immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Construction

  • Strengthening presence in the construction industry through acquisition in Slovenia

    Strengthening presence in the construction industry through acquisition in Slovenia

    SFS has acquired EPRO D.O.O., a distribution partner in the construction industry based in Ljubljana, with effect from 1 October, the globally active manufacturer of tools, precision components, assemblies and fastening systems from the St.Gallen-Lake Constance area announced in a press release. The purchase price was not disclosed. EPRO sells fasteners, fixing elements, fall protection systems and other products for flat roofs, industrial lightweight construction and façade elements in Slovenia, Croatia and the wider Adriatic region.

    The acquisition is intended to strengthen the regional presence and market position of the SFS Group in the region. EPRO will continue its activities “unchanged with all employees” under the SFS umbrella, according to the press release. The Group, headquartered in Heerbrugg, has around 140 sales and production sites in 35 countries in North America, Europe and Asia.

  • Housing policy strategy 2030 in the canton of Zug

    Housing policy strategy 2030 in the canton of Zug

    The housing market in the canton of Zug is under severe pressure. The canton’s high level of attractiveness has led to an increase in demand, while the supply of housing is declining. This is leading to rising rents and property prices, making it particularly difficult for the middle classes and low-income earners to find affordable housing. Young families are also facing difficulties in finding suitable housing.

    Objectives of the 2030 housing policy strategy
    In order to alleviate the tight housing situation, the cantonal government has defined three main objectives: firstly, more living space, secondly, more affordable housing and thirdly, more housing options for the local population. These goals are to be achieved through simplified building regulations, optimized building permit processes and financial incentives.

    Measures for more living space
    The strategy provides for various measures to increase the supply of housing. Relaxations in building regulations, such as adding storeys and high-rise regulations, should enable the construction of more apartments. In addition, non-profit developers are to be given easier access to loans in order to promote the construction of affordable housing.

    The path to implementation
    In the next steps, the municipalities will be informed about the planned measures. With the involvement of all relevant stakeholders such as municipalities, political parties and organizations, the amendments to the Planning and Construction Act and the Housing Promotion Act will be implemented swiftly. The cantonal government will report on progress every two years.

    The Housing Policy Strategy 2030 is a comprehensive approach aimed at relieving pressure on the housing market and safeguarding the quality of life in the canton of Zug. The focus is on long-term and sustainable solutions.

  • EWZ and EKZ join forces to combat skills shortage

    EWZ and EKZ join forces to combat skills shortage

    Without the work of the grid electricians, Zurich would remain dark. By building and maintaining electricity grids, they ensure that the city and canton are reliably supplied with electrical energy. Despite the importance of this profession, the shortage of skilled workers in the sector is a growing problem. For this reason, the leading electricity suppliers EKZ (Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich) and ewz (Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich) have joined forces to create a training program specifically for career changers.

    A training program for career changers
    The career changer program is aimed at professionals with a basic electrical engineering or technical background. During the training program, participants receive a full salary and learn practical skills on the job. The theoretical training takes place at the ewz training center in Zurich-Schwamendingen. After one year, graduates receive an internal training certificate, which distinguishes them as qualified grid electricians.

    Diverse career opportunities
    Many of the participants switch from other professions to grid electrics. Fabian V. from EKZ, who previously worked as an operations maintenance specialist, describes his new job as varied and exciting. Goran R. from ewz, who previously worked in fiber optic expansion, sees further training as a logical progression in his career and is looking forward to the new challenges.

    The communication campaign
    In order to reach potential candidates for the program, the companies have launched the “Komm ins Team Power” campaign. Short videos on various online channels as well as offline measures at sporting events and via employees are intended to address the target group. Further information can be found on the website www.teampower.ch.

    Working together to combat the shortage of skilled workers
    The collaboration between ewz and EKZ shows how energy companies can work together to combat the shortage of skilled workers and at the same time offer attractive career opportunities for career changers. The training of grid electricians is an important step towards ensuring security of supply in Zurich in the long term.

  • Investment in low-CO2 cement promotes market launch

    Investment in low-CO2 cement promotes market launch

    Holcim is making a financial contribution to the scaling and rapid market launch of Sublime Systems‘ low-CO2 cement. The investment by the Zug-based company, one of the world’s largest producers of building materials, is driving forward the construction of Sublime’s first commercial production plant. The start-up had already received 87 million dollars from the US Department of Energy in March.

    According to a statement from Holcim, the Sublime Systems team has developed a “unique technology” for the decarbonisation of cement, which covers the entire production process from the use of clean electricity to carbon-free raw materials. “We are excited about the potential of this technology and look forward to jointly bringing it to market on a large scale,” Holcim’s Head of Sustainability Nollaig Forrest is quoted as saying.

    Holcim has secured a large proportion of the Sublime Cement produced there through a binding purchase agreement. Both partners have set up their own project team to jointly develop further plants.

    “In the cement industry, size is everything,” says Leah Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Sublime Systems. “By combining Sublime’s technology with Holcim’s advanced global operations, from manufacturing and logistics to commercial distribution, together we can increase our impact.”

    The company currently operates a pilot plant with a production capacity of up to 250 tonnes per year at its headquarters in Somerville, Massachusetts, and is developing its first commercial plant with an annual capacity of 30,000 tonnes, which is scheduled to open in Holyoke, also in Massachusetts, as early as 2026.

  • Expansion of the Webermühle housing estate in Neuenhof planned

    Expansion of the Webermühle housing estate in Neuenhof planned

    Altura RE AG is the owner of six plots with a total area of 15,234 square metres on the Webermühle/Damsau site in Neuenhof, the Nidwalden-based real estate company announced in a press release. The general conditions for the expansion and future development of the large Webermühle housing estate are to be worked out for its plots and the plots of other owners in the Webermühle residential zone. To this end, Altura RE and the municipality of Neuenhof are embarking on a cooperative planning process.

    “Among other things, it is important for us to be able to create a well thought-out bridge to the Klosterrüti neighbourhood,” Rudolf Peschel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Altura RE AG, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The appraisals and expert reports we have received so far clearly show us that the Webermühle-Ermitage site is predestined for the creation of attractive and modern living space thanks to its good accessibility and location in green surroundings directly on the Limmat.”

    The cooperative planning process is to be designed and supported by the Lucerne planning office plan:team in a workshop process. It is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2026. This will be followed by the development of the design plan, for which the municipality will then act as the approval authority.

    The timing of the actual start of construction depends heavily on the planning efficiency in the previous phases, explains Altura RE. “At the moment, we are hugely dependent on the timing of the collaboration with the municipality of Neuenhof and its personnel capacities,” says Peschel.

  • KohlenKraft sponsors Zurich Climathon

    KohlenKraft sponsors Zurich Climathon

    KohlenKraft is one of the sponsors of the Climathon inZurich. This is according to an announcement from Runway, the sponsor of early-stage start-ups based at Technopark Winterthur. The Runway Incubator is a program of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

    The Climathon is a 32-hour format organized once a year by the Impact Hub Zurich. The event serves to find and develop ideas for climate protection in Zurich. This year, it will take place on November 1 and 2 at the Zurich Kraftwerk.

    The start-up company KohlenKraft, founded in 2023, is also based at Technopark Winterthur. Last year, the park headlined a short portrait of the start-up’s move into its premises with the sentence: “Runway start-up KohlenKraft is getting ready for revolution”. KohlenKraft has set itself the task of supplying the construction industry with climate-positive materials. Its products such as plaster, wall plaster for industrial use, bricks and thermal insulation made from biochar absorb more CO2 during their service life than they emit.

    KohlenKraft also closes the cycle: The biochar is made from biomass waste, reduces the need for raw materials such as sand and thus contributes to a circular built environment. This is why KohlenKraft was also supported by the Circular Building Industry Innovation Booster. The Innosuisse program supports the transition to a circular economy in the Swiss construction industry through systematic innovation.

    CEO Charles Gerike-Roberts and CTO Moritz Keller have already received several awards. in 2022, the two KohlenKraft founders won the FrontRunner Award at the ZHAW Sustainability Challenge. They took first place in the ZHAW Startup Challenge 2023 and were class winners in the Startup Campus and Innosuisse Business Concept course.

  • Glass blocks from the 3D printer

    Glass blocks from the 3D printer

    US engineers have developed stable glass building blocks made from recycled glass bottles using a 3D printing process. These building blocks are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offer an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete. They can be assembled and disassembled like Lego bricks, enabling sustainable, circular construction.

    Glass as a versatile building material
    Glass is already an integral part of modern architecture, but its potential as a building material goes far beyond decorative applications. Researchers at MIT have shown that glass can be a stable material for load-bearing structures. The process uses recycled glass that is printed into complex shapes, creating building blocks that are suitable for a variety of construction projects.

    3D printing opens up new possibilities
    With the help of a 3D printer that processes molten glass layer by layer, building blocks are created that can be used flexibly. This technology not only enables stability and flexibility, but also reusability of the building blocks, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint of construction projects.

    Circular architecture
    The glass blocks are at the heart of the concept of circular construction, in which materials are reused and their lifespan maximised. Once dismantled, the building blocks can be used in new construction projects without the need to produce new materials. This creates a sustainable cycle in the construction industry.

    The 3D-printed glass building blocks offer a promising alternative to concrete. With their stable properties and reusability, they could shape the construction methods of the future and contribute to a more sustainable construction industry.

  • Transformation in focus EXPO REAL 2024

    Transformation in focus EXPO REAL 2024

    Once again this year, EXPO REAL conducted a survey among its participants. Of the 516 exhibitors and visitors surveyed, 91 percent consider digitalisation to be a very important or important topic, followed by interest rate policy and energy solutions for neighbourhoods. Stefan Rummel, Managing Director of Messe München, emphasises: “EXPO REAL 2024 is not only dedicated to the important topics of the future in the conference programme, but also in the new ‘Transform & Beyond’ exhibition area.”

    Changing types of use and investor interests
    The survey also shows that new types of use are gaining in importance. For 70 per cent of respondents, the residential sector is in first place, followed by care properties and data centres, which have become much more relevant. Interest from future-oriented investors such as pension funds and family offices also remains high.

    Focus on affordable housing
    Another key issue is the creation of affordable housing. 95 per cent of respondents see building in existing buildings as a decisive factor, closely followed by the cost of land and serial construction. These topics will also take centre stage at this year’s EXPO REAL, with a special exhibition and practical examples.

    Europe remains attractive
    Globally, Europe remains a key market for property investment, with 81 per cent of votes. Western Europe and the D-A-CH region are seen as particularly important future markets. The USA and the Asia-Pacific region also continue to offer potential.

    The survey for EXPO REAL 2024 makes it clear that the transformation of the real estate portfolio and digitalisation are key factors for the future of the industry. With diverse discussions and new exhibition formats, EXPO REAL from 7-9 October will address the pressing challenges and offer space for exchange and solutions.

  • Strategies to combat urban sprawl and improve quality of life

    Strategies to combat urban sprawl and improve quality of life

    Physicist and economist Sascha Nick from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne(EPFL) has outlined a scenario for Switzerland that greatly reduces urban sprawl. In this scenario, the population in 2040 will live in neighbourhoods in which all buildings have been renovated to provide optimal temperature, light and noise conditions. A large number of communal spaces are also available.

    According to a press release from EPFL, the approach developed by Nick would reduce urban sprawl to the level of 1935 or even 1885. “Our scenario requires concrete changes that are radical, but also necessary,” Nick is quoted as saying. He is a scientist at EPFL’s Environmental and Urban Economics Laboratory, which is part of the Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering.

    According to the press release, his vision for the future of Swiss housing takes into account important aspects of community life and is in line with Switzerland’s climate targets for 2050. The study published in Frontiers in Sustainability was carried out as part of the Sweet Swice research programme funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy to promote individual and collective well-being in the energy transition.

    In it, Nick makes four recommendations. Firstly, buildings should be renovated instead of demolished and rebuilt. Secondly, building space should be better utilised and the living space per person halved. Thirdly, Nick calls for neighbourhoods to be designed in such a way that all important facilities are just a few minutes’ walk away. And fourthly, urban sprawl should be curbed.

  • Construction work on the extension of the ZHAW has begun

    Construction work on the extension of the ZHAW has begun

    Building Director Martin Neukom, Education Director Silvia Steiner and ZHAW Rector Jean-Marc Piveteau gave the go-ahead for the construction work to expand and modernise the School of Engineering at the ZHAW on 13 September. The ZHAW is one of the leading universities in Switzerland with over 14,000 students, according to a press release. However, some of the existing buildings on the site of the former technical centre in Winterthur no longer meet today’s requirements. In addition, the number of students continues to grow. Campus T will therefore be modernised and expanded in several stages over the next few years.

    In the first construction phase, two new five-storey laboratory buildings will be built behind the historic technical centre. They will provide urgently needed space for teaching, research and development. Various test rooms as well as a publicly accessible canteen and cafeteria will be created there. The new buildings will be connected to the district heating network of the city of Winterthur and equipped with photovoltaic systems.

    As part of the first construction phase, the Eulach will also be ecologically upgraded with a public, near-natural park and flood protection will be expanded, according to the press release. Two new bridges will connect the old town and Campus T with the Büelrain cantonal school and the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

    The existing TB building will be dismantled by November. At the same time, the excavation pit for the smaller TT laboratory building will be dug. Work will then begin on the shell of the first new building, which is scheduled for completion in 2027. The second new building should be ready for occupancy in 2029.

  • Schaffhausen – an economic success story

    Schaffhausen – an economic success story

    The new high-rise buildings on the former Alusuisse site in Neuhausen am Rheinfall came to life at the beginning of 2024. The flats are occupied, the shops are open and work is underway in the 7000m2 of office and laboratory space. 100 years ago, an aluminium plant stood on what is now the Rhyfall Village. After the Second World War, a research centre for materials technology was established. Decades later, plans grew for new living and working space – which have now been realised. The Schaffhausen steel foundry has also undergone a similar transformation process: instead of heavy industry, there are flats, a school, commercial space and offices. Strategies are developed, patents are managed and markets are cultivated all over the world. Today, people and companies are once again putting down roots in the canton of Schaffhausen. At the end of the 1990s, the reality was different.

    Joining forces to emerge from the crisis
    Structural change hit the industrial canton of Schaffhausen with full force: Within just a few years, the corporate landscape changed drastically and tax revenues collapsed. Eleven per cent of all jobs were lost – more than in any other canton. Those who could, moved away. To turn the tide, the business associations launched the WERS project – Economic Development Region Schaffhausen. The city and canton supported it. 150 demands served as the basis for groundbreaking decisions in Schaffhausen politics in 1997.

    Active location promotion as the key
    One central measure was the creation of a cantonal economic development agency. The mission was clear and still applies today: to publicise the business location, attract new companies and support existing companies in maintaining jobs. In addition to providing impetus for the continuous improvement of the framework conditions for the economic development of the canton, the Economic Development Agency is the central point of contact and information centre between business, politics and administration. The goal: competitive industrial companies and SMEs, globally orientated service providers, more tax revenue.

    The companies came. The first production company, Wunder-Baum, was founded in 1998 and Tyco was the first US multinational with a headquarters. To date, more than 600 other companies have settled here. They have created around 2,800 new jobs and, thanks to a lot of additional tax revenue, scope for investment in favour of the location.

    Improving the “Schaffhausen product”
    Particularly in the early days, some companies decided against Schaffhausen because the location did not fulfil their requirements. There was a lack of centralised offices, generous living space, an international school and good transport links to the airport. In order to change this, the “Schaffhausen product” was gradually improved and the attractiveness of the location was promoted with the help of business development. This includes the establishment of the ISSH international school, the ITS Industry and Technology Centre to promote innovation and technology among SMEs, the go-tec! Laboratory for future STEM specialists. The introduction of the half-hourly service to Zurich main station, the direct connection to the airport and the expansion of the A4 motorway were also supported. In the canton, the regional S-Bahn railway between Trasadingen and Thayngen was expanded to complement the regional buses. The gradual reduction in taxes for individuals and companies was another key factor in favour of the location. Many projects have been successfully realised. Others are still under discussion. These include a university programme tailored to the needs of industry and a campus for innovation and technology.

    From product development to supply development
    On the property side, these developments in the canton have led to an increasing demand for offices, commercial space and living space. Various central sites have been developed over the last two decades. These include the Landhaus and Urba(h)n developments near the railway station in the town of Schaffhausen and the transformation of the former steel foundry into a residential and working quarter close to the town centre. In Neuhausen am Rheinfall, the development along Zentralstrasse, combined with the residential construction activity around the Industrieplatz and the gradual opening up of the SIG site, were decisive factors. While this area is still in the process of transformation, the Rhyfall Village has been filling with life since the beginning of 2024 – thanks to jobs and new residents.

    25 years of joint efforts
    25 years ago, the course was set jointly in the canton of Schaffhausen: Business and politics joined forces and began an active location development policy with common objectives. After WERS came the visions for Schaffhausen in 2008 and the “next.” development strategy in 2022. It is clear that the canton is developing dynamically as a location. Today, not only are the windows of the new flats in converted factories illuminated, but the entire business location and living space shines in a different light. In an intercantonal comparison, Schaffhausen has undergone a unique development: no other canton has improved so much in the comparison of competitiveness indicators (UBS 2023). Schaffhausen has not only become a popular location for international companies, but also for people from Switzerland, as the intercantonal migration balance shows. This is no coincidence, but the result of targeted measures and joint efforts. Continuing this success story is both a mission and a motivation for the committed forces in the canton.

  • Two Swiss property giants about to merge

    Two Swiss property giants about to merge

    Cham Group and Ina Invest, a property company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, have signed a letter of intent for a merger. This is to be completed as a “merger of equals” by 2025. The merger would create a new, strong force in the property sector that would be one of the industry leaders.

    A first-class portfolio in key locations
    The combined portfolio of the two companies comprises high-quality properties and development projects in Switzerland’s strongest economic regions, including Basel, Cham, Geneva, Lausanne, Winterthur and Zurich. Particularly impressive: the residential share will be over 50% after completion, which emphasises the focus on sustainable and future-oriented living in urban conurbations.

    Sustainability and synergies as success factors
    Both companies attach great importance to sustainability and plan to consistently implement these standards in the development and management of the properties. The merger not only brings a larger portfolio, but also clear advantages: economies of scale, greater flexibility in project realisation and improved financing options.

    The talks are currently still at an early stage. If the negotiations are successful, a vote on the merger will be held at the general meetings of the two companies in spring 2025. A merger would realign the forces in the Swiss property market and create opportunities for a sustainable future.

  • Association complaints about residential construction projects restricted

    Association complaints about residential construction projects restricted

    In future, associations will no longer be allowed to lodge complaints against smaller residential construction projects if they are located within building zones. This applies to projects with a floor area of less than 400 square metres. The National Council voted in favour of the more restrictive provisions of the Council of States on Monday, meaning that the matter is ready for the final vote.

    Originally, the National Council had proposed that complaints should also be authorised for construction projects within water areas. However, the Council of States cancelled this option and restricted complaints by associations to construction projects in areas of “national importance”. This means that the right of appeal for associations will be significantly restricted in future.

    Limited right of appeal for construction projects in watercourse areas
    A motion by National Councillor Martina Munz (SP/SH) calling for the right of appeal to be cancelled only for construction projects that encroach slightly into the watercourse area failed in the Council. The motion was rejected by 118 votes to 72. This means that the regulation that smaller construction projects in watercourse areas can no longer be contested by associations remains in place.

    The amendment to the Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act was triggered by a parliamentary initiative from Valais National Councillor Philipp Matthias Bregy (centre). The aim is to restrict the right of appeal for smaller residential construction projects in order to facilitate construction activity in Switzerland.

    The new regulation, which severely restricts the right of appeal for smaller construction projects in building zones, represents an important step towards speeding up residential construction projects. In future, it will be more difficult for associations to take action against smaller construction projects, particularly in water areas.

  • Relaxation of noise protection regulations in residential construction

    Relaxation of noise protection regulations in residential construction

    After lengthy discussions, the National Council and the Council of States have reached a compromise on noise protection regulations. In new flats, at least half of the noise-sensitive rooms – i.e. rooms in which people regularly spend time – must now have windows that comply with the noise limits.

    If controlled ventilation is available, it is sufficient if the limit values are complied with in one room per flat or if a cooling system is installed. Alternatively, a building permit can also be granted if a quiet outdoor space and a quiet window are available.

    Remediation of contaminated children’s playgrounds
    In addition to noise protection, the remediation of children’s playgrounds contaminated by fertilisers and air pollution was also discussed. Public playgrounds must be analysed and remediated in future. The federal government supports these measures through the so-called Vasa Fund and covers 60 per cent of the renovation costs.

    In the case of private playgrounds and home gardens, remediation remains voluntary. Here, the Vasa Fund covers 40 per cent of the costs if the owners decide in favour of remediation.

    With the revision of the Environmental Protection Act, Parliament has made important decisions concerning both noise protection in new residential areas and the renovation of contaminated playgrounds. These compromises promote a healthy living environment and at the same time contribute to the sustainable development of residential and play areas.

  • Bio-inspired building material revolution for the construction industry

    Bio-inspired building material revolution for the construction industry

    The construction industry is on the brink of a ground-breaking innovation. Researchers have developed a cement material that is almost six times more resistant than conventional cement and significantly better at resisting cracks. This revolutionary development is based on the structure of human bone, which serves as a model for a completely new material architecture.

    The team led by Professor Reza Moini and doctoral student Shashank Gupta from Princeton University published the impressive results in the scientific journal Advanced Materials. By specifically designing a tubular structure in the cement, they were able to significantly reduce the propagation of cracks and at the same time increase the deformability of the material – without causing sudden failure. This discovery promises to fundamentally change the way buildings are constructed.

    Strength and toughness
    “One of the biggest challenges with building materials such as cement is their brittle behaviour. They often fail abruptly and catastrophically,” explains Gupta. The researchers therefore focused on optimising the balance between strength and toughness. While strength ensures the material’s resilience, toughness prevents the formation and propagation of cracks.

    The solution lies in the internal architecture of the material. By reproducing the human cortical bone, the outer layer of bone, the scientists were able to create a cement material that is both more resistant and more flexible. The tubular structure, similar to the osteons in human bone, intercepts cracks and delays their propagation – a milestone in the field of building material development.

    Robotics and 3D printing
    In addition to the extraordinary mechanical properties, the researchers also rely on state-of-the-art technologies. With the help of robotics and additive manufacturing (3D printing), they have developed a method to precisely control the tubular architecture in the cement. This technology enables the material to be customised for a wide range of applications. A pioneering development for the construction industry.

    The researchers assume that these principles can also be applied to other brittle materials in order to create even more resistant construction products. “We have only just begun to explore the possibilities,” says Gupta. Future developments could produce even more efficient and resilient building materials that will revolutionise construction in the long term.

    Rethinking cement architecture
    With their groundbreaking research, Moini and his team have laid the foundation for a new generation of building materials. The application of bio-inspired design principles could lead to the development of more robust and resilient materials in the future, not only in cement construction but also in other industries.

    This discovery could fundamentally change the way we build cities and infrastructure – an exciting prospect for the future of the building materials industry.

  • Sustainability in the event industry in Winterthur

    Sustainability in the event industry in Winterthur

    The Eulachhallen have achieved Swisstainable Level II – engaged. The largest event hall in Winterthur is now officially part of the Swisstainable sustainability programme. Switzerland Tourism ‘s initiative for sustainable travel is not awarding a new certificate, but recognises businesses that already have recognised sustainability credentials.

    The Swisstainable strategy is all about the sustainable development of Switzerland as a tourist destination. The programme creates orientation and transparency for guests looking for sustainable offers. The Eulachhallen are now one of the 2,500 tourism businesses that are already part of this programme.

    The programme comprises three levels: Level I – committed, Level II – engaged and Level III – leading. “With Level II, we are committed to continuously taking measures to act in a resource-conserving and environmentally conscious manner,” reads a statement from the Eulachhallen.

    Specifically, the operators are focusing on measures in nine fields of action, including energy efficiency, water utilisation, waste reduction and awareness-raising. They are being supported by the Winterthur-based climate protection movement Myblueplanet. “The association is our sparring partner”, the press release states, “and helps us to focus on the right activities”.

  • Mobimo expands Aeschbach neighbourhood in Aarau

    Mobimo expands Aeschbach neighbourhood in Aarau

    Mobimo has laid the foundation stone for the Hofhaus and Hallenhaus buildings in Aarau’s Aeschbach neighbourhood with representatives from the authorities and its project partners, according to a press release. As part of the overall Torfeld Süd development area, the next stage in the expansion of the neighbourhood, which was revitalised in 2019, is thus being realised.

    Based on plans by Baumberger Stegmeier Architekten from Zurich, 126 rental flats with 1.5 to 5.5 rooms will be built there. The courtyard house is being realised as a timber construction with a garden courtyard in a future-oriented, ecological design. According to Mobimo, the hall building stands out positively in terms of sustainability and grey energy because as much of the existing façade of the former Hall 5 has been retained as possible. It will serve as the ground floor for the extension of the historic building.

    Completion is planned for autumn 2026, with occupancy scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Marketing will begin in the third quarter of 2025. The Aeschbachquartier will then have a total of around 260 rental and owner-occupied flats. It will also offer around 4600 square metres of commercial space for 1400 people working there.

  • Schlieren launches complete revision of building and zoning regulations

    Schlieren launches complete revision of building and zoning regulations

    The Schlieren City Council will apply to the municipal parliament for approval of a credit of CHF 1,063,000 for the upcoming overall revision of the building and zoning regulations (BZO), according to the city council news.

    The aim of the overall revision is to ensure a high quality of life and work in Schlieren through tailor-made legal foundations, according to the press release. It is also intended to further promote the attractiveness of the location for companies in order to attract new investment. The last comprehensive revision of the BZO of the city of Schlieren was carried out in 1996.

    Schlieren has undergone a rapid urban transformation over the past two decades, which has not only shaped the cityscape, but has also significantly influenced the dynamics and priorities of urban development, according to the city council resolution. As the population continues to grow, the demands on the use of limited space will also increase. Further expansion of the settlement area is virtually impossible. The increasing scarcity of space therefore requires denser development throughout the city.

    The City Council emphasizes that Schlieren is not only an attractive place to live, but also an important business location. In particular, an innovative biotechnology and healthtech cluster has established itself in recent years. The overall revision of the building and zoning regulations offers the opportunity to further strengthen this potential.

  • Start of construction for the ZHAW School of Engineering extension

    Start of construction for the ZHAW School of Engineering extension

    The first construction phase comprises the construction of two five-storey laboratory buildings, which provide urgently needed space for teaching, research and development. These modern buildings complement the historic buildings of the former technical centre and are flexibly designed to meet the changing requirements of the university in the long term. The buildings will also be connected to Winterthur’s district heating network and equipped with photovoltaic systems, making an important contribution to a sustainable energy supply.

    More than just university buildings – a public space for all
    Parallel to the construction of the laboratory buildings, the Eulach will be integrated into a natural park. This park offers not only students but also the public a green oasis of relaxation in the centre of the city. The river will be ecologically enhanced and two new bridges will connect the old town with “Campus T” and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The park serves as a lively meeting place that harmoniously combines education and nature.

    Timetable and outlook
    The existing TB building will be demolished this year and excavation for the new TT laboratory building will begin. The shell of the first new building should be completed by 2027, while the second building is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2029. This expansion of the ZHAW is an important step for Winterthur as a centre of education and research, which will further enhance its attractiveness and innovative strength.

    With the start of construction work, the modernisation of “Campus T” in Winterthur will become a reality. The new laboratory buildings and the natural park not only strengthen the ZHAW, but also the entire region. For students, teaching staff and the general public, a modern space is being created that combines research, education and recreation.

  • Parliament extends deadline for reporting construction defects

    Parliament extends deadline for reporting construction defects

    The amendment to the law on sales and contracts for work and labour aims to strengthen the legal position of house buyers and builders. The previous practice of reporting construction defects as soon as they were discovered often led to uncertainty and legal disputes. The Federal Council therefore put forward a compromise proposal, which was supported by both chambers, for a sixty-day period for notifying defects in contracts for work and property purchase contracts.

    Debate on notice periods and limitation periods
    The National Council had originally proposed dispensing with the notice periods altogether and instead introducing an extended limitation period of ten years. However, this solution was not accepted by the Council of States. The concern was that a complete abolition of the time limits for lodging complaints would lead to considerable legal uncertainty and practical problems in providing evidence.

    In the end, Parliament agreed to leave the period for lodging complaints at sixty days and not to extend the limitation period of five years. A balanced model that guarantees both legal certainty and protection for building owners.

    Better protection for buyers and builders
    Another key point of the reform is the protection of property buyers and builders from liability clauses that have often been interpreted to their disadvantage in the past. In many contracts, liability for construction defects was passed on to subcontractors, which put private developers in the difficult position of having to enforce their claims directly against the subcontractors. With the new regulation, the right to rectify defects may no longer be contractually excluded in future, which represents a considerable advantage for private construction projects.

    Increased protection in the event of unpaid invoices
    The issue of double payment obligations for building owners is also particularly controversial. If general contractors do not pass on payments to their subcontractors, building owners run the risk of them asserting their builder’s lien. Parliament decided that building owners can now avert the lien by means of a bank guarantee. However, the default interest only has to be covered for a period of ten years – a considerable relief for construction projects.

    The reform of sales and work contract law represents an important step towards greater legal certainty and protection in the construction industry. The extension of the time limits for notifying defects and the strengthening of the position of builders and buyers strike a balance between the interests of the construction industry and the needs of private builders. The bill will now return to the Council of States for final finalisation.

  • Research into earthquake safety for multi-storey buildings

    Research into earthquake safety for multi-storey buildings

    Empa researchers are conducting practical tests on the stability of multi-storey timber buildings against wind gusts and minor earthquakes. According to a press release, the results should help to optimise construction planning, especially for increasingly popular, mostly four- to five-storey timber buildings, and increase building safety. They should also help to increase the competitiveness of wood as a sustainable building material for multi-storey buildings.

    The construction industry is therefore reliant on data that is as practical as possible in terms of stiffness, basic vibration times and damping. Such data can be used to ensure that exactly the right amount of material is used in the right places.

    The group from the Engineering Structures research department is using a hydraulic horizontal oscillator, known as a shaker, for its investigations on a real object. It can set up to 1000 kilograms of vibrating mass in motion in a controlled manner. According to the information provided, the data obtained so far now delivers results on the dynamic properties of a multi-storey timber construction using the usual construction method in this country.

    An open day on 14 September 2024 will demonstrate how the shaker is used to set a structural model in motion, which can occur during earthquakes. The model will be used to visualise how the weight and stiffness distribution in the structure influences its vibration behaviour.

  • Progress for CO2-reduced building with clay

    Progress for CO2-reduced building with clay

    ERNE and Oxara can report initial successes in their proof of concept for CO2-reduced construction. Work on the MANAL pavilion on the campus of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Horw is progressing, the Aargau-based construction company announced in a post on LinkedIn. ERNE is responsible for the masonry in the construction of the pavilion. Oxabrick technology products from Oxara in Dietikon are being used. The two companies entered into a partnership in May to develop sustainable building materials based on clay.

    In the MANAL project, the earth mortar used by ERNE is being used outside the laboratory for the first time. “The material behaves completely differently to conventional mortar when building walls,” ERNE bricklayer Mattia is quoted as saying in the article. “We first had to acquire an adapted processing technique for this.” Mattia cites the permanent water solubility and long workability of the sustainable building material, which is based on Oxara technology, as advantages. Cement-free clay bricks are used for the arches and vaults of the pavilion.

  • Julius Baer fully acquires subsidiary Kuoni Mueller

    Julius Baer fully acquires subsidiary Kuoni Mueller

    Julius Baer has renamed its subsidiary Kuoni Mueller & Partner Ltd. as Julius Baer Real Estate Ltd. with effect from 1 September, the Zurich-based banking group announced in a press release. To this end, Julius Baer has now also acquired the remaining shares in the Zurich-based real estate services company, 83 percent of which were acquired in October 2021. The financial details of the complete takeover are not disclosed in the press release.

    Julius Baer Real Estate Ltd. is to be managed by Thomas Hodel from February next year. The designated Managing Director has “many years of sound experience in the transaction sector and in management positions in the real estate brokerage business relevant to Julius Baer Real Estate Ltd.”, according to the press release. Dominik Weber, the current Managing Director and former majority shareholder of Kuoni Mueller & Partner, is moving to the Board of Directors of Julius Baer Real Estate Ltd.

  • Climate-friendly residential project in Burgdorf sets new standards

    Climate-friendly residential project in Burgdorf sets new standards

    The Fischermätteli residential construction project in Burgdorf has been awarded Minergiesite certification. This is the first time that an entire site has been certified in accordance with the requirements of the Swiss building standard, according to a statement from StrübyUnternehmungen, the company responsible for the project. The residential construction project with ten apartment buildings, which will be completed in fall 2023 after three and a half years, will reach “a new level” in sustainable residential construction, according to Strüby.

    According to the information provided, the site is characterized by the use of 6,600 cubic meters of renewable Swiss wood, as well as by its very low energy consumption and maximum self-sufficiency with renewable energies. Greenhouse gas emissions during construction and operation have been minimized. The buildings also have above-average heat insulation and controlled air exchange. The design of the outdoor space increases climate resilience and the quality of stay, for example through suitable planting and shading. The overall concept also includes an environmentally friendly mobility concept.

    The fact that the climate-friendly overall concept was well received was already evident during the completion of the quarter: “Demand was so pleasing that all apartments were sold by the time construction was completed,” Didier Pichonnaz, Head of Architecture at Strüby Unternehmungen, is quoted as saying.

    New rules for certification will apply from 2023. Unlike before, not only a single building but also an entire site can be certified.

  • Parliament restricts the right of associations to lodge complaints about residential construction projects

    Parliament restricts the right of associations to lodge complaints about residential construction projects

    On 11 September, the Council of States made a far-reaching decision: in future, associations will no longer be allowed to lodge complaints against smaller residential construction projects in building areas. This new regulation affects residential construction projects with a floor area of up to 400 square metres. With a clear majority of 30 votes to 14, parliament voted in favour of this measure, which has triggered a wave of relief, but also criticism, in the construction industry.

    The new regulation, which is described as a “moderate restriction” of the right of appeal by associations, aims to reduce delays in the realisation of construction projects. This development is particularly important for property developers in times of increasing housing shortages. “The current right of appeal often acts as a brake on the creation of new living space,” explained Fabio Regazzi (centre/TI). “With this adjustment, we are reducing the power imbalance between small builders and national associations.”

    Fewer objections to single-family homes
    The new law means that smaller construction projects, such as single-family homes, can be realised more quickly and without costly objections in future. This applies in particular to projects within designated building zones. For many building owners, this means a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and greater planning security.

    Beat Rieder (centre/VS), President of the Committee for the Environment and Spatial Planning, emphasised the urgency of this amendment: “It is unacceptable that even the smallest construction projects are blocked for years by appeals.” The majority in parliament sees the amendment as an urgently needed measure to accelerate residential construction in Switzerland and meet the growing demand for living space.

    Critics warn of undesirable developments
    However, not all parliamentarians were satisfied with the decision. Simon Stocker (SP/SH) warned that the new law hits the wrong targets. “In many cases, it is not the associations but neighbours who file objections to small construction projects,” said Stocker. The regulation therefore does not always affect the right players.

    Environmental organisations also expressed their concerns. Heidi Z’graggen (centre/UR) pointed out that the previous regulations of the Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act (NCHA) had an important preventative effect. She warned that the new regulations could create undesirable loopholes that would impair the quality of construction.

    The central point of contention
    Another point of discussion was the upper limit of the floor area. While the majority supported the limit of 400 square metres proposed by the National Council, a minority called for this to be lowered to 250 square metres. According to Simon Stocker, this area corresponds more to that of an average detached house. However, the motion failed to gain majority support.

    The Federal Council was also in favour of the 400 square metre rule. Environment Minister Albert Rösti explained that this size would also allow for a detached house with a granny flat and would therefore meet the needs of building owners.

    Restriction to important sites and water areas
    Another controversial point in the bill concerned the exceptional cases in which association complaints are still possible. The Council of States decided that these are only permitted for construction projects in areas of national importance. The National Council had originally defined “important sites” as the benchmark. However, the stricter regulation of the Council of States was adopted by a majority, as was the cancellation of the possibility of appeals by associations in water areas, which led to further opposition.

    Céline Vara (Greens/NE) sharply criticised the decision and warned of the ecological risks: “Building near bodies of water can have fatal consequences. Experts strongly advise against it, and yet this protection is being dangerously weakened by the new regulation.”

    Harmonisation with the Environmental Protection Act
    The amendment to the right of appeal for associations also takes place in the context of harmonisation with the Environmental Protection Act (EPA). While the Environmental Protection Act already recognises restrictions for complaints regarding major projects, the Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act was previously unrestricted in this respect. The new regulation aims to eliminate this discrepancy and standardise the handling of complaints.

    A controversial but decisive step
    The restriction of the right to lodge complaints with associations for smaller residential construction projects is a significant step that will have a lasting impact on both developers and the property sector. While some speak of an urgently needed reduction in bureaucratic hurdles, critics warn of possible undesirable developments and ecological risks. The bill will now be discussed again in the National Council – and the outcome of the final vote remains exciting.

  • New professorships in Real Estate Economics & Finance from autumn 2024

    New professorships in Real Estate Economics & Finance from autumn 2024

    CUREM is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its academic focus. From autumn 2024, two new professorships in the field of “Real Estate Economics & Finance” will be established, supported by three major funding partners from the real estate industry. This step not only marks a milestone in the history of CUREM, but also sets new standards for cooperation between academic research and practice in the real estate industry.

    The creation of these professorships underlines CUREM’s role as a leading provider of further education and research in the property industry in Zurich. The close exchange between science and practice is of central importance: “We are firmly convinced that the interplay between academic research and practical knowledge forms the basis of excellent further education,” says the CUREM management.

    Academic excellence meets practice-orientated teaching
    Two renowned academics have been recruited for the new professorships, who enjoy both international and national recognition and share the vision of academic excellence and practice-orientated teaching: Prof Dr Christian Hilber and Dr Francisco Amaral.

    An international expert in housing policy and urban development
    Prof. Dr Christian Hilber will take up a part-time professorship ad personam (20%) at the University of Zurich from autumn 2024. Hilber, who is currently Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics (LSE), brings with him outstanding expertise in the field of housing policy and urban development. These topics are also highly relevant for Switzerland, where housing policy is facing major challenges.

    “It is a particular pleasure for me to be able to contribute my experience in Zurich. Switzerland is facing major challenges in the area of housing policy, and I am convinced that together we can develop solutions that are both economically and socially sustainable,” emphasises Prof. Hilber.

    In addition to his academic career, Prof. Hilber has extensive experience in advising governments and international organisations such as the OECD and the Asian Development Bank. His work at CUREM will further strengthen international networking and the practical exchange of knowledge.

    Focus on financial and real estate economics
    Dr Francisco Amaral, who will be an assistant professor (100%) at the University of Zurich from October 2024, brings valuable expertise at the interface of financial and real estate economics. His research focuses on the interactions between risk and return in housing markets under different macroeconomic conditions.

    “In Switzerland, as in many Western countries, the housing market plays a central role in the financial stability and well-being of society. To develop sustainable measures that make the market more resilient and affordable, we need to understand what factors influence risk and return,” explains Dr Amaral, who holds a PhD from the University of Bonn.

    With his extensive research experience, Dr Amaral contributes significantly to the scientific consolidation and further development of CUREM, particularly in the areas of financial market analysis and real estate economics.

    Strengthening Zurich as a centre for real estate research
    The establishment of these professorships is not only a decisive step for CUREM, but also for Zurich as a location. The expanded scientific focus will further strengthen Zurich as a leading hub for property research and teaching in Europe. The close cooperation between science and practice will promote the transfer of knowledge and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for current challenges in the property sector.

    A pioneering step for the property sector
    With the new professorships in “Real Estate Economics & Finance”, CUREM is sending a clear signal for the future direction of real estate research and teaching in Zurich. The combination of academic excellence with practice-orientated knowledge will not only strengthen CUREM in the long term, but also the entire property sector. Prof Dr Christian Hilber and Dr Francisco Amaral will bring with them valuable experience and fresh impetus that will contribute to the further development of the institute and to overcoming the challenges of the housing market.

    This exciting development marks the beginning of a new era for CUREM and the property sector in Switzerland. We look forward to the future collaboration and the new perspectives that these professorships will open up.

  • New findings on the stiffness of timber structures

    New findings on the stiffness of timber structures

    Timber buildings are experiencing an upswing in Switzerland. With their sustainability and aesthetics, they are becoming increasingly popular, even for multi-storey buildings. But how can it be ensured that these structures can withstand the forces of wind and earthquakes? This is a question that occupies building researchers, especially when planning timber buildings up to 75 metres high. This is because the right bracing and supporting structures must be in place to ensure that timber buildings remain stable even under extreme conditions.

    Research in this field has made considerable progress in recent years. One particularly exciting tool is the shaker, a two-tonne device that is used in Empa’s largest laboratory in Dübendorf. The shaker simulates earthquakes and strong winds by causing building models to vibrate. In this way, the vibration behaviour of the buildings is examined under real conditions and the models for calculating stiffness are refined.

    The shaker in action
    For the open day on 14 September 2024, the shaker will be demonstrated in Empa’s construction hall in Dübendorf. This is not just about scientific research – visitors will get a direct insight into the work of the engineers. René Steiger, Pedro Palma and Robert Widmann, structural engineers at Empa, will give an impressive demonstration of how the shaker causes a structural model to vibrate, thereby analysing the behaviour of the weight and stiffness distribution.

    This research is of great importance, as ever taller timber buildings are being erected in Switzerland. While most buildings remain in the 4- to 5-storey range, projects with more than 20 storeys demonstrate the potential of timber as a building material. However, ensuring the stability of such buildings requires precise calculations and practical tests such as those carried out with the Shaker.

    Complex requirements for timber construction
    The challenge with multi-storey timber buildings lies not only in the load-bearing capacity of the walls, but also in the balance between rigidity and flexibility. Whilst thicker components and additional load-bearing walls are often seen as a solution, they can lead to increased costs. Sometimes it is even more favourable if a structure reacts flexibly to earthquake shocks to a certain degree. These nuances must be taken into account in the computer calculations, and this is precisely where the shaker provides valuable data from practice.

    The experiments in the construction hall and on real buildings, such as in Oberglatt in the canton of Zurich, show how the supporting structure gains rigidity during various construction phases. For example, the researchers were able to observe exactly how the load-bearing capacity of the buildings changed when load-bearing walls, non-load-bearing walls and windows were installed.

    Practical data for planners and architects
    For a long time, planners relied on mathematical approximations to determine the dynamic properties of timber structures. These values were often based on tests from Japan and North America, but due to different building regulations and requirements, they are not readily transferable to Switzerland. This is where the work of the Empa researchers comes in: The shaker and the measurements on real buildings provide precise data on stiffness and damping that is specifically tailored to local building requirements.

    This provides construction engineers and architects with reliable information to optimise their planning and use wood as a material efficiently and sustainably. The knowledge gained will help to further develop standards and guidelines and strengthen timber construction as a competitive solution for multi-storey buildings.

    Wood as a building material of the future
    Empa’s research results show that wood has enormous potential as a building material for multi-storey buildings. The use of the shaker provides construction engineers and architects with practical data that makes it possible to design timber buildings more safely and efficiently. By combining modern technology and scientific expertise, Empa is making a decisive contribution to advancing timber construction in Switzerland and establishing it as a sustainable alternative in the construction industry.

  • Expert group ignores referendum and constitutional mandate

    Expert group ignores referendum and constitutional mandate

    In order to reduce the burden on the federal budget, a group of experts commissioned by the Federal Council has examined a series of cost-cutting measures. One particularly controversial point is the cancellation of further contributions to the Fonds de Roulement. This fund offers low-interest loans to non-profit housing developers for the creation and renovation of housing and thus plays a central role in combating the housing shortage in Switzerland.

    This proposal is in direct contradiction to the 2020 referendum, in which the Swiss people voted in favour of a framework credit of CHF 250 million until 2029 to strengthen the fund. The proposal to save on housing promotion has triggered a wave of outrage.

    Disregard for the referendum and the housing shortage
    For Eva Herzog, member of the Council of States and President of the Swiss Association of Housing Cooperatives, this savings proposal is simply unacceptable: “This proposal disregards the tense situation on the housing market and the housing shortage action plan, which provides for the strengthening of housing promotion. And it contradicts a clear referendum.” In fact, the population rejected the popular initiative “More affordable housing”, but supported the indirect counter-proposal, which strengthened the Fonds de Roulement as a key instrument for promoting affordable housing.

    In the eyes of many critics, if the federal government were to implement the expert group’s proposal, it would be going against the will of the people. “That would be a breach of the agreement and a violation of good faith,” warns Herzog.

    The constitutional mandate to promote housing
    In addition to disregarding the referendum, the savings proposal also raises constitutional concerns. Article 108 of the Federal Constitution obliges the federal government to actively promote non-profit housing construction. However, the group of experts argues that this support should primarily be provided by the cantons and cities. A position that many consider to be incompatible with the current housing shortage in numerous Swiss cities.

    “The federal government cannot shirk its responsibility here – especially not in the current situation, where there is an acute housing shortage in many places,” emphasises Eva Herzog. The promotion of non-profit housing construction is a national task that should not be shifted onto the shoulders of the cantons alone.

    Growing housing shortage and the role of the Fonds de Roulement
    The housing shortage in Switzerland has become one of the most pressing problems of recent years. The pressure on the housing market is constantly increasing, particularly in urban centres. The Fonds de Roulement offers important support to counteract the shortage. It enables non-profit housing developers to create new living space, renovate existing buildings and acquire land through low-interest loans.

    “Cancelling this support would not only delay the construction of new flats, but also jeopardise the renovation of existing buildings,” warns Herzog. The fund is an indispensable instrument for ensuring socially responsible and sustainable housing construction, which is urgently needed.

    Criticism of the proposed savings
    The proposed savings are met with disapproval in many parts of society. Housing cooperatives and other non-profit housing developers are warning of the long-term consequences that such a savings proposal would entail. The Swiss Association of Housing Cooperatives is therefore calling on the Federal Council not to implement the cost-cutting measure in housing promotion.

    “It is crucial that the federal government recognises its responsibility and does not leave the promotion of non-profit housing construction to the cantons and cities alone,” Herzog continued. Adopting the savings proposal would further exacerbate the already tense situation on the housing market and particularly affect those who are dependent on affordable housing.

    A controversial savings proposal with far-reaching consequences
    The expert group’s proposal to make savings on housing subsidies is causing controversy. It not only contradicts the 2020 referendum, but also the federal government’s constitutional mandate to promote non-profit housing construction. At a time of increasing housing shortages, it would be a risky signal to cut support for affordable housing. Criticism of this proposal is loud – and there are growing calls for the savings proposal not to be implemented.

  • Alpnach military airfield to be expanded

    Alpnach military airfield to be expanded

    The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport(DDPS) is having a new vehicle parking hangar and a multifunctional workshop extension built at the Alpnach military airfield. The DDPS is investing a total of CHF 18 million in this project. The ground-breaking ceremony on 21 August marked the start of the construction work, which is scheduled to last until the beginning of 2026, the DDPS reported in a press release. According to the press release, around two thirds of the contracts were awarded to companies from central Switzerland.

    The single-storey vehicle hall will cover almost 2,000 square metres and will be built in the eastern part of the airfield. Specialised vehicles and emergency equipment will be housed here in future. The new building will obtain its heat energy from energy piles.

    The new workshop hall will be built as an extension to an existing hall in the western part of the airfield. In future, large specialised vehicles will be maintained there. The new building, measuring around 1,400 square metres, will provide space for a workshop, a work yard and a car wash. Office workstations, cloakrooms and ancillary rooms for operating materials will also be set up there. The extension will be supplied with thermal energy via district heating from the Alpnach Corporation.

    Both buildings will be constructed to “high ecological standards”, writes the DDPS. Plans include façades made of wooden louvres. Photovoltaic systems installed on both roofs will produce a total of around 324 megawatt hours of electricity per year.

  • Bernese timber construction and carpenters plan joint training centre

    Bernese timber construction and carpenters plan joint training centre

    According to a press release, the Extraordinary General Assembly of Holzbau Schweiz Sektion Bern(hssb) has now also voted in favour of setting up a joint training centre after the Bernese Master Carpenters’ Association. The Bernese carpenters had already approved a project loan of CHF 250,000 for this at the end of May. Now the hssb members have also voted unanimously in favour of a loan of the same amount.

    “This project will not only support our trainees, but also strengthen the entire wood industry in the region,” said hssb President Peter Haudenschild. “After long discussions within our association, I am delighted that we are now setting up a forward-looking training centre together with the carpenters,” says Jürg Rothenbühler, President of the Bernese Association of Master Carpenters.

    The Bern Wood Training Centre will be located in Lützelflüh BE. “We will own the land there – that creates security,” emphasises Haudenschild. According to the information provided, the decision was also based on the structural and logistical possibilities on site. The planned centre will consist of four floors with space for specialised workshops, training rooms and a shared infrastructure. The new training centre should offer both associations as much flexibility as possible. The aim is to be able to react as quickly as possible to changes in the number of learners and changes in vocational training.

    The wood training centre in Lützelflüh should be completed by spring 2028. The first inter-company courses are scheduled to start at the new location in August 2028.