brander particularly emphasized the importance of even small and inconspicuous open spaces: “These in-between spaces significantly determine how a city and its districts function and how we experience them.”

    Audience award goes to the new building of the University Children’s Hospital
    The audience award was determined by an online vote and went to the new building project of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich with around 300 votes. With its modern wood and concrete architecture, the building creates a warm atmosphere and sets new architectural and functional standards in healthcare construction.

    Award-winning projects
    Office and commercial building Binzstrasse
    Client: Swiss Life Asset Management AG
    Architecture: EM2N Architekten AG
    Landscape architecture: Balliana Schubert Landschaftsarchitekten AG

    Complete refurbishment of the “Im Birkenhof” housing estate
    Client: City of Zurich
    Architecture: Romero Schaefle Partner Architekten AG
    Landscape architecture: Westpol Landschaftsarchitektur GmbH

    Complete refurbishment of Zurich main station south wing
    Client: SBB AG, Immobilien Development
    Architecture: Aebi & Vincent Architekten SIA AG

    Complete renovation of Building Q, Werkstadt Areal
    Client: SBB Immobilien AG
    Architecture: Baubüro in situ ag
    Transformation of use: denkstatt sàrl

    House in the garden
    Client: Irma Peter
    Architecture: Loeliger Strub Architecture
    Landscape architecture: Permatur

    High-rise ensemble WolkenWerk and Messeturm
    Client: Leutschenbach AG, Nyffenegger Immobilien AG
    Architecture: Staufer & Hasler Architekten AG, von Ballmoos Partner Architekten AG
    Landscape architecture: Mavo GmbH

    Kongresshaus and Tonhalle Zurich – renovation
    Client: Kongresshaus-Stiftung Zürich
    Architecture: ARGE Boesch Diener
    Landscape architecture: Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten AG

    New University Children’s Hospital Zurich (Audience Award)
    Client: Children’s Hospital Zurich – Eleonorenstiftung
    Architecture: Herzog & de Meuron
    Landscape architecture: August Margrith Künzel Landschaftsarchitekten AG

    Provisional sports buildings
    Client: Canton of Zurich, Department of Structural Engineering
    Architecture: pool architects
    Landscape architecture: Balliana Schubert Landschaftsarchitekten AG

    Allmend school complex
    Client: City of Zurich
    Architecture: Studio Burkhardt – Studio for Architecture ETH SIA
    Landscape architecture: Ganz Landscape Architects

    Temporary sports buildings and school buildings were also recognized for their use of wood and sustainable design.

    Exhibition and podium
    The exhibition at ZAZ Bellerive offers the opportunity to get to know all the award-winning building projects in detail. On November 5, 2025, there will also be a panel discussion on the topic of “Weiterbauen: Strategies for the existing building stock”. Leading experts from the fields of architecture, planning and real estate development will discuss perspectives for urban redensification and the sustainable use of existing buildings.

    A prize with tradition and a sense of the future
    The City of Zurich’s award for good buildings is only presented every five years and is the city’s most prestigious architecture prize. By consciously taking sustainable and social criteria into account, it promotes a building culture that not only shapes Zurich today, but also makes it worth living in for future generations.

  • Learning and support passarelle for apprentices KV-Immobilien

    Learning and support passarelle for apprentices KV-Immobilien

    Since then, a diverse range of support services has been established, which is constantly being developed and adapted to current requirements – most recently also to the new CT education reform, which has been in force since the 2023/2024 apprenticeship year. At the heart of this reform is the focus on skills rather than subjects in order to best prepare learners for a digital, networked and agile working world. The previous B and E profiles have been replaced by a flexible structure with compulsory elective areas and specialization options. The first final examinations under the new model will take place in spring 2026.

    In response, SVIT Young Zurich has developed an attractive learning and support package that is highly appreciated by apprentices, vocational trainers and our members.

    Kick-off real estate apprenticeship
    Finally out of school and into working life! For many, an apprenticeship is the first real step towards their future. But what can you expect – and what is expected of you? We’ll give you an overview. One thing is clear: you are no longer a student, but a learner. This means that you will continue to learn a lot of new things – but not just in the classroom, but directly in everyday working life. Reliability, interest and initiative are expected of you. Punctuality, thinking for yourself and taking responsibility are the basics.

    Further information: https://www.svit.ch/de/svit-zuerich/event/kick-immobilien-lehre-2026

    Learning during the apprenticeship
    Preparing for practical work and the final exams involves much more than just specialist knowledge. It is also important to us to promote your mental strength and resilience. Because what if an oral exam doesn’t go as planned? How do you stay calm, focused and confident? This includes topics such as presentation techniques, dealing with exam anxiety and strategies to combat concentration difficulties. We also address modern challenges such as the constant distraction of smartphones and tablets – because they can put a strain on the nervous system and make learning more difficult. With targeted exercises, such as supportive eye training, we promote your ability to absorb information and help you to retain knowledge in the long term.

    Further information: https://www.svit.ch/de/svit-zuerich/svit-young/lernen-waehrend-der-lehre

    QV-Campus 2026
    At the four-day QV-Campus at the Höhenhotel Emmetten (NW), apprentices in their 3rd year are optimally prepared for the company qualification procedure (the industry part of the final apprenticeship examination). The focus is on real estate and fiduciary theory, technical discussions, business situations, presentation techniques, presentation skills and dealing confidently with exam nerves. If desired, school subjects (except foreign languages) can also be covered in greater depth. All participants receive individual support until the final exam. And the results speak for themselves: QV-Campus participants have regularly achieved above-average grades in recent years.

    Further information: https://www.svit.ch/de/svit-zuerich/qv-campus-2026

  • Nidwalden drives asking rents

    Nidwalden drives asking rents

    The monthly rental index compiled by the digital property marketplace Homegate in collaboration with Zürcher Kantonalbank closed at 131.2 points at the end of August. Compared to the previous month, the index rose by 0.2 per cent, Homegate reported in a press release. Compared to the previous year, the property marketplace’s experts have registered a 2.6 per cent increase in asking rents across Switzerland.

    The month-on-month increase across Switzerland was mainly driven by the canton of Nidwalden. Here, asking rents rose by 1.5 per cent. In a year-on-year comparison, they were around 10 per cent higher. All other cantons showed only slight movements in both directions in a monthly comparison. In a year-on-year comparison, the canton of Schwyz stands out with an increase of 8.4 per cent. Property experts only observed falling asking rents in the canton of Graubünden over the same period.

    Asking rents in the eight Swiss cities included in the index were all higher in August than in the same month last year. At 1.8 per cent, Lugano recorded the largest monthly increase. Asking rents in the city of Lucerne were 2.1 per cent lower in August than in the previous month. In a year-on-year comparison, however, asking rents in Lucerne rose the most among the eight cities surveyed.

    Homegate is a division of SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG. This combines the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

  • Zurich Metropolitan Area Cooperation Program 2025-2028

    Zurich Metropolitan Area Cooperation Program 2025-2028

    The cooperation programs of the Zurich Metropolitan Area Association serve the targeted development of projects with regional added value. Three programs have been successfully implemented since the association was founded in 2009. The focus is on growth, digitalization and demographic change. The current fourth call for proposals runs under the leitmotifs “Positive climate for innovation” and “Intelligent use of scarce resources” and thus picks up on the new Vision 2040/50 and the 2027 utilization strategy.

    The program is open to projects that focus on one of these topics or projects that combine both aspects. The selective, two-stage procedure ensures that the concepts submitted are practical, scalable and can be implemented in partnership with the member cantons, cities and municipalities. The submission threshold is deliberately kept low. In stage 1, a brief outline of the idea and organization is sufficient; in stage 2, the project is developed further and in more detail.

    Advantages and special features
    The program creates an innovative forum for supra-regional exchange between science, politics, business and society. The professional networking promotes sustainable solutions and strengthens the competitiveness of the metropolitan area as a leading location for research and development. Cantons, cities and municipalities benefit even if individual projects do not affect everyone equally. Diversity and innovative approaches remain the benchmark for the structural and functional area.

    Practical implementation and strategic impact
    With each program, the Zurich Metropolitan Conference provides new impetus for change in work, mobility and the use of resources. The current focus supports projects that contribute to greater innovative strength, digital transformation and sustainable development. Regional and cross-sector solutions are intended to further strengthen the Zurich metropolitan area as an attractive place to live and do business.

  • Farewell to imputed rental value

    Farewell to imputed rental value

    The adoption of the bill on the cantonal property tax for second homes marks the end of the imputed rental value. However, the change will take effect in two to three years at the earliest and will fundamentally change the everyday lives of many of those affected. Not only owners of owner-occupied and rented properties will feel the effects, but also households with debts without property ownership.

    Simplifications and exemptions
    With the abolition of the imputed rental value, maintenance costs and debt interest will also no longer be tax-deductible. However, to make it easier to purchase residential property, special rules apply for the first ten years after purchase. Debt interest of up to CHF 10,000 for married couples and CHF 5,000 for single persons is still deductible, but the remaining maximum amount is reduced by ten percent per year.

    Tax declarations will be simpler and the tax burden for many homeowners will fall in the current interest rate environment. Value-preserving and value-enhancing costs should be properly documented, as in future they can only be claimed when property gains tax is paid, i.e. when the property is sold.

    More restrictions on the deduction of debt interest
    Owners of investment properties are particularly affected by the reform. Interest on debt can now only be deducted in proportion to the value of the property in relation to total assets. This increases the tax burden and significantly limits the previous advantages.

    Taxpayers without real estate
    Households without real estate are also affected. Private debt interest, for example for loans or small loans, may no longer be offset against tax in future. This turns previous practice on its head and may lead to higher tax payments.

    Uncertainties and cantonal competence
    The cantons will have the option of levying a special property tax on second homes. This is a particularly sensitive issue for regions with a high level of tourism, as new taxes can affect the attractiveness of the market. It remains to be seen what the specific assessment bases will look like and which cantons will make use of the new options.

    The cantons can continue to allow temporary deductions for energy-efficient renovations and environmental protection measures until 2050. It is not yet known which cantons will offer this.

    Strategies for mortgages and investments
    The reform not only affects the tax rate, but also personal financial strategies. The question of how high mortgages should be set in future and whether amortization makes sense is becoming increasingly important. Anyone who uses capital for amortization ties it up in the property and loses liquidity for other purposes such as retirement provision or new investments. The decision on the optimal financing therefore requires individual consideration.

    Effects on the real estate market
    Whether the reform affects prices depends above all on the situation of new buyers, the majority of whom are highly mortgaged. According to SNB statistics, 40 percent of newly purchased homes are financed at over 74 percent of their value. Older properties in particular continue to lose tax advantages due to the limited deduction options. New condominiums in the canton of Zurich are on average 20 years old, single-family homes even around 50 years old. The fundamental challenges of high prices and scarce funds for acquisition remain unresolved by the reform.

    The abolition of the imputed rental value promotes the price difference between new buildings and older properties. Second homes are likely to become less attractive as a result of the new property tax, but experts do not expect prices for vacation homes to fall, as the supply shortage is too great.

    Prices for Swiss homes could rise by 4% this year and 4% next year, and by as much as 4.5% in the canton of Zurich. Renovating and maintaining the value of old buildings is becoming more important than ever, but not every investment pays off. Homeowners need to keep a keen eye on their long-term strategy: Is refurbishment worthwhile or is a new replacement building imminent?

    Reform as a joint project
    The changes are based on a close link between legislative and constitutional amendments. The abolition of the imputed rental value will only come into force if the referendum on the new property tax on second homes is successful. Parliament discussed the scope and form of the tax intensively for months. In tourist cantons in particular, there is a great deal of skepticism as to whether reduced revenue can be offset by new taxes. The laws come into force together, a reform with many facets.

    Tax and financial effects at a glance
    The mortgage interest rate determines whether owners benefit. If interest rates are low, the tax burden falls for the majority. If interest rates are high, taxes increase because interest on debt can hardly be deducted any more. For the public sector, the reform could result in a loss of revenue of CHF 1.8 billion. From 3 percent mortgage interest, however, additional revenue is possible for the state as a whole. The actual effects remain unclear for the time being due to various uncertainties.

  • Zurich invests in large-scale battery storage for greater security of supply

    Zurich invests in large-scale battery storage for greater security of supply

    Zurich City Council has applied to the municipal council for a framework credit of CHF 20 million. According to a press release, the credit is to be used for the expansion of free-standing large-scale battery storage facilities operated by Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich(ewz).

    The independently operated systems are used to store large amounts of energy, such as that generated by renewable sources like solar or wind energy. In addition to the existing power plants, the large-scale storage facilities can feed energy into the grid at peak times and thus contribute to the stability of the energy system and security of supply. An important contribution can be made here, particularly in view of the requirements of increasing electrification, such as the switch to electric vehicles and heat pumps.

    According to the press release, the city council can approve ewz projects independently within this framework credit and thus significantly shorten decision-making processes. For ewz, this means that even larger projects in highly competitive business areas can be handled swiftly and remain competitive.

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

    How the Wolf site in Basel is becoming a residential neighbourhood

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Strategic milestone for Zofingen

    Strategic milestone for Zofingen

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

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

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

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

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

  • Swiss housing market continues to tighten

    Swiss housing market continues to tighten

    Die aktuelle Situation erinnert an die Jahre 2014 bis 2016, als eine längere Phase massiver Angebotsknappheit herrschte. Heute ist klar, dass kein kurzfristiger Ausgleich zu erwarten ist. Der Wohnungsbau bleibt auch in den kommenden Jahren hinter dem Wachstum der Haushalte zurück. Damit gehört die Schweiz erneut zu den europäischen Ländern, in denen sich die Wohnraumfrage zu einem zentralen Standortthema entwickelt.

    Belastung für Haushalte mit tiefer Kaufkraft
    Besonders stark trifft es Haushalte im unteren Einkommenssegment und des unteren Mittelstands. Während bestehende Mietverträge für rund 80 Prozent dieser Haushalte noch erschwinglich sind, zeigt sich auf dem aktuellen Markt ein deutlich anderes Bild. Nur gut 40 Prozent der neu angebotenen Wohnungen liegen in einem preislichen Rahmen, den diese Gruppen tragen können. In Regionen wie St. Moritz sowie in den urbanen Zentren und Agglomerationen fehlen passende Angebote nahezu vollständig.

    Wohnkosten steigen spürbar
    Ein Szenario aus dem Monitor verdeutlicht die Problematik. Würden alle Haushalte mit tiefer bis mittlerer Kaufkraft umziehen, stiege die durchschnittliche Wohnkostenbelastung von 29,1 auf 35,7 Prozent des Einkommens. Damit würde Wohnen für breite Teile der Bevölkerung klar zu einer finanziellen Überlastung. Bereits jetzt ist der Anteil der Mieterhaushalte, die ihre Wohnkosten nicht mehr im Budget halten können, von 2,6 auf 2,8 Prozent gestiegen. Noch moderat, aber mit klarer Tendenz nach oben.

    Fehlanreize auf der Angebotsseite
    Der Druck auf den Markt wird zusätzlich durch Investitionsmuster verschärft. Viele Investoren setzen auf Ersatzneubauten oder umfassende Sanierungen. Das stützt zwar die Bauwirtschaft, trägt aber kaum zur dringend nötigen Erweiterung des Bestands bei. Neue, bezahlbare Wohnungen kommen damit kaum auf den Markt. Entsprechend öffnet sich die Schere weiter zwischen günstigen Bestandes-Mieten und hohen Angebotsmieten, was die Verknappung zementiert.

    Bedeutung für Politik und Wirtschaft
    Die neue Analyse des BWO rückt die Frage der Wohnkosten im Verhältnis zum Einkommen in den Vordergrund. Für die kommenden Jahre bleibt absehbar, ohne strukturelle Ausweitung des Wohnungsangebots wird die Kluft zwischen Nachfrage und Angebot weiter wachsen. Für Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft und Immobilienbranche gehören damit innovative Wohn- und Baukonzepte ebenso zu den Schlüsselthemen wie regulatorische Anreize, um bezahlbaren Wohnraum effektiv zu sichern.

  • Investment strengthens business location with 60 new jobs

    Investment strengthens business location with 60 new jobs

    Emmen-based SME Technik AG has broken ground on the construction of a new company building. With the construction of the new production facilities, the CNC manufacturing specialist aims to strengthen its location in the canton of Lucerne, according to a press release. With an investment of 7 million Swiss francs, a three-storey work and production building is being constructed. It will also create 60 new jobs.

    The building, with 1,200 square metres of production space and 1,100 square metres of office space, is primarily intended to optimise the CNC production of small parts or series for the aviation and railway industries. In a first step, two new CNC machines will be installed. The move is scheduled for spring 2026.

    The building, planned and realised by Cerutti Partner Architekten AG from Rothenburg, is designed for sustainability and energy efficiency. A solar system on the roof and air-to-water heat pumps were installed to ensure resource-conserving operation.

    “With the new building, SME Technik is creating modern workplaces that are attractive for both existing and future employees,” said Jan Kottucz, investor, owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SME Technik AG, in the press release. “At the same time, we can manufacture CNC parts for our customers with the highest precision and to Swiss quality standards in the modern production halls with new systems.” Ramona Gut-Rogger, Mayor of Emmen, sees the new investment by SME Technik as a “strong signal for the future of our business location.”

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

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

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

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

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