immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Construction

  • Robots bring new efficiency to underground pipeline construction

    Robots bring new efficiency to underground pipeline construction

    Schlieren-based start-up promoter Venture Kick is supporting the deep tech start-up Under Industries from Dübendorf with CHF 150,000. According to a press release, the funding will support the development of Under Industries’ Micro Tunnel Boring Robots (MTBRs). The MTBRs are designed to enable faster and cleaner laying of underground utility lines while reducing road closures, noise emissions and surface damage.

    Under Industries was founded as a spin-off of Swissloop Tunneling, an engineering student initiative at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH). Under Industries’ MTBRs are designed for use in a wide variety of soil conditions. Compared to conventional pipe jacking methods, they minimise surface disruption, shorten construction times and improve adaptability. This could promote more sustainable and flexible development of urban infrastructure.

    Venture Kick’s funding will support the completion of Under Industries’ minimum viable product (MVP). According to the press release, this is an “industrial-grade MTBR that will be used for the first demonstrator and commercial pilot projects and will strengthen the industry’s confidence in the technology”.

    The start-up is initially focusing on the Swiss electricity distribution market. It is working with distribution network operators who are responsible for expanding the electricity grids and transitioning from overhead lines to underground cables. Expansion in Europe and the development of further supply lines are to follow. According to Venture Kick, the realistically achievable market for Under Industries in Switzerland and Europe amounts to around CHF 150 million per year for electricity grids alone.

  • Digital product passport brings transparency to the circular economy

    Digital product passport brings transparency to the circular economy

    Sky-Frame AG, based in Frauenfeld, offers its customers frameless sliding windows manufactured in Switzerland. The recyclability of the products plays a major role in this. The company has now launched a digital product passport with a Cradle to Cradle Compass to provide information on the extent to which the products used comply with the strict Cradle to Cradle circular economy principle.

    The Digital Product Passport Compass Cradle to Cradle (DPPCCC) was developed by epeaswitzerland in Widnau. It is based on the digital product passports that, according to an EU regulation, are to be gradually introduced for all products sold in the EU. It evaluates Sky-Frame products according to a series of criteria, such as their performance, recyclability and energy consumption. It makes the company’s supply chains transparent and proves the recyclability of the company’s products.

    “The frameless windows and sliding doors manufactured in Switzerland create an extraordinary architectural, boundless spatial experience with spectacular views. Together with the ‘Digital Product Passport Compass Cradle to Cradle’ tool from epeaswitzerland, we are committed to a new level of transparency, identity, orientation and compliance with future EU legislation,” says Michael Fuchsberger, Head of QM & Sustainability at Sky-Frame AG, on further aspects of the DPPCCC. For example, it provides information about the supply chain and options for returning Sky-Frame products. In addition, the information can be structured and displayed in detail according to aspects such as material health or various areas of suitability for the circular economy.

    “As a globally active company, Sky-Frame has once again demonstrated its pioneering role with the introduction of the Digital Product Passport Compass Cradle to Cradle from epeaswitzerland,” says Albin Kälin, founder and managing director of epeaswitzerland.

  • Digital intelligence in construction

    Digital intelligence in construction

    “Planning is already highly digitalized, construction less so and operations more so,” explained Alex Walzer from the FHNW. A lot of information still gets lost between the project phases. This is a problem, particularly with regard to the circular economy. Walzer sees great potential in the consistent use of data. Learning from projects, designing buildings based on data, standardizing processes. But without a clean data basis and precise questions, even artificial intelligence remains ineffective.

    Consistent data with Lakeup
    Michal Rzinski from Bond BIM presented the Lakeup platform, a system for life cycle data management. It is designed to enable building owners and real estate organizations to use data in a structured way over the entire life cycle of a building. From the definition of requirements to ordering and evaluation, Lakeup creates data consistency and transparency.

    According to Rzinski, the focus is on people. “We want to pick up specialist planners, engineers and decision-makers in equal measure.” One example is provided by the University Hospital Basel, where AI agents automatically classified 25,000 data records, the basis for later applications. The platform has a modular structure, from specialist planning tools to corporate solutions.

    Virtual bathrooms and real decisions
    Things got practical with Patrick Marti from Hegias Vision. His platform combines 3D visualization with real-time data in bathroom renovation. Using an iPhone, rooms can be scanned, objects automatically recognized and designed in a digital environment. Customers can immediately see what their bathroom could look like, including materials, lighting moods and real product data.

    Together with BMS, Hegias is enabling a new, interactive consultation process. “People used to leave the showroom with a block full of product names, now they leave with a link to their dream bathroom,” says Ilona Lupart from BMS. The room scanner makes it easier to get started, speeds up decisions and increases satisfaction.

    People at the heart of digitalization
    In the final round, everyone agreed that automation cannot replace people. “AI should relieve the burden on advisors, not replace them,” emphasized Marti. Walzer emphasized that AI is particularly strong where large amounts of data are analysed or supply chains are optimized. Nevertheless, specialist knowledge, reflection and further training are still required.

    Rzinski added that Lakeup was deliberately designed to cover different levels of expertise, from data specialists to management. Lupart added that training, involvement and communication are key to reducing skepticism. Openness is more important than age: even 90-year-olds have used VR glasses enthusiastically.

    New skills and outlook
    Walzer sees a change at the FHNW. “Students today are working more collaboratively and critically with technology.” In addition to technical skills, soft skills, communication, understanding of interfaces and teamwork are increasingly in demand.

    Marti and Rzinski announced that they will continue to expand their platforms in the future. More automation, better user guidance and deeper integration of AI into existing processes. Walzer dares to look ahead “In ten years, AI will work as naturally in the background as electricity from the socket. The goal will have been achieved when building is fun again thanks to technology.”

  • Antitrust law with scope for cooperation

    Antitrust law with scope for cooperation

    The Swiss economy supports strong antitrust laws. Restrictions on competition should be prevented and fair competition ensured. In practice, however, the competition authorities had increasingly moved away from this principle. Instead of examining the actual effects on the market, they primarily assessed the form of an agreement. Certain agreements were thus automatically deemed inadmissible, even if they were proven to have no harmful effects.

    This led to considerable legal uncertainty, particularly for SMEs, planning offices, and companies in the construction industry. Purchasing groups, joint research projects, and insurance pools came under scrutiny, even though they often enabled efficiency gains and better market performance. With the revision that has now been passed, Parliament is responding to this problem and calling for a return to the original intention of the legislature.

    New assessment logic in Art. 5 of the Cartel Act
    The core of the revision is the clarification in Art. 5 para. 1 of the Cartel Act. In future, it will no longer be sufficient to simply classify an agreement as a “hard agreement.” An overall assessment of its significance, taking into account qualitative and quantitative elements, will always be required. These include market structure, market shares, and specific framework conditions in each individual case.

    The nature of the agreement remains important because it provides indications of typical harmful potential. However, it is now clearly stated that it must be examined whether this potential actually materializes in the real market environment. In practice, this means that competition authorities can no longer sanction cooperations solely on the basis of their form, but must justify why and where they actually impair competition. The substantive amendments are expected to come into force on January 1, 2027.

    More scope for cooperation
    The revision strikes a delicate balance. Cooperation that is competitively unobjectionable or even beneficial is taken out of the firing line without weakening the enforcement power of the Competition Commission. This provides greater clarity for planning offices, engineering firms, and other players in the construction industry. This is particularly the case where cooperation is permitted, such as in joint procurement, standardization projects, or shared resources.

    At the same time, the fundamental mandate of antitrust law remains untouched. Hardcore cartels, price fixing, and bid rigging will continue to be strictly prosecuted. The revision does not shift the focus away from protecting competition, but back to its core. Effect rather than form, abusive behavior rather than blanket suspicion.

    Institutional reform of the competition authorities
    The process is not complete with the substantive revision. In 2026 and 2027, institutional reform will come to the fore. This involves the question of how cartel proceedings are conducted and how they are structured in accordance with the rule of law.

    Several elements are central to this. First, the institutional separation between investigation and decision-making is to be sharpened. The Competition Commission will be expanded into a more court-like body with its own specialist resources, while the Secretariat will act as an independent prosecuting authority.

    Second, a specialized appeals body is planned to bundle antitrust cases, secure expertise, and speed up proceedings. Third, an independent hearing officer will be appointed to monitor compliance with procedural rights and serve as a neutral point of contact for the parties without interfering in the substantive decisions.

    Fourthly, greater transparency is to be created by publishing dissenting opinions and making divergent views visible, which will make legal developments more comprehensible. Under the ECHR, antitrust proceedings are considered criminal proceedings, deeply interfere with the rights of the companies concerned, and are therefore subject to high constitutional requirements. It is precisely in this area of tension that Bauenschweiz continues to see a considerable need for reform.

    Bauenschweiz pushes for greater rule of law
    Bauenschweiz welcomes the fact that the Federal Council recognizes the need for reform in enforcement, but rejects the current proposal for institutional reform. From the umbrella organization’s point of view, it does not sufficiently address the central shortcomings. In particular, the independence of the decision-making body, the clear separation of investigation and judgment, and the protection of procedural guarantees are not yet sufficiently ensured.

    An antitrust framework that deeply interferes with entrepreneurial freedoms requires robust institutions, transparent procedures, and trust in fairness. Only in this way can competition violations be consistently sanctioned without unnecessarily hindering investment willingness and meaningful cooperation.

    The Federal Council’s message on institutional reform is expected in the summer of 2026, with parliamentary deliberations likely to begin in the third or fourth quarter. Bauenschweiz intends to get involved again, together with an economic alliance. The aim is to establish antitrust law that protects competition, assesses cooperation on a case-by-case basis, and consistently meets the requirements of the rule of law.

  • Think circular, reprint wood

    Think circular, reprint wood

    Stricter regulations on the energetic use of waste wood mean that large quantities of wood waste can no longer simply be incinerated, but can still be recycled. The “Experimental and Digital Design and Construction” department at the University of Kassel is working with Buro Happold to develop a 3D printing process that converts waste wood particles into load-bearing wall components. The project is being funded as part of the “Zukunft Bau” program of the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development.

    the focus is on a bio-based printing material made from shredded waste wood particles, which mainly originate from secondary material flows from the wood industry – i.e. from post-consumer wood. Industrial partners process the material and mix it with biogenic binders to create a paste-like mass that can be extruded with robotic support.

    lightweight components from the 3D printer
    The result is clearly different from the familiar 3D concrete printing process. The mass of wood particles and binder is applied in layers on a scale of 1:1 and forms lightweight but stable components. Flat wall structures are possible, as are freely curved geometries that can be precisely adapted in terms of construction and architecture.

    the current Rafa 2.0 project phase will run for 18 months and builds on the previous Rafa project, in which the researchers fundamentally investigated the suitability of waste wood particles for additive manufacturing. Material formulations are now being refined, the extrusion process optimized and the components tested under laboratory conditions, with the aim of achieving an end-to-end digital manufacturing process through to the full-scale prototype.

    load-bearing, fire-resistant and circular
    For the concept to work in practice, the printed elements must do more than just show shape. Load-bearing capacity, rigidity and fire protection properties that meet the requirements of interior construction are required. The project partners see an initial field of application in modular wall systems that can be easily assembled, dismantled and reused elsewhere.

    this principle fits in with circular building approaches, in which building components are not disposed of at the end of their life cycle, but are transferred to new uses. The components can be dismantled by type because no components containing harmful substances are used. This is a prerequisite for closed material cycles in timber construction.

    digital planning as a key technology
    Digital planning plays a central role. Buro Happold is responsible for computational design and structural planning and uses simulations to predict the structural behavior of the components. Geometries are optimized so that material is only used where it is structurally necessary – resource efficiency becomes a design task.

    “We turn waste into an opportunity, reclaimed wood is turned into high-performance components through digital design and additive manufacturing,” says Shibo Ren from Buro Happold, describing the approach. Away from linear consumption and towards a circular, data-based construction practice that closely interlinks robotics, engineering and design.

    practical prospects
    In the short term, the process aims to use less material and reduce emissions compared to concrete-based 3D printing technologies. In the long term, it could open up new markets for bio-based additive construction methods. Especially where low weight, deconstructability and architectural freedom are required.

    whether and how quickly the approach becomes commercially viable depends on scaling, standards and acceptance in construction practice. Technically, however, the project already shows that circular construction does not begin with recycling, but with design. Where materials, processes and life cycles are rethought.

  • New industrial building relies on modern energy and electrical engineering

    New industrial building relies on modern energy and electrical engineering

    Schlieremer Maneth Stiefel AG, with its branch in Pratteln, has taken on the project planning and construction of the electrical systems for a new high-bay warehouse at the Feldschlösschen brewery, according to a press release. The 30-metre-high building is to be constructed in the immediate vicinity of the motorway in Rheinfelden. Feldschlösschen AG, part of the Carlsberg Group, wants to use the new building to increase internal consolidation and create new storage space, the company reports.

    In addition to the lighting, low-voltage and low-current systems, Maneth Stiefel will also install the network infrastructure, including transformer stations and main distribution systems in the medium-voltage range, emergency and safety systems, and a photovoltaic system.

    Both companies emphasise that the new building represents a milestone in the development of the Rheinfelden site. Feldschlösschen is the largest employer in the town. The construction measures were planned in close consultation with the local population and will also be implemented with monument protection in mind. Feldschlösschen will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026.

  • How artificial intelligence secures the construction process

    How artificial intelligence secures the construction process

    According to a press release, the Benetics AI email assistant is designed to help prevent one of the most costly sources of error in everyday construction work: incorrect execution due to outdated plans. This assistant was developed by Benetics AG. Founded in 2022, the Zurich-based software company will be presenting it as a world first at Swissbau in Basel from 20 January.

    Following the voice assistant for the skilled trades, also based on artificial intelligence (AI), which will be launched in 2024, “the AI email assistant is the second world first from Benetics AI,” says CEO Ferdinand Metzler. “This brings us another step closer to our vision: less time-consuming administrative work and more focus on what makes the skilled trades strong: productive work.”

    The email assistant recognises construction plan PDFs in incoming email attachments and compares them with existing plans in all current projects. It automatically notifies users when a new plan version has been received. And at the touch of a button, it ensures that no one is still working on the old plan version.

    The AI assistant is embedded directly in Microsoft Outlook and can be integrated from there into other systems such as SharePoint or other DMS and CDE solutions. According to the information provided, the open API of Benetics AI and new connectors on Make.com and Zapier enable flexible integrations. “This creates a continuous digital plan flow all the way to the fitter on the construction site for the first time,” the press release states.

    “The Outlook integration brings even more structure to the construction process,” says Bledar Beqiri. He is head of installation in plant engineering at Basler Rosenmund Haustechnik AG and a user of the AI email assistant. “New plan statuses reach our teams faster and without detours. This reduces sources of error and gives our project managers more certainty in execution.”

  • Three decades of engineering excellence in the field of wood and recycling

    Three decades of engineering excellence in the field of wood and recycling

    PIRMIN JUNG Schweiz AG is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It was founded in 1996 by trained carpenter Pirmin Jung as an engineering and planning office for timber construction. According to a statement issued to mark the company’s anniversary, the one-man business has now become an “SME with comprehensive knowledge management, modern workplaces and an agile organisational structure”.

    In order to retain proven employees, new locations have been established over time – “not in city centres,” as the company emphasises, “but in locations that are easily accessible by transport, liveable for employees and close to home”. Today, more than 150 people at seven locations in Switzerland and Germany are involved in structural design, fire protection, building physics, sustainability planning and circular construction.

    According to the information provided, PIRMIN JUNG’s projects have repeatedly included those “that have shaped timber construction and are still considered flagship projects today. New solutions were developed that are now considered standard in timber construction.” The company cites the Aquabasilea water park in Pratteln BL, the seven-storey C13 building in Berlin, the 60-metre BF1 high-rise in Rotkreuz ZG and the Knies Zauberhut event centre in Rapperswil-Jona SG as examples.

    More recently, the new company headquarters in Sursee, the House of Wood, has been added as a development and showcase project for digital, climate-friendly and recyclable planning and construction, as well as the latest plans for the new Dock A at Zurich Airport, which will be built from 2030. The jury of the Prix SVC Central Switzerland 2023, which PIRMIN JUNG won, said it was “particularly impressed by the pioneering Haus des Holzes construction project, which embodies the company’s vision for the future of timber construction”.

    Conscious use of resources has always been deeply rooted in the company’s values, Pirmin Jung is quoted as saying. “The demand for climate-friendly and recyclable construction will increase, and we want to play a key role in shaping this development.”

  • New balance of power in modular room solutions

    New balance of power in modular room solutions

    According to a statement, the Condecta Group is acquiring from the German ALHO Group based in Friesenhagen the entire Swiss FAGSI rental fleet as well as all associated Swiss activities. This also includes the location in Wikon in the canton of Lucerne. The Winterthur-based company is thus taking over the entire Swiss fleet of FAGSI rental containers. FAGSI is a brand of the ALHO Group that specialises in the sale and rental of temporary and modular container buildings for cities, municipalities and industry, particularly high-quality offices, schools, kindergartens and temporary accommodation.

    The Wikon site has around 12,000 square metres of production and storage space and a rental fleet of 1,150 FAGSI containers. It is to be expanded into a centre of excellence for high-quality mobile space solutions. According to Condecta, this “creates the basis for efficiently implementing even larger and more complex projects from a single source – a clear added value for customers in industry, administration, education and healthcare”. Existing customer relationships, ongoing projects and rental agreements will continue seamlessly, according to the information provided. Contact persons and processes will also remain the same.

    “The takeover of FAGSI’s Swiss activities is an important milestone in the further development of Condecta,” said Condecta CEO Olivier W. Annaheim. “We are strengthening our core business, expanding our premium offering and investing specifically in additional expertise. The Wikon site will play a central role in further expanding quality, performance and delivery reliability in Switzerland.”

  • Building technology grows beyond regional boundaries

    Building technology grows beyond regional boundaries

    The Burkhalter Group, a full-service provider of heating, cooling, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical engineering services, hasannouncedthe acquisition ofBZ-Dépannage Sàrl. The Lonay-based company focuses on sanitary facilities, heating, maintenance and repairs, and generated annual sales of CHF 2.7 million in 2025.

    With the purchase of BZ-Dépannage Sàrl, the Burkhalter Group is entering the building technology market in western Switzerland. As part of the Group’s strategy to gain further market share, additional building technology companies are to be acquired in the future, according to the press release. BZ-Dépannage Sàrl will continue to operate as an independent group company of Burkhalter Holding AG at its current location and under the current management of Nicolas Barraud. All employees will be retained.

    As of 31 December 2024, the Burkhalter Group, headquartered in Zurich, employed a total of 5,323 people, including 983 apprentices, who work in 84 group companies at 166 locations in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Burkhalter Holding AG is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

  • Platform strategy strengthens construction and environmental expertise

    Platform strategy strengthens construction and environmental expertise

    TIC Holding Schweiz AG, based in Baar, has acquired HSE Conseils from Laténa. According to a press release, its managing director Marc Dutoit will remain in his position. TIC Holding is a construction and technology platform financed by Winterberg Investment X and managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH in Munich.

    HSE Conseils is the leading specialist in the industrial, building materials, construction, environmental and occupational safety sectors in the canton of Neuchâtel and at six other locations in the cantons of Vaud, Valais, Geneva, Fribourg and Jura, the press release continues. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of services for construction companies, real estate managers, planners, businesses and public institutions. These include Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS) accredited pollutant diagnostics and analyses (including asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls and lead), environmental and waste management, safety and health concepts, and indoor air quality measurements. Its remit also includes safety consulting, training and advice on construction safety, from risk assessment to remediation concepts.

    “With HSE, we now cover the industrial, building materials, construction, environmental and occupational safety sectors,” said Ralph Nowak, member of the board of directors of TIC Holding Switzerland and partner at Winterberg, in the announcement. “This is an important step in the further development of our TIC Holding Switzerland – the three platforms underline our position as the leading independent group in these areas throughout Switzerland.” Marc Dutoit is banking on strong growth for HSE Conseils and many synergies with other group members as a result of the merger. “Our structure, the entire team and all contact persons for our customers will remain in place, and we will continue to deliver the highest quality and reliability,” says Dutoit.

  • Senior citizens sell their homes late and downsize only slightly after moving out

    Senior citizens sell their homes late and downsize only slightly after moving out

    The Zurich Cantonal Bank (ZKB) real estate barometer has analysed trends and residential behaviour in the Zurich real estate market for the fourth quarter of 2025, according to a press release. The barometer shows that seniors usually only voluntarily move out of their single-family homes at a very advanced age – and often continue to live in spacious accommodation afterwards.

    House transfers take place late in life: as a rule, the probability of selling a house only increases significantly from the age of 85 onwards. The average age of today’s EFH owners is 62. Most people move out in pairs in old age, with only 22 per cent of single households affected. 44 per cent of EFH movers remain in the same municipality afterwards.

    Although former detached house residents downsize after moving, they do not live in small homes. More than 60 per cent of 60- to 70-year-olds move into flats with four or more rooms. The later the move, the greater the downsizing – but the living space often remains generous. “The desire to downsize one’s living situation in old age is overestimated. To put it bluntly, people don’t want to suddenly find themselves cramped in a small flat. At least, that’s how those who are used to spacious living in a detached house might feel,” says Ursina Kubli, Head of Real Estate Research at ZKB.

    According to the barometer, prices for residential property in the canton of Zurich have continued to rise. In the Land region, prices rose by 4.2 per cent, while in the Regio region they rose by only 2.3 per cent. Across Switzerland, rents rose by 2.3 per cent in 2025, while in the city of Zurich they rose by only 2.2 per cent. This means that, for once, urban rent growth is below the Swiss average.

    The ZKB expects property prices to continue to rise in 2026. Favourable financing conditions drove up demand, while supply did not grow noticeably, explains Kubli.

  • Improve quality, streamline processes

    Improve quality, streamline processes

    Since the revision of the Spatial Planning Act, economical land use has been the guiding principle, but in practice, procedures often remain slow and cumbersome. Interests clash, responsibilities are not always clear and objections can block projects for years.

    Anyone who wants to promote inner-city development must therefore start earlier. Project sponsors, planners, authorities, politicians and implementers should enter into a structured dialog before the planning application is submitted. This allows conflicts to be clarified, quality to be defined and procedures to be geared towards a realistic target image from the outset.

    Five factors for better procedures
    Representatives of the federal government, cantons, municipalities and the construction industry have identified five success factors in a dialog lasting several years. It requires attitude, early and structured dialog, clear responsibilities, acceptance and everyday benefits of the projects as well as a clear strategic embedding.

    What is often missing is less technical knowledge than consistent application in everyday life. Reliability between the stakeholders, the will to implement and tools that help to manage complex processes pragmatically. Corresponding work aids were presented at Swissbau in January 2026 and then made available online. As concrete support to “make building easier”.

    Contribution of the construction industry
    The construction industry is actively involved in the search for solutions. For example, as part of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin’s housing shortage action plan and on the basis of studies by ARE and BWO. This work has resulted in a concept for a two-stage building permit procedure. The use and architecture are clarified first, followed by technical aspects and standards.

    This model is to be accompanied by consistent digitalization throughout the entire process. The aim is to increase planning security, avoid loops, clarify interfaces and thus reduce both the duration of the process and the workload for everyone involved. The concept is intended as a basis for discussion and makes the industry’s perspective tangible for authorities, politicians and the public.

    ISOS, townscape protection and municipal autonomy
    Another focus is on dealing with ISOS as well as monument and townscape protection. In the dialogues at federal level, it was established that cantons and municipalities can deviate from ISOS conservation objectives when fulfilling their own tasks, for example in housing construction, if there are overriding interests. This strengthens the municipalities’ scope for action and facilitates local considerations.

    An amendment to the ordinance is planned by fall 2026 in order to focus the direct application of ISOS on cases that are actually relevant to the townscape. At the same time, it is being examined how a new division of tasks between the federal government and the cantons could further develop the practice. A corresponding committee postulate from the National Council has been transferred. The construction industry is closely following this process and is calling for a sustainable balance to be struck between protection and development.

    Fast, digital and high-quality approval procedures
    The course is set: the industry is committed to leaner, digital and faster building approval procedures, with a clear focus on two-stage procedures, practical tools and reliable cooperation.

    After all, Switzerland’s inner city development can only succeed if everyone involved pulls together. With transparent processes, clear responsibilities and projects that are both qualitatively convincing and create urgently needed living and working space.

  • More living space from the system

    More living space from the system

    The construction and real estate industry is under pressure. Construction costs are rising, there is a shortage of skilled workers, the population continues to grow and climate targets set clear limits for CO₂ emissions. Serial construction provides answers to these challenges.

    Thanks to industrial prefabrication and standardized processes, construction times are shortened, workflows are more predictable and projects are more economical. The construction site becomes an assembly site, with less noise, less impact on the neighborhood and higher quality workmanship.

    What serial construction is all about
    Serial construction sees the building as a product, not as a one-off prototype. A system is intensively developed, thought through and used in many projects. Elements are largely created in the factory and assembled on site. This allows for precise costs and continuous improvement based on experience. Classic problem areas such as connections, thermal and sound bridges can be specifically mitigated.

    From prefabricated buildings to the “Teslamoment“
    Serial construction methods have a long history, from the early timber systems of the 1920s to the “Göhnerbauten” in Switzerland and prefabricated housing estates in the East. The efficiency was high, the design quality often not and the image still suffers today.

    The topic is currently experiencing a new wave. Hybrid systems combine room modules and 2D elements, offer more flexibility for different plots and regulations and are bringing architecture and urban planning back on board. Projects such as the student-oriented “Woodie” in Hamburg show that serial construction and architectural quality do not have to be mutually exclusive.

    Strengths: Time, costs, quality, climate
    Serial systems shorten construction times and increase cost certainty. Because components and details are standardized, budgets and deadlines can be set early and reliably.

    At the same time, industrial production opens up new scope for sustainability. Specifications for CO₂ reduction, material selection and energy efficiency can be consistently written into the system. Material passports and platforms are used to document installed components, making them visible as a resource for subsequent conversions or dismantling.

    Acceptance determines the future
    The big challenge is perception. In many people’s minds, serial construction stands for monotonous architecture and social problem districts. As long as current projects are only partially convincing in terms of design, this skepticism will persist.

    To be widely accepted, buildings need to deliver more than just efficiency. Good floor plans, a high quality of stay, differentiated outdoor spaces and careful integration into the urban space. Standardization should be seen as the basis on which diversity is created.

    Serial construction can become a central component of the building turnaround, faster, more plannable, more resource-efficient and circular. The technical prerequisites are in place, as are successful pilot projects.

    Whether the approach experiences its “Tesla moment” now depends on whether the industry and cities manage to combine industrial processes with high quality living and design and thus show that repetition does not mean uniformity, but can be the basis for sustainable, diverse neighborhoods.

  • Startups that are turning construction upside down

    Startups that are turning construction upside down

    Tobias Hofmeier (Swissbau) and Moritz Kistenmacher (Startup Academy) provided the framework for young companies to gain visibility, access to partners and a professional environment. Startups made up almost half of the 70 or so partners in the Swissbau Lab Innovation Village. A clear signal of the importance of entrepreneurial innovation for Swissbau.

    For Swissbau, start-ups are not a marginal phenomenon, but a core element of the innovation program. Under the motto “Setting new impulses together”, the aim was to tackle challenges such as climate targets, resource efficiency, productivity pressure and a shortage of skilled workers together. These topics are key and innovation is the key to startups continuing to bring speed and the courage for radically new approaches.

    As part of the challenge, the Startup Academy Switzerland provided particularly close support to young companies from the construction and real estate industry. Some startups that were still pitching in the Innovation Lab a few years ago are now present at the trade fair with larger stands. It is precisely this development, from early prototype to established market player, that sets the Challenge in motion and has an impact far beyond the trade fair dates.

    Politics and location promotion as a tailwind
    The importance of this was underlined by the welcoming address from Cantonal Councillor Kaspar Sutter, Head of the Department of Economic, Social and Environmental Affairs of the Canton of Basel-Stadt. The canton was the patron of Swissbau and supports companies in switching to circular business models with Basel Circular. The fact that the Circular Award was presented here for the first time was logical and makes it clear that the circular economy and climate targets are now at the heart of construction policy.

    Sutter emphasized how strongly Basel is geared towards promoting innovation and with programs that provide concrete support for companies and industries. His message has an impact beyond Swissbau. Start-ups are central to every economic ecosystem; without them, new fields of technology would be almost inconceivable. A similar situation is emerging in the construction industry. The industry can only cope with technological and regulatory change if new players with fresh ideas join it.

    The canton of Baselland is also consciously focusing on innovation with its location promotion. Thomas Kübler, Head of Location Promotion Baselland, spoke at the finale about framework conditions that should make it easier for start-ups to grow and scale. The repeated partnership in the Swissbau Startup Challenge shows that networks are not only established here selectively, but that long-term ecosystems are built up. A basis from which the industry also benefits after the trade fair.

    Construction is central to the Swiss economy, but causes high CO₂ emissions and large amounts of waste. Basel-Stadt is pursuing an ambitious net-zero target of 2037. Such targets permanently increase the pressure and demand for solutions such as those presented by the finalists and further developed in projects and pilot applications.

    Six finalists, six answers to the construction turnaround
    The six start-ups in the final were Aconitum Swiss, Benetics, Impact Build, Moduvo, Planlabs and Talpa Inspection. They represented different levers of transformation, from digital process optimization to circular materials and rethought construction site communication.

    What they have in common is their approach to improving construction and real estate practice in a tangible way and achieving less waste, more efficiency and better data. The ideas on stage at the Swissbau Lab are not visions in a vacuum, but solutions that can already be integrated into projects, construction sites and planning offices today, where they are already having an impact.

    Interiors without plastic
    Aconitum Swiss has developed a biological material made of polymer collagen that does not require plastic and therefore reduces energy, resources and waste. The aim is to provide permanently healthier solutions for people and the environment. Founder Dr. Vlada Snus goes one step further and uses recycled leather and upcycled building materials such as broken concrete, sand, recycled glass and old roof tiles to produce porous acoustic panels. These panels improve room acoustics, filter air pollutants, viruses and bacteria and help regulate temperature and humidity. The system is recyclable, reduces plastic consumption and is already being used in B2B business in Switzerland, Europe and the Middle East – with potential for further expansion.

    Construction site communication without paperwork
    Benetics tackled a perennial issue on construction sites: communication and documentation. Instead of clipboards, paper plans, notes and chaotic chat histories, the start-up relies on a cloud-based platform with a smartphone app. The person responsible speaks their instructions into their cell phone, an AI automatically structures the information and stores clear tasks in the system under task, responsibility, deadline, necessary steps and photos.

    This is a particular advantage in an international industry. Employees receive their tasks in their own language. This reduces the administrative workload, errors caused by misunderstandings are reduced and the data flows cleanly into existing systems. This has already been demonstrated in the use cases presented, and in future even more construction sites can benefit from the fact that the people on site can concentrate more on what really matters – building.

    Robotics and earth material
    Impact Build is rethinking building components from the material basis. The ETH start-up wants to produce wall elements without traditional formwork, using robot-assisted production and local resources. The “impact printing” process shoots dense masses of excavated material and rubble onto each other at high speed so that the layers bond over the entire surface and load-bearing elements are created.

    The components produced in this way can be cut to size, detailed, coated and modularly combined. They regulate humidity and temperature, are inherently fire-resistant and acoustically effective, and all this with lower material, labor and transport costs. With the Circular Award behind it, Impact Build is now strengthening its position to bring mobile robot factories close to construction sites, reduce emissions and gradually roll out the model internationally.

    Circular interior walls
    Moduvo has set its sights on the plaster wall as a disposable product. The aim is to make interior walls recyclable without completely turning the practice on its head. The start-up developed prefabricated, wood-based wall systems that are quick to assemble and just as easy to convert or reuse. Ideal for offices with frequently changing layouts. The system is complemented by a timber stud construction kit that can be processed in a similar way to traditional drywall construction. Craftsmen do not have to learn any completely new techniques, but the rules of the game are fundamentally changed with less waste, less gray energy and better life cycle costs. The startup is therefore well positioned to respond to current and future regulations on the circular economy and climate protection and to make new and existing buildings fit for future requirements.

    Building services at the touch of a button
    Planlabs starts where a lot of planning time and material is tied up, such as in technical building services. The cloud-based platform automates the planning of ventilation, heating/cooling and electrical systems. All systems are taken into account simultaneously with real manufacturer components, local standards, automatic dimensioning and collision checks. The aim is less oversizing, better coordinated systems and significantly reduced planning time. Variants can be run through quickly and sustainability targets can be defined more precisely. What was presented in the final gives planners more freedom for concept work and quality and creates the basis for future projects to be planned in a more robust, resource-efficient and better documented way.

    Early warning system for corrosion damage
    Talpa Inspection is developing a new type of inspection probe that can be used to detect corrosion damage to concrete structures at an early stage before it becomes a safety-relevant problem. The spin-off team from ETH Zurich is replacing time-consuming, selective on-site measurements and paper protocols with a digital process. The probe systematically records condition data, which is visualized in a 3D digital twin of the structure. This allows the risk of corrosion to be precisely localized and infrastructure operators know where and when they need to intervene in order to renovate bridges and other structures in a targeted manner and extend their service life. Winning the Swissbau Startup Challenge gave Talpa Inspection additional impetus to put this technology into practice on a broader scale.

    Countdown 2030
    Countdown 2030 is an association of experts from the construction industry around the startups. At its heart is the “Reduction Roadmap Switzerland”. It derives national and sector-specific quotas from a global CO₂ budget, which are to be broken down to municipal level. This allows municipalities to align construction projects and local development with the climate budget. Denmark serves as a role model. There, binding life cycle assessment obligations and ambitious reduction paths have already led to innovation, material substitution and conversions. The message from the Swissbau Lab is that without clear CO₂ quotas, sensible regulation and the interaction between politics, administration and the market, the turnaround in construction will not succeed. However, they open up new scope for the very solutions that were on show in the final.

    Circular Award Circularity as a guiding principle
    The Circular Award, powered by Basel Circular, was presented for the first time at Swissbau as an award specifically for circular business models. Basel Circular, a partnership between the Canton of Basel-Stadt and other funding institutions, supports companies in the transition from linear to circular models.

    Project manager Stefanie Sendes made it clear at the finale that the construction sector is responsible for the largest share of waste generation in Switzerland. Her point remains valid: the circular economy is much more than just recycling. Reuse, reparability, modular products and sufficiency along the entire value chain are crucial, and this is precisely where many of the start-ups presented come in.

    The 2026 winners
    The Circular Award went to Impact Build, an award that underlines the potential of robotically manufactured components made from recycled materials. Here, resource conservation, industrial scalability and design quality come together directly and create a basis for concrete projects in the coming years.

    In the Swissbau Startup Challenge itself, third, second and first place were awarded. Impact Build secured third place, Benetics came second with its AI-supported construction site communication and Talpa Inspection was the main winner of the final. This order remains a snapshot, but the real race will only begin once the solutions have proven themselves on the market.

    In the end, the Swissbau Startup Challenge proved to be much more than just a stage for pitches. It functioned as a laboratory for the construction turnaround and as a meeting place for startups, established companies, politics and administration. The fact that the construction industry is the winner applies not only in retrospect to the days of the trade fair, but above all when the innovations presented now find their way into the everyday lives of planners, contractors and operators.

  • View into the fire zone

    View into the fire zone

    Fires in large buildings, tunnels or industrial plants are a race against time. Emergency services often have to venture into smoke-filled, unstable structures without knowing exactly what to expect. The FireDrone is designed to close this gap and, as a heat-resistant reconnaissance platform, flies into hazardous areas and delivers situation information to the screen in real time.

    Instead of sending people into areas at risk of collapse, the flying robot takes over the reconnaissance. It detects hazardous substances, helps to locate missing persons and shows sources of fire where visibility and access are limited. This reduces the risk for emergency services and increases the quality of decisions.

    Greater safety for fire departments and industry
    Toxic smoke, collapsing components and explosions are among the greatest risks in fire operations. Searching complex structures such as multi-storey parking lots, industrial halls or tunnels is particularly difficult and dangerous. This is where the drone comes into its own, as it can fly over such areas quickly and precisely without causing any damage.

    The heat-resistant drone also opens up new options in industry. Today, plants with furnaces, refineries or thermal processes often have to be shut down for hours or days before an inspection is possible. The drone should be able to inspect cement or steel plants as well as waste incineration plants during operation. This shortens downtimes, reduces costs and saves energy.

    Aerogel shell for 200 degrees
    Where conventional drones fail at around 40 degrees Celsius, this one stays in the air. Its core is a patented insulation made of ultra-light aerogel. This material consists almost entirely of air, embedded in a heat-resistant polyimide structure, and protects the sensitive electronics from temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius.

    The new generation dispenses with complex composite structures with glass fibers and relies on a pure polyimide aerogel that can be cast into three-dimensional shapes. This means that the shell is practically cast in one piece and fits snugly around the components.

    The new aerogel variant combines high heat resistance with mechanical flexibility and is supplemented by an internal temperature management system that actively monitors and cools the electronics.

    Thermal images in real time even without GPS
    When in use, the drone delivers high-resolution thermal images directly to the remote control. An infrared camera makes sources of fire, heat pockets or hidden people visible, even through thick smoke. Several emergency crews can follow the images at the same time and thus get a picture of the situation independently of the first team in the building.

    The drone can be modularly equipped with additional cameras or sensors. It can also measure outside temperatures or detect gases produced by fires. Another highlight is its use indoors. As GPS often fails in buildings, tunnels or covered industrial facilities, the system works with specially developed assistance and localization functions that ensure stable flights even without a satellite signal.

    From laboratory to operational vehicle
    The path from prototype to operational solution leads through tests under real conditions. The drone has already been tested on training grounds for firefighters and in operating industrial plants, including the Siggenthal cement works. The aim is for pilots to be able to use the drone safely in extreme situations after minimal training.

    With the planned FireDrone Nest, the spin-off is going one step further. The mobile, thermally insulated docking and maintenance station is to be integrated into fire engines or modern fire protection systems. After a mission, the drone lands automatically, is secured, checked and prepared for the next flight. This turns a research project into a reliable system for everyday use by fire departments and industry.

    Spin-off with a tailwind
    The drone represents a line of development that began in the Empa laboratories for “Sustainability Robotics” and “Building Energy Materials and Components”. Today, a spin-off from Empa and EPFL is driving the technology towards market application. The team is supported by various funding programs and foundations that enable the transition from idea to product.

    For the researchers, it is clear that the combination of new material technology, robotics and practical testing opens up a new chapter in firefighting. The task now is to take the drone from the test environment to real operations so that in future it can fly to places where it is better for people to keep their distance.

  • Modernization and building mobility: Why we need to build on the existing infrastructure

    Modernization and building mobility: Why we need to build on the existing infrastructure

    This is particularly evident in ageing elevators and escalators. Around 10 million of these systems are in operation worldwide, most of them in densely populated city centers. They are more susceptible to faults and safety risks. Ageing elevators also often restrict the freedom of movement of people with disabilities, for example by making it difficult to open revolving doors.

    Modernization is not just a question of safety or comfort. It is also one of the most effective instruments for reducing emissions. The construction industry is already responsible for around 40% of global CO₂ emissions – a figure that could double within 25 years if nothing is done. The European Commission estimates that 85 to 95% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already standing today. Replacing these buildings is not an option. The key to reducing CO₂ is therefore not to build new buildings, but to retrofit the older but still functioning systems.

    For all those who want to keep their buildings and cities alive, modernization is a necessary investment in resilience, sustainability and general well-being. Today, networked, data-driven systems can detect wear and tear, predict maintenance requirements and extend the service life of systems – making cities not only safer, but also smarter and more environmentally friendly.

    For many building owners, modernization is still a challenge. High investment costs, long downtimes and uncertainty about where to start are common concerns. Partial modernization is often a sensible middle way. It combines the advantages of new technologies with the continued use of intact components and thus significantly reduces costs and operational interruptions – without having to accept the expense and downtime of a complete replacement. In the elevator sector, this can save up to 90 percent CO₂ compared to a complete replacement.

    Our cities cannot be redrawn, but they can be developed further. When we modernize the mobility systems that move millions of people every day, we create urban environments that are safer, more inclusive and more climate-friendly – and ready for the challenges of the coming decades.

  • Regional strength compensates for weakness in the Asian market

    Regional strength compensates for weakness in the Asian market

    Sika has announced its preliminary annual results for 2025. According to a statement, the company expects sales of CHF 11.2 billion for 2025, which corresponds to sales growth of 0.6 per cent in local currencies. Sales in Swiss francs declined by 4.8 per cent, with the foreign currency effect amounting to 5.4 per cent.

    Organic growth amounted to -0.4 per cent. Business in the Middle East and Africa performed particularly well, with double-digit growth. In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa), sales grew by 2.2 per cent overall. Sika also grew by 2.2 per cent in the Americas region, despite the negative impact of the US government shutdown in the fourth quarter. In the Asia/Pacific region, however, sales fell by 5.2 per cent, mainly due to a double-digit decline in the Chinese construction business. Excluding China, the region recorded positive growth.

    “Despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, we achieved moderate growth in 2025 and further strengthened our market position,” CEO Thomas Hasler is quoted as saying in the announcement. The company is starting the new year “with a leaner cost structure and a clear investment roadmap to accelerate innovation and digitalisation”.

    Central to the coming years is the Fast Forward efficiency and investment programme, with which Sika is optimising production networks and organisational structures. Despite one-off programme costs of around CHF 90 million, the company expects an EBITDA margin of slightly above 19 per cent for 2025.

    Barbara Frei and Lukas Gähwiler are to be newly elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting on 24 March 2026. 

  • Expansion of Building Solutions through acquisitions in Western Europe

    Expansion of Building Solutions through acquisitions in Western Europe

    Zoug-based building materials manufacturer Holcim has acquired Alkern, a French manufacturer of precast concrete elements based in Harnes. The aim of the acquisition is to advance Holcim’s NextGen Growth 2030 targets, according to which the Building Solutions division is to account for a total of 50 per cent of net sales by 2030.

    Alkern, which has more than 1,000 employees and 50 plants in France and Belgium and most recently generated annual net sales of €250 million, offers solutions for the built environment in addition to precast concrete products. The acquisition thus complements Holcim’s portfolio with wall, floor and water management systems in addition to precast concrete products.

    “Both Alkern’s leading position in precast concrete elements in France and its wall, floor and water management systems complement our portfolio and expand our high-quality range of building solutions. We welcome Alkern’s 1,000 employees to Holcim and look forward to creating further added value together while advancing the ‘NextGen Growth 2030’ goal,” said Dragan Maksimovic, Region Head West Europe at Holcim.

    According to Holcim, the acquisition will have a positive impact on earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow in the first year. From the third year onwards, annual synergies of around €11 million and an improvement in return on invested capital (ROIC) are expected.

    Holcim, which claims to be a leader in sustainable construction, generated sales of €16.2 billion in 2024. The Zug-based company offers end-to-end building materials and construction solutions, from foundations and flooring to roofs and walls.

  • SVIT Zurich political talk “Zurich municipal council elections 2026”

    SVIT Zurich political talk “Zurich municipal council elections 2026”

    Municipal elections will be held in the city of Zurich on March 8, 2026. With regard to this important election in the largest municipality in our canton (with an impact beyond the cantonal borders), SVIT Zurich recommends candidates for election. They are members of the relevant commissions HBD/SE (Department of Buildings, Urban Development) and FD (Department of Finance) or hold important positions in their parties. Newcomers who are not yet members of the municipal council are also included. However, all seven candidates share a common interest: To advance a liberal housing and real estate policy for Zurich that addresses the current challenges on the housing market quickly and effectively.

    In the political talk, the candidates will explain where they stand up for housing policy and the real estate sector and will also be available to answer critical questions in person during the drinks reception. At the end of the event, our political guests will compete against each other in the SVIT Zurich political game “Build & Rent”. Who will win the game? Who will win the 2026 Zurich municipal elections? We are curious.

    Link to the candidate videos

    Link to registration for the political event

    Download:
    SVIT Zurich “Polit-Check” on the municipal elections

  • Basel becomes the building site of the future

    Basel becomes the building site of the future

    When the doors to Swissbau 2026 open tomorrow, Messe Basel will be transformed into a vibrant center of the construction and real estate industry. 592 exhibitors and partners will showcase products, systems and ideas for sustainable building and modern living.

    Hans Wicki, member of the Council of States and President of the umbrella organization Bauenschweiz, opens the trade fair with the Globus Basel lighthouse project as an example of sustainable renovation. Accompanied by representatives from politics and business, the industry demonstrates how professional expertise, climate targets and building practice can be combined.

    Experience craftsmanship live
    In Hall 1.0, the focus is on a real construction project. A two-storey house is being built in front of visitors’ eyes. Over 15 craft businesses will be demonstrating their skills, from woodworkers to solar installers, from tile layers to plasterers. The project makes tangible what building culture means in everyday life.

    Right next door, a cooperation with the Swiss Painting and Plastering Contractors’ Association SMGV brings color into play. Decorative plaster textures, live training sessions by two Swiss master craftswomen and the “Swiss Prize for Plaster and Paint” exhibition – a marketplace full of ideas and dynamism.

    Sharing knowledge, shaping change
    The Swissbau Focus and Swissbau Lab platforms create space for dialog. Here, experts discuss the circular economy, climate adaptation and digital change in the construction process. High-caliber speakers and practical examples provide food for thought and show how the future can be implemented in concrete terms.

    Whether in specialist forums or in direct discussions, knowledge transfer remains at the heart of the trade fair. All events are included in the admission price. A clear plus for trade visitors.

    Rooms for inspiration
    Design lovers and interior professionals will find new inspiration in the Trend World Interior Design (Hall 1.2). Bathroom innovations, surfaces, light and materials combine to create an atmospheric world of experience. Like Swissbau Focus, the hall will also remain open on Saturday, providing space for encounters outside the working week.

    Looking to the future
    Swissbau 2026 is more than just a trade fair. It is a showcase for progress, a laboratory for solutions and a place where the industry and society work together on the construction of tomorrow.

  • From material to strategy – circular thinking in construction

    From material to strategy – circular thinking in construction

    This year’s Swissbau is focusing participants’ attention on the topic of circular economy and materials as one of seven key themes. With a total of 35 keynote sessions, panel discussions, themed events and practical solutions, it is the most prominent theme at the leading trade fair for the Swiss construction and real estate industry after digitalisation and collaboration, which has 38 events. Overall, the content on offer is grouped around seven key themes.

    Swissbau 2026 will take place in Basel from 20 to 23 January under the motto “Setting new impulses together”. On 24 January, the new Trend World in Hall 1.2 of the exhibition centre will still be open.

    The programme, with the main theme of circular economy and materials, will start on Tuesday, 20 January, with the themed event “Faster, cheaper, more sustainable: modularisation and prefabrication make construction projects better”. Speakers include Konrad Graser from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Fabian Franke from ERNE Holzbau, MOD founder and CEO Marc Beermann, and Tom Van Mele from VAULTED.

    On Wednesday, 21 January, the keynote session “Building without materials – what does circular design need?” is scheduled. In this session, speakers from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts will use concrete examples to show how existing materials can be transferred to further cycles of use using new methods. Contributions will also come from Basler Bauteilbörse, Bau-Teilen GmbH and Flumroc AG.

    A practical talk will highlight the technical and architectural aspects of wood as a material, while another will examine the possibilities and limitations of the circular economy using the example of laboratory buildings. The panel will discuss whether concrete can become “the game changer of the construction revolution”. The main event on Thursday, 22 January, will be the event on the topic of “The circular economy in practice – how can we solve conflicting goals together?”

  • IWB apprentices recycle street lights in their own start-up

    IWB apprentices recycle street lights in their own start-up

    A group of IWB trainees is turning disused Metro 45 street lamps into high-quality floor lamps. Sketches were turned into a prototype, and the first ten lamps have now been built. The team received support from experienced employees. According to a statement from IWB, a total of around 2,400 old lamps are suitable for reuse. The trainees have founded their own start-up to implement their project. The team includes a businessman, a business IT specialist, a road transport specialist, a network electrician and a metalworker.

    In a video published alongside the press release, one of them says that it is “exciting to work together with other apprentices; it brings us closer together”. One colleague thinks it’s “cool that we’re allowed to take on so much responsibility and that they trust us to make the right decisions”. Another colleague points out that it’s “difficult to have to make all the decisions yourself”. “But somehow it’s also fun, especially when you see the final product of the prototype and know what the sketch once looked like.”

    Project manager Saskia Damann explains the aim of IWB: “We want our students to learn as much as possible, for example things like entrepreneurial thinking, circular thinking and personal responsibility. These are skills they will need for their future.”

    What began as an idea, according to the IWB in a further statement, “is slowly taking shape and shows what is possible when learners take responsibility and work together across disciplines.” As a partner, the Basel-based lamp manufacturer and retailer Regent Lighting made the decisive step possible. It carried out the safety and quality tests. Planning for the second production round is currently underway.

  • Modern hall solution supports specialised recycling processes

    Modern hall solution supports specialised recycling processes

    Bieri Tenta AG, a manufacturer of fabric solutions based in Grosswangen, has announced the successful completion of a warehouse project at its Susten site. The client was BOWA Recycling AG, a subsidiary of Theler AG from Raron VS that specialises in recycling contaminated soil. According to the press release, the warehouse is optimally designed to meet the requirements of modern recycling operations and is already the second project in which the companies have collaborated. In 2019, Bieri had already built a 2,700 square metre hall for BOWA Recycling AG.

    The warehouse in Susten is a gabled hall with a floor space of just under 3,000 square metres. The warehouse is equipped with six Bieri roller doors (5 x 5 metres) and six escape doors, which guarantee smooth operations and a high level of safety in everyday use. During the six-week installation process, Bieri used a mobile crane to lift the steel parts, which weighed up to 13 tonnes, to their destination. A 59 x 61 metre film weighing around 3.6 tonnes serves as the roof and covering for the membrane hall. The membrane is suitable for the installation of a photovoltaic system, allowing customers to generate sustainable energy directly on site.

    The client, BOWA Recycling AG, is a subsidiary of Theler AG and operates a soil washing plant in Leuk-Susten, but has also been operating a thermal treatment plant since 2024. According to its own information, the company achieves recycling rates of up to 99 per cent for contaminated soil material.

    The Bieri Group is a manufacturer of technical textile solutions for industries such as manufacturing, construction, transport, architecture and events. The company is divided into Bieri Tenta AG in Grosswangen and Bieri Zeltaplan GmbH, based in Leipzig, Germany.

  • Cantons stop fire protection liberalization

    Cantons stop fire protection liberalization

    The current VKF fire protection regulations from 2015 form the binding framework for structural and technical fire protection throughout Switzerland. They are implemented by the cantons and municipalities. A complete revision was planned for 2026/2027. On behalf of the cantons, the VKF prepared a draft of around 500 pages, which had been undergoing technical consultation since September 2025 under the project title “BSV 2026”.

    The aim was to create a more modern set of regulations with a stronger focus on proportionality, deregulation and cost-benefit optimization. The approach was clear protection targets, simplified verification procedures and more individual responsibility throughout the entire life cycle of a building.

    Planned relaxations in focus
    Critical discussions focused primarily on selective relaxations. The draft provided for longer permitted escape route lengths and simplified requirements for combustible components in certain usage scenarios. In addition, mandatory inspections were to be partially reduced in favor of more self-declaration and personal responsibility on the part of owners.

    how much reduction in standards can a system whose core mission is to protect human life tolerate? Critics warn that supposed efficiency gains could come at a high price in the event of an emergency.

    Halt after fire disaster
    The fire disaster in Valais on New Year’s Eve suddenly changed the discussion. The Intercantonal Body for Technical Barriers to Trade, as the political client of the project, called a halt to the liberalization efforts at the beginning of January 2026.

    although the technical consultation will be formally concluded by January 11, the content of the entire reform project will be reassessed. Reliable findings from the ongoing investigations into the fire are to be discussed both technically and politically and explicitly integrated into further work.

    Criticism of “more market, less state“
    Even before the fire, experts and the media expressed skepticism about the direction of the revision. The thrust of “deregulation, more personal responsibility, fewer controls” was interpreted as a risk of weakening security in favor of cost savings, flexibility and project acceleration.

    The situation is particularly delicate in cantons without cantonal building insurance, such as Valais, where the prevention and control structures are less dense. There is growing concern that longer escape routes, more flammable components and reduced supervision could result in higher risks of major damage and casualties.

    What’s next for BSV 2026?
    The consultation on the technical draft is being evaluated, while the IOTH and VKF are simultaneously drawing up a new timetable for the “BSV 2026” project. Officially, everything is open, from targeted clarifications and greater standardization to more stringent individual requirements.

    At the same time, another debate is gaining momentum. Many stakeholders are calling for more uniform inspections and minimum standards throughout Switzerland, as the current implementation of fire safety inspections varies greatly between cantons. The marching halt is therefore not the end of the reform, but a turning point. Away from pure deregulation and towards a fire protection policy that makes the lessons learned from Crans-Montana visible and binding.

  • Apartments are shrinking again

    Apartments are shrinking again

    Households are getting smaller, while apartments remain large. The average household size has fallen to around two people since the 1960s, and the proportion of single-person households is now around 41%, in some cases half of all households in large cities. At the same time, the large multi-room apartment dominates the housing stock, a structural mismatch that puts new construction under pressure.

    added to this are price and location pressures as well as sharp rises in land, construction and energy costs. This makes large apartments unaffordable for many, while investors achieve higher returns per square meter with smaller units. Urban planning models are focusing on redensification instead of single-family homes, and the proportion of new-build apartments in apartment buildings has risen.

    technical consequences for planning and construction
    Smaller apartments do not mean less planning, but more complexity in a smaller space. Higher building densities, larger spans and finer load transfer place demands on structural planning. The building services must supply more residential units per building, with higher requirements for sound insulation, ventilation, cable routing and meter logistics.

    in terms of fire protection, escape routes, fire compartments and rescue concepts are becoming more demanding as densification and mixed use increase. At the same time, there is growing pressure for flexible floor plans that can be divided, combined or repurposed, from single apartments to family homes and back again.

    conversion instead of tabula rasa
    New construction alone cannot remedy the structural imbalance between household and apartment sizes. Most of the existing housing stock dates back to the days of other housing and family models. Demolition and replacement would be neither economically nor ecologically justifiable.

    the focus is therefore shifting to the existing housing stock. Dividing up large apartments, building additions in the courtyard, adding storeys or converting office space become the central engineering task. In technical terms, this means interventions in statics and fire protection, retrofitting building services during ongoing operations and precision work on the occupied building.

    space as an underestimated lever
    The most important message from the evaluations is that heating, insulation and systems engineering are decisive for energy requirements. The heated living space per capita is decisive. Living on fewer square meters automatically reduces the heating load, the use of materials and the operating energy required

    Smaller and more energy-efficient homes therefore become a double key. They are better suited to smaller households and noticeably reduce the energy consumption of the building sector. Downsizing has a more immediate effect than many individual technical measures, provided that floor plans remain liveable, adaptable and socially mixed.

  • Majority stake drives growth in the Peruvian market

    Majority stake drives growth in the Peruvian market

    The Zug-based building materials company Holcim has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the Peruvian building materials company CementosPacasmayo. With this transaction, Holcim is strengthening its presence in the growth market of Latin America and pursuing its NextGen Growth Strategy 2030, according to the press release.

    Cementos Pacasmayo is forecasting net sales of USD 630 million and an EBITDA margin of 28 per cent in 2025. The transaction volume of USD 1.5 billion thus corresponds to 8.8 times the EBITDA forecast for 2025. The acquisition is expected to have a positive impact on earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow in the first year and on return on investment (ROIC) in the third year.

    “The synergetic acquisition of Cementos Pacasmayo is in line with our ‘NextGen Growth 2030’ strategy to accelerate growth in the attractive Latin America region,” Holcim CEO Miljan Gutovic is quoted as saying. “This is an opportunity to continue the exceptional legacy of Cementos Pacasmayo, based on a strong performance culture, a deep commitment to its employees and a highly recognised brand in Peru. The company is highly cash-generative and has a complementary portfolio of building materials and construction solutions. I look forward to welcoming Pacasmayo’s 2,000 employees to Holcim and continuing to grow together.”

    The approximately 300 points of sale of Cementos Pacasmayo will complement Holcim’s presence in Latin America. Holcim had already entered the Peruvian building materials market last year with the acquisitions of Comacsa, Mixercon and Compañía Minera Luren.

    The transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2026, is in line with Holcim’s growth-oriented capital allocation and is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

  • Strategic takeover strengthens mortar business in Northern Europe

    Strategic takeover strengthens mortar business in Northern Europe


    Sika is acquiring Finja Betong, a manufacturer of dry mortars, floor levelling compounds and façade systems based in Finja, Sweden. Together with the recently completed acquisition of the Danish mortar manufacturer Marlon, Sika thus achieves comprehensive coverage of the mortar segment in the Northern European countries, according to a press release.

    This will open up new cross-selling potential for Sika in the future, as the product portfolios and customer bases of the two companies complement each other. As Finja has recently invested in increasing the efficiency and capacity of production at its two sites, Sika will benefit from this expansion and aims to offer its Northern European customers a broader range of locally manufactured solutions. Finja’s expertise in low CO2 mortars, cold climate solutions and state-of-the-art digital product selection tools will strengthen the combined offering and provide Sika with a solid base for expansion across different market segments.

    “The acquisition of Finja provides us with excellent opportunities to strengthen our presence in the Northern European construction markets,” said Christoph Ganz, Regional Manager EMEA at Sika. “With our global expertise and strong organisation, we can leverage Finja’s extensive product range, broad distribution network and innovative digital tools to unlock significant cross-selling potential and generate customer benefits. We look forward to warmly welcoming the Finja team to the Sika family and developing our business together in the future.”

    The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

    Sika is a speciality chemicals company focused on systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in construction and industry. Sika has a global presence with over 400 factories in 102 countries and employs more than 34,000 people.

  • New logistics hall increases efficiency in the national distribution network

    New logistics hall increases efficiency in the national distribution network

    Senn AG from Oftringen, which specializes in extensions, new buildings and special constructions, is building a new steel warehouse for the Migros distribution company(MVB) in Suhr. According to a press release, the new building covers an area of 7500 square meters, is more than 100 meters long and 15.5 meters high. At the heart of the modernization is a fully automated storage system, which will increase capacity and make logistics more efficient.

    A total of 1100 different components were required, which was logistically demanding and a challenge for assembly due to limited space for temporary storage. According to Senn AG, most of the assembly work was carried out using the company’s own mobile crane and two construction site cranes.

    According to the press release, the supporting structure is made of white-coated steel. a total of 530 tons of steel were used. According to the company, Senn AG processes 7,000 tons of steel and aluminium annually at its headquarters and is active in steel and metal construction, sheet metal and stainless steel centers, emergency power systems, mobile crane operations and other transport solutions.

    Construction work has been underway since the end of June. Around three quarters of the hall has been assembled and the final parts of the hall are currently being coated in the workshop and prepared for transportation. The project should be completed before the end of December.

    The realization of the warehouse is important for Migros’ supply network. As MVB writes, the retail group operates one of two national distribution centers in Suhr. The first was built more than 50 years ago in Neuendorf SO, and another site was built in Suhr more than 25 years ago.

  • Where the construction and real estate world is building its future

    Where the construction and real estate world is building its future

    Swissbau 2026 is more than just a trade fair. It is a seismograph of an industry in upheaval. Climate change, the energy crisis, scarcity of resources and a shortage of skilled workers are coming up against the rapidly advancing digitalization of the construction and real estate industry.

    the focus is on questions that will determine the future viability of a company today. How can we plan and build in a circular way? How can buildings become more energy-efficient and resilient? And how can digital tools be used to make processes simpler, more transparent and more collaborative? From design to operation.

    At the same time, there is growing pressure to visibly implement sustainable answers in projects, processes and products. Swissbau brings these topics together in a shared experience space where strategies, solutions and practical examples come together.

    focal points and highlights
    The trade fair sets clear focal points in terms of content. These include climate and energy, circular economy and materials, digitalization and collaboration as well as architecture and quality of life in the built environment. These topics will be presented in a practical and condensed manner in stage formats, guided tours and live demonstrations.

    highlights include premieres of new systems, materials and technologies that bring resource-saving construction and energy-optimized buildings to life. Live demos will show how digital planning, model-based collaboration and robotic production are changing the construction site and what opportunities this presents for efficiency, quality and occupational safety.

    how digital is Swissbau?
    Digitalization is no longer a stand-alone area, but runs as a common thread through the entire Swissbau. The focus is on end-to-end processes, from digital planning and BIM-supported collaboration to data rooms that connect planning, construction and operation.

    Platforms, tools and applications that make building data usable and thus contribute to more efficient project management, better decision-making and smarter operation will be presented at the trade fair. The physical trade fair will be complemented by an expanded digital presence that offers a program overview, streams of selected formats and extended dialogue opportunities before and after the trade fair days.

    The result is a hybrid knowledge and networking platform that goes far beyond the classic trade fair visit and enables companies to make their digitalization journey visible and think ahead.

    swissbau Focus Stage for dialog
    Swissbau Focus forms the heart of the trade fair in terms of content. In curated talks, panels and specialist events, associations, companies, universities and authorities discuss key issues relating to the future of the construction and real estate industry.

    The focus here is on framework conditions, strategies and specific responsibilities. How is the regulatory framework developing? What incentives are needed for climate-friendly and circular construction? What role do the public sector, real estate sector and industry play in the interplay?

    The character of the event is deliberately dialog-oriented. The focus is on exchange rather than frontal presentations, on controversial perspectives rather than one-sided product messages. This makes Swissbau Focus a place for managers and experts to sharpen their positions, form alliances and gain impetus for their own strategy

    Swissbau Lab and live craftsmanship
    While Swissbau Focus focuses on discourse, Swissbau Lab brings innovations to life. In a mixture of workshop, stage and laboratory, start-ups, established industry partners and educational institutions present new solutions. From digital tools and circular materials to pioneering construction processes.

    Formats such as the Main Stage, the Speakers Corner and thematic sessions focus on short, condensed inputs, best practices and direct exchange with the participants. This creates a field for experimentation in which new ideas can be tested, discussed and further developed. Close to practice, open to criticism and cooperation.

    At the same time, Treffpunkt Handwerk shows how much the building trade itself is changing. A two-storey timber house will be built live and companies will demonstrate work processes, tools and materials in operation. Digitalization, prefabrication and precision will be directly visible here, from smart tools to networked construction sites.

    Training, networking and safety
    A central concern of Swissbau 2026 is securing the next generation of skilled workers. Professional and industry associations, schools and training providers use the platform to showcase training paths, specializations and career opportunities. As well as to strengthen the dialog between young talent, companies and educational institutions.

    Networking runs through the entire trade fair. Lounge areas, themed meeting points and curated events offer space to initiate projects, deepen partnerships and forge new coalitions around the topics of climate, energy, digitalization and security.

    The topic of safety is broadly understood. From occupational safety on the construction site to building safety and resilience through to stable, trustworthy digital infrastructures. Swissbau 2026 shows that if you want to shape the future of construction, you not only need good products, but above all strong networks, shared knowledge and the courage to break new ground

    Trade fair dates and address
    Tuesday to Friday, January 20 to 23, 2026:
    9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    All halls

    Saturday, January 24, 2026:
    9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Hall 1.2 and Hall 1.0 South
    Trend World Interior Design and Swissbau Focus
    www.swissbau.ch