immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Trends

  • Industrial site makes way for hotel and modern office space

    Industrial site makes way for hotel and modern office space

    According to a statement, HGC, a building materials supplier operating throughout Switzerland, is relocating its Lucerne site. This move is in response to the development of the former industrial area of Tribschen into a central urban district.

    HGC already relocated its regional transport business to its new site in Inwil last September. The company will also serve all its regional customers from there over the next two years.

    The old site in Tribschen is being converted. The old building at Tribschenstrasse 7/9 was demolished last year. The new Boutiquehotel 6000 is being built here. The new headquarters of the Central Swiss Builders’ Association will be located in the attic.

    The building on the neighbouring property at Tribschentrasse 11 will be converted using the existing supporting structure. The upper five floors will be rented out as offices under the name Tribschen Office. Half of the space has already found tenants. A commercial enterprise and the HGC collection business will be set up on the ground floor.

    HGC has been using the Tribschen site since the early 1920s. The complete renovation and conversion will allow it to benefit from the development of the neighbourhood.

    HGC was founded as a cooperative in 1899 and has its headquarters in Zurich. It trades in building materials and related products. It belongs to its more than 3,000 cooperative members in all construction sectors.

  • Direct real estate strategies for family offices and investors

    Direct real estate strategies for family offices and investors

    Blacklake has founded Blacklake Investment Partners AG in Zug. Its aim is to provide real estate investors and family offices with direct access to real estate opportunities in Europe that are identified beyond traditional market offerings. “Blacklake Investment Partners focuses on real estate opportunities across Europe that are not accessible to the broader market due to their complexity or special circumstances,” said Christoph Schumacher, founding partner and new CEO of Blacklake Investment Partners, in a statement published by the investor portal “Trading View”.

    The business model covers all phases of the investment cycle, from analysis and transaction to the implementation of exit scenarios. The target group includes Swiss, German and international private clients, single and multi-family offices, and (semi-)professional investors. The founding team combines international investment, consulting and corporate management expertise, including at Credit Suisse, Swissair, Union Investment, KPMG and Ernst & Young Real Estate.

    The Zug-based company is affiliated with the Blacklake Group via Hamburg-based Blacklake GmbH and positions itself specifically as an interface between investment opportunities and capital. According to the information provided, the group has reorganised, repositioned, refinanced and transacted real estate and real estate financing with a transaction volume of around €3 billion for German clients since the end of 2022.

  • Rental prices rise only modestly in January

    Rental prices rise only modestly in January

    The Homegate rental index for advertised rents, which is compiled by the real estate marketplace Homegate in collaboration with Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), measures the monthly, quality-adjusted change in rental prices based on current market offers. For January 2026, the index shows a slight increase of 0.2 per cent compared to the previous month. Compared to January 2025, advertised rents rose by 2.2 per cent across Switzerland.

    At the cantonal and municipal level, the picture is unusually varied. At the start of the year, rents were down in half of the cantons, particularly in Nidwalden (minus 2.7 per cent) and Schwyz (minus 2 per cent). In several cantons, this development followed a phase of one to three months of strong increases. Compared with the previous year, however, asking rents rose in all cantons, particularly in Graubünden (up 7.7 per cent), Glarus (up 6.4 per cent) and Valais (up 6.2 per cent).

    Cities also showed downward trends in January. Compared with December 2025, all cities showed unchanged or lower values. Rents fell particularly sharply in Geneva (down 1.2 per cent) and Lugano (down 1 per cent). Only Zurich recorded an increase in rents in January (up 0.5 per cent). As in the cantons, however, asking rents in all cities are above the previous year’s level. Rents rose particularly sharply in Lugano (up 7.6 per cent) and Lucerne (up 3.8 per cent) in 2025.

    Homegate is a platform of the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group. It brings together the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

  • How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    Basel-Landschaft is building for the future. Former industrial sites are being transformed into innovative campuses, flexible business parks and urban neighbourhoods. Dreispitz combines art, education and high-tech on the cantonal border and creates space for 4,000 jobs, research and sustainable architecture at the highest level. Uptown Basel in Arlesheim is positioning itself as a hotspot for Industry 4.0 and medtech with quantum computing pioneers and an ecological beacon character. New neighbourhoods in Muttenz, BusinessCity and AM SCHÄNZLI combine living and working spaces, green open spaces and climate-friendly mobility, further enhancing the location’s profile as a centre of knowledge and innovation.

    In Pratteln, Bredella, the Campus der Wirtschaft and Zentrale Pratteln are creating modern urban living spaces that focus on sustainable development, smart infrastructure and flexible usage concepts. In Allschwil, Bachgraben is developing into a leading life sciences location with the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, where biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies are driving forward cutting-edge research and high-tech innovations. The Laufen Industrial Park and Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil are creating momentum for regional production, craftsmanship and community, with a focus on the circular economy and CO² reduction. GETEC PARK is a growth engine for chemistry and life sciences, driven by decarbonisation and ESG standards.

    Basel-Land thus demonstrates how diversity, sustainability and innovative strength are driving transformation.

    Dreispitz
    Dreispitz in Münchenstein (Basel-Landschaft) is one of the most diverse areas in the Basel region. It combines art, education and business. Over 380 companies and around 4,000 jobs characterise the Dreispitz business park, flanked by universities such as the FHNW and creative clusters. The intercantonal site offers space for innovative companies, start-ups, culture and modern educational institutions. A vital location for the future of the entire region.

    uptownBasel
    uptownBasel is currently building the future. Since 2019, a state-of-the-art innovation campus has been under construction for the jobs of the coming decades. The world-renowned dental implant manufacturer Straumann will relocate a total of 1,000 jobs to the forward-looking development area by 2028. Arlesheim will thus become the most important hotspot for medical technology in Switzerland. The campus, which is being rapidly developed by the Staehelin family and Fankhauser Arealentwicklungen, features several buildings already under construction with sustainable architecture of the highest standard. The roof deck has attracted worldwide attention and, together with the seminar and event rooms, is helping to make the site the state-of-the-art centrepiece of the Baselland industrial location.

    Laufen Industrial Park
    The Laufen Industrial Park is located on the former tile factory site of Keramik Laufen AG on the south-eastern edge of the city and has been owned by the Abendrot Foundation since 2017. Following the major fire in 2020, which destroyed around 80% of the building, the commercial site will be rebuilt between 2025 and 2027 as single-storey timber frame buildings. The aim is to create a modern, affordable offering for small regional businesses, craftsmen and creative professionals, with flexible rental spaces and individual expansion options. A network of commercial streets ensures good access, lighting and promotes networking among users. Densification and multi-storey extensions are possible in order to respond flexibly to regional demand. The focus is on sustainability. The concept is characterised by the reuse of building components, wood instead of concrete and renewable energy. An area association is to strengthen cohesion. The overall result will be a regionally relevant, versatile and sustainable commercial centre.

    AM SCHÄNZLI
    The new AM SCHÄNZLI district in Muttenz marks an urban reinterpretation of living, working and leisure at the gateway to Basel. By 2029, three high-rise buildings with 385 apartments and 14,000 m² of commercial space will be built on the 74,000 m² “Hagnau Ost” site. A central square and intensive greening lend urban density a quality of life right next to the Birs recreation area. The focus is on resource-saving construction, energy efficiency (SNBS Gold), photovoltaics and optimised mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. AM SCHÄNZLI stands for modern location development and the sustainable integration of city and nature.

    BaseLink site
    The Bachgraben site in Allschwil has developed into a driver of innovation in Basel. The location combines international life science companies, state-of-the-art research and sustainable urban development. Projects such as the BaseLink site and new public transport and cycling initiatives are creating attractive jobs and an urban environment. Close cooperation between the canton, municipality and business community ensures dynamism and makes the area a showcase project in the tri-national region.

    Business campus
    The new business campus is located directly next to the railway station in Pratteln and is developing into one of the most important event and work locations in the Basel area. By 2028, the H² building will become a state-of-the-art centrepiece. Six floors offer over 10,000 m² of flexible laboratory, event and office space, complemented by a congress hall for up to 1,900 people and a total of more than 6,000 m² of event space. The campus is aimed at companies from industry, research and services, with sustainable architecture, optimal accessibility, infrastructure from a single source and synergies with the Bredella district. The development strengthens the region’s competitiveness and positions Pratteln as an international centre for innovation, exchange and major events.

    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ
    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ is the leading industrial cluster in north-western Switzerland for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. It combines state-of-the-art infrastructure, secure laboratory and logistics space, and sustainable energy and resource concepts on 50 hectares. The park, which emerged from Infrapark Baselland and Schweizerhalle, is home to global corporations and numerous SMEs. Innovative solutions such as Waste2Value and ESG-based processes make GETEC a growth engine for the industry.

    Pratteln headquarters
    The Pratteln headquarters project is transforming the former Coop site north of the railway station into a lively, ecologically and socially oriented neighbourhood. By 2026, around 480 cooperative apartments for 1,200 people will be built, complemented by a new school, around 15,000 m² of commercial space and a variety of open spaces. Construction and planning are consistently focused on preserving existing structures, reusing building components and sustainable energy supply. Historic industrial buildings such as the sugar silo will be preserved. The cooperation of six developers and the innovative utilisation concept make Pratteln Headquarters a showcase project for non-profit and sustainable neighbourhood development in the Basel region.

    Bredella in Pratteln
    Bredella in Pratteln represents the large-scale transformation of a central industrial area into an innovative urban quarter. In the immediate vicinity of the railway station, 87,000 m² of diverse residential, work and leisure facilities are being created, interspersed with green spaces and renovated industrial buildings. The master plan and neighbourhood plans focus on gradual development, sustainable mobility and a high quality of life. With a perimeter block, high-rise buildings, commercial and studio space, car-free areas and lively ground floors, a model for urban living in the Basel area is being created. Bredella boldly combines modernity, history and sustainable development.

    Ziegelei Ost
    Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil is undergoing a comprehensive transformation into a lively, mixed-use neighbourhood. Historic buildings are being carefully preserved and combined with new uses for living, working and recreation. The neighbourhood is characterised by large green spaces, diverse public spaces and a finely meshed network of paths connecting three central squares: Kulturplatz, Quartierplatz and Lettenwiese. The industrial tradition remains evident through the preservation of the brickworks halls and their integration into modern structures. The project focuses on circularity, the reuse of building components and flexible new buildings to ensure climate protection, sustainability and a high quality of life.

  • International cooperation is gaining importance in digital construction

    International cooperation is gaining importance in digital construction

    The software provider Revizto, based in Lausanne, has announced its membership of buildingSmartin a press release. The international organisation buildingSmart, based in Hertfordshire, UK, is committed to improving work processes, for example through internationally valid and open standards for Building Information Modelling (BIM).

    By joining, Revizto is responding to the problem that construction projects are becoming increasingly complex and technically sophisticated. Greater interdisciplinary and international cooperation is needed. As a result, standards and rules must be adapted to the market situation. “Open standards are increasingly crucial to the way the AECO industry works,” said Arman Gukasyan, founder and CEO of Revizto, in the announcement regarding companies in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) sectors. “As a Swiss company, joining buildingSMART organisations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland allows us to intensify our involvement in regional communities that are driving the adoption of openBIM. By working closely with project teams in ongoing programmes, we can help link standard development to the practical requirements of project delivery – improving team coordination, minimising risk and working more efficiently.”

    Revizto plans to participate in regional initiatives, working groups and knowledge-sharing activities as part of its memberships and to support the ongoing progress towards open, efficient digital construction practices in the DACH region.

  • Energy sales vary from region to region

    Energy sales vary from region to region

    Industrielle Betriebe Interlaken AG (IBI) sold around 96 million kilowatt hours of electricity in its distribution network in 2025. This represents a slight decrease of 0.9 per cent compared to the previous year. At 13.2 million kilowatt hours, own production was 12 per cent below the previous year’s figure. According to a statement by the energy and water supplier in the Interlaken area, this was due to warranty work on the hydroelectric power plant on the shipping canal.

    The decline was more pronounced in the case of gas. Sales fell to 35.9 million kilowatt hours, which corresponds to a decrease of 19.7 per cent. According to IBI, large customers in particular had optimised their systems or switched to alternative heating systems.

    Water sales in 2025, on the other hand, were 1.1 per cent above the previous year’s figure at around 1.8 million cubic metres. The proportion of spring water was 97 per cent, compared with 99.4 per cent in the previous year. The reason for the decline was cleaning and inspection work on the infrastructure facilities in the Saxettal valley.

    IBI reduced electricity prices by around 24 per cent in the reporting year. This was because the company was able to purchase energy for 2025 at a lower price following the price increases from mid-2022 onwards. In addition, the national grid company Swissgrid also reduced the costs for system services and electricity reserves.

    IBI switched from a dual tariff to a single tariff at the beginning of 2026. The dual tariff, which had been in place since the 1960s, shifted part of electricity consumption to night-time. The strong expansion of photovoltaics has now changed the logic of electricity production and consumption, with solar power being fed into the grid during the day.

  • Biogas plant to be converted to biomethane production

    Biogas plant to be converted to biomethane production

    Axpo Biomasse AG now operates a biogas processing plant in Aarberg instead of the previous combined heat and power plant. The fermentation plant in Aarberg processes around 20,000 tonnes of regional biomass into electricity and natural fertiliser every year. The biogas produced in this process is now processed into biomethane and fed directly into the existing gas network.

    Previously, the biogas was used to generate electricity and heat. The changeover is intended to make more efficient use of the energy content of the biomass used. “In this way, we are making another important contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy supply and to regional value creation,” says Daniel Gobbo, Head of Axpo’s Biomass Business Unit.

    The biomethane produced is purchased by Energie Wasser Bern (ewb), the energy supplier for the city of Bern. According to the announcement, ewb has signed a contract for the complete purchase of the production. Transport will be via the Seelandgas AG network. For possible surplus quantities, Gasverbund Mittelland (GVM) is also building a pressure boosting station so that the gas can be fed into the Gasverbund Mittelland high-pressure network.

    By purchasing the gas, Energie Wasser Bern is contributing to the promotion of biogas production in Switzerland. “By purchasing gas from the Aarberg plant, ewb is consistently pursuing its strategy for a CO2-neutral energy future and strengthening sustainable security of supply,” says Marcel Ottenkamp, Head of Energy Management at ewb.

  • Heating network in Aargau to undergo strategic development

    Heating network in Aargau to undergo strategic development

    AEW will take over the Hägglingen Zinsmatten heating network from the municipality of Hägglingen on 1 May, according to a press release. “We are delighted to continue providing reliable heating to the customers of the Hägglingen Zinsmatten heating network and to work together to develop the plant in a sustainable manner,” said Daniel Wernli, Head of Heat Production at AEW.

    The heating network, which has been in operation since 2007, supplies heat to 30 properties. Wood chips are used as the primary energy source. The plant’s wood boiler has an output of 450 kilowatts, and an oil boiler is also available. AEW estimates the average annual energy consumption at around 1,100 megawatt hours.

    With the Hägglingen Zinsmatten heating network, AEW now operates a total of 78 such plants in the canton of Aargau and neighbouring regions. The production capacity is more than 240 gigawatt hours per year, supplying a total of 17,000 households.

  • Swiss speciality chemicals drive expansion in the sealant market

    Swiss speciality chemicals drive expansion in the sealant market

    Sika has announced the acquisition of Akkim, a Turkish company specialising in adhesives and sealants. The Zug-based specialty chemicals group aims to expand its customer reach and strengthen its market position in the global adhesives and sealants industry. According to a statement, the acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.

    Akkim, based in Istanbul with two production facilities in Turkey and Romania, distributes adhesives and sealants for the construction sector via a wide-ranging customer network. Established distribution channels in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa enable it to serve a broadly diversified customer base. According to the announcement, net sales in 2025 amounted to the equivalent of CHF 220 million.

    Sika expects the greater geographical reach to provide significant growth opportunities. “The acquisition will enable Sika to establish a highly efficient production and export hub for sales-oriented adhesives and sealants, which will support long-term growth in this segment,” the statement said.

    Sika also intends to use Akkim’s additional expertise and broad network to expand its e-commerce business and offer complementary products such as repair mortars and sealing solutions through cross-selling.

  • European network opens up new opportunities for Baden in health tourism

    European network opens up new opportunities for Baden in health tourism

    The city of Baden has become a new member of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA). According to a statement, its aim is not only to raise awareness of the importance of Baden’s thermal springs, which date back to Roman times, at a European level, but also to foster exchanges with other spas.

    Membership facilitates joint projects in cultural, health and medical tourism. With its membership, Baden is positioning itself “clearly as a modern cultural and spa town with international appeal,” Mayor Markus Schneider is quoted as saying in the press release.

    TourismusRegion Baden AG is responsible for the operational implementation. “EHTTA membership is much more than just a label for Baden,” Andrea Portmann is quoted as saying. “It is a strategic tool for further developing our positioning in the international market and establishing new partnerships in the field of medical and health tourism,” says the managing director of TourismusRegion Baden.

    The EHTTA is delighted to welcome Baden as a new member. “Baden is an important spa town with a strong history and a clear vision for the future,” says Riccardo Mortandello, EHTTA President and Mayor of Montegrotto Terme.

    The more than 50EHTTA members in 20 countries now include Baden-Baden and Baden bei Wien, as well as Budapest, Karlsbad, Spa, Vichy and Viterbo.

  • Industrial company once again ranks among the most sustainable worldwide

    Industrial company once again ranks among the most sustainable worldwide

    KONE has made it onto the A list in the sustainability ratings for companies just published by CDP, known as the CDP Scores 2025. This list comprises the top 4 per cent of the more than 22,100 companies from around the world that were assessed. The ratings range from D to A and show how ambitious and effective companies are in terms of climate, water security and forests.

    According to a press release, the lift manufacturer has been disclosing its data via CDP since 2009 and has now achieved a CDP rating of A or A- for the 13th consecutive time. At the end of January, KONE was ranked 54th in this year’s Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list by Corporate Knights, placing it second among engineering companies.

    “This recognition reflects our systematic efforts to integrate sustainability into everything we do – from our products and services to our operations and partnerships,” said Kirsi Simola-Laaksonen. He is KONE’s Senior Vice President and responsible for sustainability and the environment.

    He goes on to explain that the proportion of renewable drives in KONE lifts will have increased significantly by 2025. This has improved the energy efficiency of the products and reduced both the company’s own CO2 emissions and those of its customers. As over 99 per cent of emissions come from the product and value chain, the company is “actively working with suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce emissions from the materials used in our products”.

    KONE has been headquartered in Espoo, Finland, since 1910. KONE (Switzerland) AG has been operating in Switzerland since 1996. The company employs over 60,000 people in more than 70 countries.

  • Parahotellerie drives overnight stays in Spiez to new record high

    Parahotellerie drives overnight stays in Spiez to new record high

    Tourism in Spiez reached a new record in 2025 with 198,000 overnight stays. However, according to a statement by Spiez Marketing AG (SMAG), this is solely attributable to growth in the non-hotel sector. This sector increased its overnight stays by 35 per cent to 63,000. At the same time, overnight stays in hotels fell by 2.5 per cent to 135,000.

    More than half of the overnight stays were attributable to visitors from Switzerland. China followed with a share of 9 per cent, Germany with 7 per cent and the USA with 5 per cent. Visitors from Switzerland accounted for 15 per cent of the non-hotel sector, followed by China with 11 per cent, the USA with 10 per cent and Germany with 9 per cent.

    The increase in overnight stays brings with it challenges. Last spring, the municipal council commissioned the local location promoter SMAG to set up a working group. Representatives from politics, the population, the hotel industry and para-hotels, as well as retailers and other tourism professionals, were tasked with identifying these challenges and finding solutions. The resulting 2026 action plan is now to be implemented.

    “It is not our goal to chase overnight stay records,” said Stefan Seger, managing director of Spiez Marketing AG, in the press release. The promotion of tourism should not be at the expense of residents. “We are committed to tourism that is as sustainable as possible.”

  • New platform provides early information on building applications

    New platform provides early information on building applications

    With Baugesuche Pro, Zurich-based Houzy AG has developed a “Switzerland-wide construction alert for your own neighbourhood,” as it describes the service in a press release. Owners, tenants or prospective buyers can use it to get an overview of building applications in their neighbourhood, which previously required studying official gazettes or municipal websites.

    “Transparency about the immediate environment is the basis for smart real estate decisions,” Houzy’s COO and CMO Nicolas Steiner is quoted as saying in the press release. “With Baugesuche Pro, we now offer everyone – from long-time homeowners to tenants planning to buy a flat – a tool to better understand the dynamics in their own neighbourhood without tedious research.”

    Users can register with Houzy and enter the location of their property or their desired neighbourhood. They will then receive a notification for every new building application within a relevant radius.

  • New process brings decorative high-performance wood into series production

    New process brings decorative high-performance wood into series production

    The Koster AG Holzwelten joinery, a family business based in Gossau, has developed what is known as marble wood in collaboration with Empa. Marble wood is characterised by a pattern of fine black lines caused by a fungus. This unique wood, once a rare chance find, is now produced in an annexe of the carpentry workshop using stainless steel containers, laboratories and climate and vacuum chambers. According to a press release, the product is now being marketed under the name Myrai.

    As part of a joint Innosuisse project, the carpentry workshop and Empa developed a standardised, scalable process for the targeted production of marbled wood. In a vacuum chamber, boards made from native hardwoods such as maple, beech or ash are brought to the correct moisture content, sterilised and inoculated with the fungus. They then spend several weeks in a climate chamber to allow the fungus to grow and the resulting patterns to develop. Finally, the wood is dried in a technical process and the fungus dies.

    “The special thing about this fungus is that it does not break down the highly lignified areas of the cell wall, so the wood retains a high degree of bending stiffness,” says Empa researcher and fungus expert Francis Schwarze, who works for the Cellulose & Wood Materials Laboratory in St. Gallen, quoted in the press release.

    The resulting marbled wood is particularly suitable for decorative applications such as furniture, interior design and musical instruments. As part of the project, the carpentry workshop has developed expertise in controlling and refining the appearance of the wood. Jakob Koster, former CEO of Koster AG Holzwelten, will now focus on the sale and further innovation of marbled wood. According to Koster, demand is already high. The carpentry workshop and Empa also already have new ideas for further collaboration.

  • Both Basel cantons want to support the ramp-up of hydrogen

    Both Basel cantons want to support the ramp-up of hydrogen

    The cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft have presented their first joint hydrogen strategy. It aims to build on the region’s role as Switzerland’s energy hub and support the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. According to a statement on the strategy, the region is well positioned to do so thanks to its trimodal transport infrastructure, the Rhine ports and large tank farms.

    The region intends to rely exclusively on hydrogen produced from renewable energies. This is mainly needed where high energy densities are required. The two cantons commissioned a study by the Zurich-based planning office EBP Switzerland to determine demand. According to the study, hydrogen demand in industry, heavy goods transport and shipping could account for between 0.4 and 3.4 per cent of the energy demand of both cantons in 2025.

    The regional infrastructure for green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as methanol, is to cover all stages of the value chain, from production to use. The strategy focuses on both hydrogen clusters and energy hubs in order to create industrial ecosystems.

    Economically, the production of green hydrogen makes sense above all in close proximity to the production of renewable energies. The municipal utility company IWB and Fritz Meyer AG are currently planning Switzerland’s largest electrolyser in the port of Birsfelden. It will have a capacity of 15 megawatts and will draw its electricity from the Birsfelden run-of-river power plant.  The hydrogen could be consumed by industry in the immediate vicinity. IWB also wants to offer the planned cluster to projects in Germany and France. However, the final investment decision has not yet been made. Part of the hydrogen pipeline is already under construction along the Rhine.

  • Positive employee reviews earn Top Company award

    Positive employee reviews earn Top Company award

    The ERNE Group has been named a Top Company three times by the German employer portal kununu. According to a press release, the awards went to ERNE AG Bauunternehmung and ERNE AG Holzbau from Laufenburg, as well as HUSNER AG Holzbau from Frick. The employer seal is awarded to companies that receive consistently positive ratings from their employees. According to the press release, this confirms the ERNE Group’s appreciative and development-oriented corporate culture.

    Kununu assesses employers in German-speaking countries based on independent employee reviews. Satisfaction, trust and continuity within the company are evaluated using clearly defined criteria. Overall, around 5 per cent of the companies assessed qualify for the kununu employer seal.

    “This award is only possible thanks to our employees. Their open feedback, daily commitment and active solidarity are what make ERNE the employer it is,” says the ERNE Group’s announcement. “Whether in everyday work or at joint events, team events and the ERNE Fäscht, our culture of togetherness is a central part of our identity.”

    The award also confirms the Group’s commitment to balancing tradition and innovation and working together to overcome challenges with creative solutions.

  • How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    Basel-Landschaft is building for the future. Former industrial sites are being transformed into innovative campuses, flexible business parks and urban neighbourhoods. The Dreispitz combines art, education and high-tech on the cantonal border and creates space for 4,000 jobs, research and sustainable architecture at the highest level. Uptown Basel in Arlesheim is positioning itself as a hotspot for Industry 4.0 and MedTech with quantum computing pioneers and ecological lighthouse character. New districts in Muttenz, BusinessCity and AM SCHÄNZLI combine living and working spaces, green open spaces and climate-friendly mobility, further raising the location’s profile as a centre of knowledge and innovation.

    In Pratteln, modern urban living spaces are being created with Bredella, the Campus der Wirtschaft and Zentrale Pratteln, which focus on sustainable development, smart infrastructure and flexible utilisation concepts. In Allschwil, Bachgraben is developing into a leading life sciences location with the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, where biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies are driving forward cutting-edge research and high-tech innovations. The Laufen Industrial Park and Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil create impetus for regional production, craftsmanship and community, focussing on the circular economy and CO² reduction. GETEC PARK is a growth driver for chemistry and life sciences, driven by decarbonisation and ESG standards.

    Basel-Land demonstrates how diversity, sustainability and innovation are driving transformation.

    Dreispitz
    Dreispitz in Münchenstein (Basel-Landschaft) is one of the most diverse areas in the Basel region. Art, education and business come together here. Over 380 companies and around 4,000 jobs characterise the Dreispitz business park, flanked by universities such as the FHNW and creative clusters. The intercantonal area offers space for innovative companies, start-ups, culture and modern educational institutions. A vital future location for the entire region.
    www.dreispitz.ch

    uptownBasel
    uptownBasel is building the future. A state-of-the-art innovation campus for the jobs of the coming decades has been under construction since 2019. The world-famous dental implant manufacturer Straumann is relocating a total of 1,000 jobs to the future-oriented development site by 2028. Arlesheim will thus become the most important hotspot for medical technology in Switzerland. The campus, which is being realised at a rapid pace by the Staehelin family and Fankhauser Arealentwicklungen, is characterised by several buildings already under construction with sustainable architecture at the highest level. The Roofdeck has now attracted worldwide attention and, together with the seminar and event rooms, serves to make the site a state-of-the-art centrepiece for the industrial location of Baselland.
    uptownbasel.ch

    Laufen Industrial Park
    The Laufen Industrial Park is located on the former Keramik Laufen AG tile factory on the south-eastern edge of the city and has been owned by the Abendrot Foundation since 2017. Following the major fire in 2020, which destroyed around 80% of the substance, the industrial site will be rebuilt as a single-storey timber system building from 2025 to 2027. The aim is to provide modern, affordable accommodation for small regional businesses, tradespeople and creative professionals, with flexible rental space and customised expansion options. A network of commercial lanes ensures good access and lighting and promotes networking between users. Densification and multi-storey extensions are possible in order to respond flexibly to regional demand. The focus is on sustainability. Re-use of building components, wood instead of concrete and renewable energy characterise the concept. An area association is intended to strengthen cohesion. Overall, a regionally relevant, versatile and sustainable commercial centre is being created.
    www.abendrot.ch

    AM SCHÄNZLI
    The new AM SCHÄNZLI neighbourhood in Muttenz marks an urban reinterpretation of living, working and leisure at the gateway to Basel. Three high-rise buildings with 385 flats and 14,000 m² of commercial space will be built on the 74,000 m² “Hagnau Ost” site by 2029. A central square and intensive greening will lend urban density and quality of life directly on the Birs recreational area. The focus is on resource-conserving construction, energy efficiency (SNBS Gold), photovoltaics and optimised mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. AM SCHÄNZLI stands for modern site development and sustainable integration of city and nature.
    am-schaenzli.ch

    BaseLink site
    The Bachgraben site in Allschwil has developed into Basel’s innovation engine. The site combines international life science companies, cutting-edge research and sustainable urban development. Projects such as the BaseLink site and new public transport and cycling initiatives are creating attractive workplaces and an urban environment. Close cooperation between the canton, the municipality and the business community is creating momentum and making the area a showcase project in the tri-national region.
    sip-baselarea.com/maincampus/

    Campus of the economy
    The new Campus der Wirtschaft is located directly next to the railway station in Pratteln and is developing into one of the most important event and work locations in the Basel region. By 2028, the H² building will be a state-of-the-art centrepiece. Six storeys will offer over 10,000 m² of flexible laboratory, event and office space, supplemented by a congress hall for up to 1,900 people and a total of more than 6,000 m² of event space. The campus is aimed at companies from industry, research and services, with sustainable architecture, optimal accessibility, infrastructure from a single source and synergies with the Bredella neighbourhood. The development strengthens the region’s competitiveness and positions Pratteln as an international centre for innovation, exchange and major events.
    h2-pratteln.ch

    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ
    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ is the leading industrial cluster in north-west Switzerland for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. State-of-the-art infrastructure, safe laboratory and logistics areas as well as sustainable energy and resource concepts are concentrated on 50 hectares. The park, created from Infrapark Baselland and Schweizerhalle, is home to global corporations and numerous SMEs. Innovative solutions such as Waste2Value and ESG-based processes make GETEC the growth engine of the industry.
    www.getec.swiss

    Pratteln headquarters
    The Zentrale Pratteln project is transforming the former Coop site north of the railway station into a lively, environmentally and socially oriented neighbourhood. By 2026, around 480 cooperative flats for 1,200 people will be built, supplemented by a new school, around 15,000 m² of commercial space and a variety of open spaces. Construction and planning consistently focus on preserving existing buildings, reusing building components and sustainable energy supply. Historic industrial buildings such as the sugar silo will be retained. The cooperation between six property developers and the innovative utilisation concept make Zentrale Pratteln a showcase project for non-profit and sustainable neighbourhood development in the Basel region.
    centralpratteln.ch

    Bredella in Pratteln
    Bredella in Pratteln stands for the large-scale transformation of a central industrial site into an innovative urban neighbourhood. In the immediate vicinity of the railway station, 87,000 m² of diverse living, working and leisure facilities are being created, interspersed with green squares and renovated industrial buildings. The masterplan and neighbourhood plans focus on gradual development, sustainable mobility and a high quality of stay. With perimeter blocks, high-rise buildings, commercial and studio spaces, car-free areas and lively ground floors, a model for urban living in the Basel region is being created. Bredella boldly combines modernity, history and sustainable development.
    bredella.ch

    Brickworks East
    Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil is undergoing a comprehensive transformation into a lively, mixed neighbourhood. Historic buildings are being carefully preserved and combined with new uses for living, working and recreation. Large green areas, diverse public spaces and a finely meshed network of paths connecting three central squares – Kulturplatz, Quartierplatz and Lettenwiese – are characteristic of the area. The industrial tradition remains tangible through the preservation of the brickworks and their integration into modern structures. The project emphasises circularity, the reuse of building components and flexible new buildings in order to ensure climate protection, sustainability and a high quality of life.
    www.ziegelei-ost.ch


  • Renovating bridges with “smart” steel

    Renovating bridges with “smart” steel

    Many reinforced concrete bridges were designed for traffic loads and vehicle weights that are outdated from today’s perspective. At the same time, chlorides, water and frost have been causing problems for the structures for decades. Traditional refurbishments reach their limits where components are already severely cracked or permanently deformed.

    This is where the new Empa system comes in. It combines a proven method, the additional layer of ultra-high-strength, fibre-reinforced concrete, with an active reinforcing element that specifically builds up internal prestressing forces. The aim is not only to increase load-bearing capacity, but also to literally rebuild damaged bridge slabs.

    UHPFRC meets shape memory steel
    Bridges are already being retrofitted with a thin layer of ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete, which is applied directly to the deck slab. The high-performance concrete is very dense, resists water and de-icing salts and can be easily reinforced. A robust “protective armour” with structural added value.

    The Empa team led by Angela Sequeira Lemos and Christoph Czaderski is now replacing the conventional steel reinforcement in this layer with bars made of iron-based shape memory steel. After installation, the bars are heated to around 200 degrees Celsius and attempt to contract, but are prevented from doing so by the concrete. The result is an internal prestress that closes cracks, reduces deformations and permanently puts the slab in a more favourable state of tension.

    Cracks close visibly
    In a first step, the team investigated the bonding effect between UHPFRC and shape memory steel. How well does the bond remain after heating? How reliably can forces be transferred? This was followed by large-scale tests with five concrete slabs, each five metres long, which simulated self-supporting bridge decks.

    One slab remained unreinforced, the others were given a UHPFRC layer, either with conventional reinforcement or with Fe-SMA bars. In order to simulate realistic conditions, the slabs were initially loaded until cracking occurred and only then reinforced. After heating the Fe-SMA bars, existing cracks visibly closed and sagging areas lifted up again. Significant improvements in deformation were already evident during this activation phase.

    Stiffer, stronger, longer-lasting
    The tests were accompanied by a dense measurement concept. Digital cameras observed the crack patterns, while fibre-optic sensors inside the panels recorded strains along the rods. Similar to fibre optic cables in telecommunications, except that here the backscattered light is used to measure deformation.

    Both the conventional reinforcement with UHPFRC and the new system with shape memory steel were able to at least double the load-bearing capacity compared to the unreinforced plate. However, under everyday loads, such as normal road traffic, the Fe-SMA variant proved to have a clear advantage. The panel became stiffer, permanent deformations occurred later or disappeared completely and existing cracks could be closed. The system thus acts like a “reactivation” of the existing load-bearing structure.

    Fields of application and next steps
    Both the ultra-high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete and the shape memory steel are still relatively expensive. The system is therefore most economically attractive where other reinforcement methods are no longer sufficient. For example, in heavily deformed, already damaged bridges or, in particular, sensitive structures with limited intervention space.

    The use of the system is not limited to bridges. Applications in building construction are also conceivable, for example in cantilevered balconies, flat roofs or sensitive components where compact reinforcement solutions and a very dense surface are required. The Innosuisse-funded project was developed in collaboration with OST, the Empa spin-off re-fer and cemsuisse. Following the successful trials, the team is now looking for a suitable bridge for the first pilot application. If this step is successful, the “smart” reinforced concrete could develop into an important tool for dealing with the ageing Swiss bridge infrastructure.

  • Gaudí’s hidden chalet in the Pyrenees

    Gaudí’s hidden chalet in the Pyrenees

    Neither original plans nor an official signature by Gaudí exist for the Catllaràs chalet. For decades, the attribution was based primarily on formal similarities to known works. The investigation commissioned in 2023 by the Gaudí Chair of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia therefore opted for a different strategy: geometric and constructive analyses instead of archival finds at the last moment.

    Under the direction of Galdric Santana, the building was measured in three dimensions, its supporting structure analysed in detail and compared with confirmed Gaudí buildings. The team also analysed historical photographs and the building history surrounding the projects for Eusebi Güell. The study concludes that the design was by Gaudí, but that the execution was the responsibility of third parties and deviated from the original concept.

    The logic of the vaults
    The core of the argument is the supporting structure. The chalet has a rectangular floor plan and a pointed vaulted roof that reaches almost to the ground. The roof and façade are structurally one unit; windows are located exclusively in the long walls and look like mansards cut into the vault. The end walls remain closed, statically consistent, formally radical.

    The decisive factor is the central longitudinal axis, which acts as a load-bearing backbone to support the storeys. Santana emphasises that this constructive logic is typical of Gaudí. The vault not only serves as a ceiling, it also supports the levels above it. This is based on working with a chain or cable model. The sagging line of a loaded chain provides the ideal pressure line of an arch. If this model is turned round, the result is a vault shape that is almost completely under pressure, a principle that Gaudí systematically utilised.

    Interventions during construction
    However, the study also shows that the load-bearing structure was altered during construction. Instead of consistently transferring the loads via the vault and the central axis, the builders inserted additional transverse walls. Longitudinal beams took over parts of the load transfer, which weakened the original radical clarity of the system.

    Santana sees this as a possible reason why Gaudí never openly claimed authorship. The “cable car”, working with the ideal chain line, was not consistently implemented in the chalet for the support of the floor slabs. The idea can be seen in the supporting structure, but its consistent application was only partially realised.

    Gaudí and Güell
    The chalet was commissioned by Eusebi Güell, Gaudí’s main patron. He ran a coal mine and the Asland cement factory in the region. The building served as accommodation for engineers and technical specialists and their families. As such, the house does not stand in the context of prestigious city palaces, but rather in the field of tension between industry, infrastructure and the harsh mountain landscape.

    The project coincided with a phase in which Gaudí was working on Park Güell and the Colònia Güell church at the same time. Against this background, it seems plausible that he did not take on the construction management of a remote chalet in the Pyrenees himself. After the mine and factory were shut down, the house was used as a country school for a time and many locals remember it from their childhood. Today it has been restored and is open to the public, and is an identity-forming building block for the municipality of La Pobla.

    Typical of the region and highly rational
    The chalet occupies a special place in Gaudí’s oeuvre. It is significantly smaller than icons such as the Sagrada Família, but it shows central motifs of his thinking. Santana speaks of a large-scale reinterpretation of the Gothic mountain huts of the Pyrenees. Gaudí takes up regional building traditions, but transforms them structurally and geometrically.

    The compact, self-contained form responds to the harsh climate and reduces construction costs. Materials are largely sourced from the surrounding area and the building blends topographically into the slope. The 45-degree distributors in the floor plan, which Gaudí also used in the Torre Bellesguard, are also characteristic. They create flowing spatial transitions and break up rigid orthogonal systems – another element of identification.

    How architectural science examines authorship
    The study of the Catllaràs chalet is not only a contribution to Gaudí research, but also a lesson in methods of architectural attribution. In contrast to painting, buildings rarely have a clear “signature”. Works are remodelled, extended or converted by employees, plans are lost or only exist in fragments. The researchers therefore combined geometric analyses, material investigations and digital 3D models with historical source work. Proportions, curvatures and structural logic were compared with verified Gaudí buildings, while photographs from the time of construction completed the picture. At the presentation, the Minister of Culture emphasised how indispensable such scientific certifications are in order to reliably determine authorship. Catllaràs’ chalet is thus transformed from a local special case into a clearly localised building block in the oeuvre of one of the most important architects of modernism.

  • Tandem modules shift solar boundaries

    Tandem modules shift solar boundaries

    Silicon modules established on the market today achieve an efficiency of around 20 to 24% and are therefore already close to the material-specific limit of 29.4%. This limit is a consequence of the so-called Shockley-Queisser limit, which describes a maximum efficiency of 33.2% under ideal conditions for solar cells with only one semiconductor layer.

    The reason for this lies in the band gap of the material: it determines which wavelengths of light can be converted into electricity. If the band gap is too large, long-wave photons are lost; if it is too small, some of the energy is lost as heat. Silicon does not exactly meet this theoretical optimum, which is why only limited increases in efficiency are possible with conventional silicon technology.

    Tandem principle
    Instead of just one semiconductor layer, several layers with different band gaps are combined. Each of these layers utilises a different part of the solar spectrum, from short to long wavelengths. This allows significantly more of the irradiated energy to be converted into electricity, effectively overcoming the classic single-layer limit.

    Theoretically, efficiency levels of over 60% are possible with tandem cells, depending on the material combination and structure. The technical challenge lies not only in the choice of materials, but also in transforming them into a stable module that works reliably under real conditions.

    In the “Vorfahrt” project, a tandem module was created which, according to Fraunhofer ISE, achieves an efficiency of 34.2%, currently the most efficient solar module in the world. It is based on a triple-stacked III-V semiconductor structure on a germanium substrate, an architecture that was originally developed for space solar cells.

    Project partner Azur Space has adapted its space cells to the terrestrial solar spectrum and scaled them up for module production. The company Temicon is contributing a nanostructure on the glass surface that minimises reflection losses and thus opens up additional efficiency percentage points.

    The second record module comes from the “Mod30plus” project. Here, the researchers combined a III-V semiconductor with the more cost-effective silicon instead of germanium, achieving a module efficiency of 31.3%. The basis is III-V/silicon tandem cells with a cell efficiency of 36.1%, which were manufactured and interconnected for the first time in a small series at the institute.

    III-V/silicon technology is moving away from pure laboratory status and towards industrially scalable processes. Both modules clearly exceed the physical limit of classic silicon modules of 29.4%. A value that was long considered almost impossible to achieve.

    Module values for practical use
    In photovoltaics, a distinction is made between cells and modules. Cells are measured under idealised laboratory conditions, while modules consist of many interconnected cells embedded in glass and frames. Inactive surfaces, conductor paths and reflections cause unavoidable losses.

    Accordingly, module efficiencies are always lower than the cell efficiencies, even in the case of Freiburg’s record-breaking technology. Module values are therefore crucial for real applications, as modules are always installed on roofs, façades or vehicles, never individual cells.

    When every square centimetre counts
    High-performance modules become exciting where space is scarce and expensive. For example, in building-integrated photovoltaics, where modules act as façade or roof elements, or on vehicles. The project partners include Audi, which emphasises the potential for vehicle applications.

    Efficiency for the mass market
    Fraunhofer ISE is also pursuing another tandem route. Perovskite silicon modules, developed jointly with Oxford PV, among others. A full-format module with a surface area of 1.68 m² already achieves 25% efficiency and has been produced on production lines that are also suitable for mass production. This technology is aimed less at absolute records than at broad market penetration with comparatively cheap materials and should be suitable for standard roofs in the future. Research groups, including in Hong Kong, are also reporting perovskite-based cells with efficiencies of up to 40%, which illustrates the dynamism in this segment.

  • From local entrance to networked residential address

    From local entrance to networked residential address

    The Neugut site marks the southern entrance to Rickenbach and is located in the municipality’s core zone. The project proposal by Fischer Architekten and Uniola groups seven new residential buildings around two courtyards, while an existing eighth building is integrated into the neighbourhood. A new building with commercial use on the ground floor will be constructed on the site of the existing restaurant, addressing the entrance to the neighbourhood and the village.

    urban planning classification
    The alignment of the new buildings is based on the existing building and Haus Wiesental on the one hand, and on the almost parallel alignment of the surrounding village buildings on the other. This creates a settlement pattern that takes up the existing structure instead of creating a foreign body.

    A narrow stream separates the residential area from the open field and at the same time forms a clear landscape edge. The large lime tree and the position of the “Wiesental” are retained in the new concept, which strengthens the continuity of the townscape.

    interlocking landscape and settlement
    Two use-intensive courtyards form the inner backbone of the new settlement. Opposite them, green spaces are pushed into the development structure from the west, linking the landscape and settlement areas.

    Thanks to the targeted arrangement of the underground car park, the majority of the green space remains unbuilt. This improves planting, infiltration and the water cycle and is in line with the spatial planning objectives of functionally securing and enhancing green spaces.

    Neighbourhood for pedestrians and bicycles
    Garage access, deliveries and above-ground visitor parking spaces are bundled together at the southern edge of the perimeter. There, the neighbourhood opens up to the street space with a square in front of Haus Wiesental, marking the transition from traffic to the residential-oriented inner area.

    The interior of the area is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The project thus sends a clear signal in favour of the quality of life within the neighbourhood and a traffic-calmed residential environment.

    Timber construction and expression
    With the exception of the basement floors and stairwells, the buildings are designed as timber structures. The façade consists of an insulated timber frame construction with rear-ventilated timber cladding, thus combining energy efficiency with reduced CO₂ emissions.

    vertical double supports structure the façades primarily in terms of height, but vary depending on the building type. In this way, the material appearance remains harmonious, while the structure subtly refers to the internal spatial system and gives the ensemble a lively character.

    from study commission to design plan
    The project was preceded by a study commission with five invited teams, from which Fischer Architekten and Uniola emerged as the winners. The jury particularly recognised that the proposal “naturally” fits into the existing development structure and strengthens the character of the entrance to the town.

    The next stage is the private design plan, which is expected to become legally binding in 2027. Only then will the specific construction project be developed – with the aim of transforming the Neugut site from a specialised use with equestrian facilities to a finely networked residential quarter with a clear address at the entrance to the village.

  • Railway station north Regensdorf

    Railway station north Regensdorf

    The “Baufeld N O” development comprises ten buildings with a total of around 283 rental flats and two inner courtyards. Four- and five-room flats are also planned, which are particularly attractive for families.

    The utilisation concept envisages a strong mix. The development will include a daycare centre and a kindergarten, a restaurant, a grocery shop and other shops and services. Two buildings are planned as purely commercial buildings, while the remaining eight will contain flats from the first to the seventh floor. An underground car park with 289 parking spaces and over 1000 bicycle parking spaces will provide underground access.

    Location and access
    The project is located between the SBB railway line and the Wehntalerstrasse cantonal road and replaces older commercial buildings on the edge of the municipality. This will continue the transformation of the former commercial area near Regensdorf railway station into a dense residential neighbourhood along the transport axis. The first high-rise building, currently the tallest wooden high-rise in Switzerland, and another residential tower have already been realised or are under construction in the immediate vicinity.

    Plots N and O are located on the edge of the settlement in front of the forest and Katzensee area, which emphasises the project’s role as a hinge between densification and landscape. A new road (Spange Althardstrasse) will run along the railway line to the cantonal road, bundling the traffic from the new buildings and routing it into the higher-level network. Plazza has already demolished a commercial building on the railway line for this purpose, and initial preparatory work is underway.

    Architecture and expression
    The design of the development builds on the industrial past of the site. The seven-storey residential buildings will have façades with ceramic and metal panels. Light-coloured profiled sheet metal façades are planned towards Kantonsstrasse, with darker ceramic façades in the inner courtyards, structured by light-coloured window frames and balcony balustrades.

    Two inner courtyards structure the dense development and offer sheltered outdoor spaces in an environment characterised by infrastructure. According to Plazza, visualisations of the various building types are currently being revised and will be published at a later date.

    Project status, costs and rental potential
    The design plan has been legally binding since August 2025 and the construction project is available. Plazza assumes that construction work will begin in 2026 and, according to the planning application, will last until spring 2029.

    According to Plazza, the investment volume is between CHF 220 and 240 million and the annual rental potential is likely to exceed around CHF 9 million. This makes the Bahnhof Nord project one of the most important development components in the company’s portfolio and one of the key growth projects on the outskirts of Zurich.

  • Digitalization in the DNA

    Digitalization in the DNA

    The DNA of SMG Real Estate has been summarized in one word since day 1 and with ImmoScout24 and Homegate for over two decades: Digitalization. With targeted investments in AI innovations, marketing and cybersecurity, SMG Real Estate is continuously developing its platforms and offering real estate professionals future-proof products and services for a digital competitive edge in the market.

    Achieving unprecedented efficiency with AI
    Artificial intelligence acts as a booster when it comes to making real estate agents and managers not only more efficient but also more successful in the long term. It accelerates the development of innovative products that create real added value for real estate professionals and free up valuable time – time for personal advice and support for their customers. A concrete example: thanks to the AI-based creation of advertisement texts in Business Manager, real estate professionals at SMG Real Estate save an average of 14 minutes per advertisement.

    Maximum reach thanks to full marketing power
    Visibility is and remains a decisive factor in real estate marketing. With dedicated marketing activities, SMG Real Estate invests specifically in addressing its platform brands, including ImmoScout24 and Homegate, to reach a wide target group. The aim is to lead the most relevant interested parties directly to the listings, strengthen the market opportunities of business customers and position the two brands as the top real estate platforms in Switzerland in the long term. Attention-grabbing content combined with target group-specific social media campaigns raise awareness among property seekers and set the course for real estate properties to be in the right place at the right time.

    Reliability and security as the basis for customer success
    With hundreds of thousands of visitors to SMG Real Estate’s platforms every day, reliability is a basic requirement. Accordingly, a team of over 100 tech specialists ensures that the required systems function efficiently and with the latest technology at all times. The same applies to cybersecurity: thanks to state-of-the-art protection mechanisms, two-factor authentication and integrated access control, data is even better protected. This allows real estate professionals to focus fully on their marketing. In summary, these and other extensive investments by SMG Real Estate are not only pursuing an optimal price-performance ratio, but also a competitive advantage for their customers in the highly competitive real estate market thanks to noticeable innovation and performance. Because only those who can sustainably position themselves in the market and stand out will have the best possible marketing opportunities.

    You can find more information here

  • Clean waste disposal systems as a success factor in property management

    Clean waste disposal systems as a success factor in property management

    Functioning waste disposal systems are a central component of modern properties. Underfloor and waste containers must not only be emptied, but also professionally cleaned on a regular basis to ensure hygiene, operational safety and value retention. The requirements for odour management, cleanliness and documented service processes are growing, especially in densely used residential and mixed-use areas.

    For property managers and owners, this means that container cleaning must increasingly be seen as an integral part of site management. Today, modern processes with closed water cycles and standardised procedures enable efficient and sustainable implementation.

    Practical example from Ascona

    A recent CleanTech Day in Ascona showed how professional container cleaning works in practice. Representatives from local authorities and facility management took the opportunity to watch live cleanings and exchange ideas directly with experts. The positive response confirms the growing importance of structured container maintenance in property operations.

  • AI monitoring brings new precision to infrastructure planning

    AI monitoring brings new precision to infrastructure planning

    Innovation Zurich has published the latest report from its AI Innovation Sandbox. Under the title “Sensor-based bridge monitoring – data collection and predictions for infrastructure maintenance”, Innovation Zurich, a joint initiative of the Canton of Zurich Economic Development Agency, Greater Zurich Area and Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, investigated what data-based monitoring can achieve in terms of risk assessment and modernisation strategies for infrastructure structures. Data-based monitoring approaches are not yet an integral part of established standard-based condition assessment, which is usually extremely conservative, according to the report.

    In a pilot project, Swiss South-Eastern Railwayfrom St. Gallen and irmos technologies AG, based in Technopark Zurich, examined the Reidholz Bridge on the Wädenswil-Einsiedeln line as an example. It was built in 1910 and rebuilt in 1953. The railway company wanted to clarify whether extending its use from ten to 20 years would be technically possible and economically viable. It also examined whether the methodology could be transferred to comparable bridges in its portfolio.

    Using easy-to-install sensors from irmos technologies, which are specially tailored to the requirements of bridge monitoring, the research partners collected data from real-world operations during a test phase lasting several months. Cameras were also used to document train types, speeds and compositions and to validate the modelled traffic loads.

    The results show that even short measurement periods enable robust statements to be made about fatigue and stiffness, facilitating the trade-off between extending the service life and replacing the structure. This is because “based on sensor data, the system supports infrastructure operators in identifying risks at an early stage and planning maintenance measures in a targeted manner,” summarises irmos founder and CEO Dr Panagiotis Martakis.

    The report concludes that it is crucial that data collection is not an end in itself and that data-based methods solve a specific operational problem, such as the question: How long will the bridge actually last compared to standard-based estimates? The method delivers the greatest added value when it goes beyond individual cases: monitoring entire bridge portfolios enables comparisons, prioritisation and long-term investment strategies. To achieve this, infrastructure operators need to build up their expertise.

  • Areas in Basel-Stadt as the engine of the future

    Areas in Basel-Stadt as the engine of the future

    Basel-Stadt is a prime example of the sustainable transformation of European industrial regions. A new urban culture is growing on what were once closed production sites, combining density, diversity and participation. Areas such as VoltaNord are creating affordable living space and promoting social diversity. Klybeckplus and Klybeckquai are opening up the Rhine area for living, education and leisure. A milestone for urban networking by 2037.

    The cityscape is also changing on the outskirts. The Dreispitz-Nord area combines commerce with urban living, while the Wolf area and Walkeweg are giving rise to new forms of energy-efficient, neighbourly neighbourhoods. In the north, Vordere St. Johann is developing into the region’s centre of knowledge and health with its campus, university and hospital. Projects such as Westfeld are creating places of coexistence that combine building culture, sustainability and social innovation.

    Basel is thus becoming a laboratory for the urban future – characterised by cooperation, down-to-earthness and foresight.

    Rosental Mitte
    Rosental Mitte is developing from a closed industrial area into a permeable, diverse business location. In addition to workspaces, the canton of Basel-Stadt is gradually creating new spaces for living and leisure. Existing structures are being respectfully rebuilt, with historical elements retained as anchors of identity. Public paths and green spaces connect the neighbourhoods, promoting interaction and mobility. One third of the apartments are being built in the affordable segment. Rosental Mitte stands for forward-looking urban development and sustainable urban quality of life.
    rosentalmitte.ch

    VoltaNord
    VoltaNord is a lively district for around 1,500 to 2,000 residents and up to 2,500 jobs being built on the former Lysbüchel site in the north of Basel. Two-thirds of the new flats are affordable and promote social diversity. The development combines dense working and living with added value for the St. Johann district. A new primary school and attractive open spaces make the site a future-oriented place to live, learn and work.
    voltanord.ch

    klybeckplus
    The former industrial site in the north of Basel is being transformed into a mixed-use urban quarter between the Rhine and Wiese rivers. Around 300,000 square metres of space for living and working is being created for up to 15,000 people. Owners Rhystadt AG and Swiss Life AG are developing the site in collaboration with the canton of Basel-Stadt. The 2022 urban development model forms the basis for this. New tram lines, roads, parks and school locations are creating a network of future-oriented neighbourhoods with an urban character.
    klybeckplus.ch

    Klybeckquai & Westquai
    Klybeckquai and Westquai are being transformed from industrial port areas into lively urban landscapes on the Rhine. The relocation of the port railway is creating space for new uses and opening up the urban landscape towards the water. A mixed-use residential neighbourhood with schools, daycare centres and green courtyards is growing on Klybeckquai. After 2029, Westquai is set to become a diverse location for work, culture, leisure and nature. Both areas are developing into sustainable, future-proof neighbourhoods in line with the Net Zero 2037 initiative.
    klybeck-kleinhüningen.ch

    Dreispitz North
    The Dreispitz Nord area on the eastern edge of Gundeldingen is undergoing change: where the MParc shopping centre, the OBI DIY and garden centre and other commercial enterprises still dominate today, a new, diverse district is emerging. The Christoph Merian Foundation and the Migros Basel cooperative are jointly shaping the future of the area. The urban development concept by Herzog & de Meuron enables the development of residential space and attractive green and open spaces, and promotes a mixed-use, forward-looking neighbourhood with a lively character.
    dreispitznord.ch

    Walkeweg site
    The six-hectare Walkeweg site in the south of Basel is being developed into a lively, family-friendly residential neighbourhood. Up to 650 people will be able to live here affordably and energy-efficiently. The canton and SBB are working with building cooperatives to create a diverse range of affordable and compact apartments. A new primary school, spacious natural areas, communal courtyards and a green neighbourhood square and park create space for social interaction and sustainable quality of life. The development follows the principle of “low cost – low energy”.
    areal-walkeweg.ch

    Wolf site
    The Wolf site is being transformed from a freight station into an urban district with a variety of uses. Around 550 flats are being built in the west, a third of which are affordable, while the east will feature office, logistics and commercial space as well as public facilities. Historic buildings are being preserved and integrated into the new courtyard structure, which places particular emphasis on noise and space concepts. SBB is developing and investing here as the owner, creating socially diverse and sustainable living spaces on around ten hectares in the heart of Basel.
    wolf-basel.ch

    Vorderes St. Johann
    Vorderes St. Johann in the north of Basel is developing into an important location for research, education and health. Over the next few years, new buildings for clinics, universities, libraries and private research institutes will be constructed around the Schällemätteli campus and the university hospital. The canton is also pushing ahead with the development of new tram lines and transport projects. A total of 16 construction and infrastructure projects are being implemented, supported by both private and public actors, which will secure the future of the district as a centre of knowledge and health.
    vorderes-stjohann.ch

    University Hospital Basel: Health Campus
    With its Health Campus, the University Hospital Basel is pursuing a comprehensive development plan to ensure competitiveness and cope with increasing pressure on usage. New buildings such as Clinic 2 by Giuliani Hönger and Clinic 3 by Herzog & de Meuron offer flexible use, modern processes and urban quality. A new development plan regulates the development of the entire site, including green spaces and listed buildings. The construction projects are expected to be completed by 2039 and will strengthen Basel’s position as a healthcare location in the long term.
    unispital-basel.ch

    Westfeld
    On the former Felix Platter Hospital site in the Iselin district, Westfeld is creating a diverse urban quarter with 525 new apartments, converted existing buildings and space for commercial and social services. The wohnen&mehr cooperative is committed to sustainable construction and promotes new living models and community spirit through a neighbourhood garden, Westfeldplatz square and local services. The second construction phase will bring further apartments, commercial space and a bicycle pavilion. Westfeld is creating new meeting places and enriching the neighbourhood in a sustainable way.
    wohnen-mehr.ch



  • Defect rights and builders’ liens – important changes

    Defect rights and builders’ liens – important changes

    Kohler Law is a new boutique law firm specialising in construction and real estate law, constitutional and administrative law, and contract law. With over 15 years of experience in law firms in Zurich and Aargau, I advise and represent private individuals, companies and public institutions. As a sole practitioner, I guarantee a direct point of contact, high availability and advice tailored to your needs. My priority is to find efficient, practical and sustainable solutions.

    Sales contract law
    For movable items that are intended to be integrated into an immovable structure (e.g. building materials), there is now a complaint period of at least 60 days for obvious and hidden defects. The limitation period for defect rights remains five years, although a reduction in the period is still permissible.

    When purchasing land with new buildings that are yet to be constructed or are no more than two years old, buyers are now entitled to a mandatory right of rectification free of charge for the first time. In addition, obvious and hidden defects can now also be reported within at least 60 days of discovery. The rights relating to defects for all types of land purchases expire five years after transfer of ownership, and this period may not be shortened.

    Contract law
    In the future, a 60-day complaint period will apply to obvious and hidden defects in immovable works. This also includes defects in movable works that have been integrated into an immovable work, or defects in works by architects/engineers that form the basis for the creation of an immovable work. Another new feature is a mandatory right to free rectification; contractual exclusions or limitations, such as maximum amounts, are invalid. The five-year limitation period cannot be shortened at the expense of the customer; it begins with the acceptance of the work.

    Building contractor’s lien
    The lien secures payment of outstanding claims for remuneration for work performed by contractors. For owners, this can limit creditworthiness or mean a risk of double payment. The new rule is that security covering the principal claim and default interest for ten years prevents the registration of the lien. This introduces a clear, practical regulation that solves previous problems with unlimited interest guarantees.

    Entry into force and transitional law
    The changes will apply from 1 January 2026. Purchase and works contracts concluded before this date will continue to be subject to the old law; claims for rectification for new buildings completed before 2026 will only exist if contractually agreed. However, mandatory limitation periods and the new security rule in the building contractor’s lien apply regardless of the contract date.

    Recommendations
    It is definitely advisable to adapt all contract templates to the new law. When selling properties that are yet to be built, the purchase and works contracts should be aligned with each other in order to avoid contradictions between the liability under the purchase contract and the works contract. This applies in particular to works contracts concluded in 2025 if the property is not sold until 2026. Particular attention should be paid to SIA Standard 118, as this – unlike the statutory provisions – contains a prior right of rectification for the contractor.

  • Operational recovery shows effect in industrial environment

    Operational recovery shows effect in industrial environment

    According to a statement, the Schindler Group achieved sales of CHF 10.947 billion in the 2025 financial year, a decline of 2.6 per cent compared to the previous year. In local currencies, however, growth of 1.3 per cent was recorded. Order intake amounted to CHF 11.313 billion (-0.9 per cent, 3.1 per cent in local currencies). Adjusted operating profit in local currencies even rose by 12.3 per cent. Schindler generated a net profit of CHF 1.073 billion, an increase of 6.2 per cent.

    “2025 marks the final year of our operational recovery,” said Schindler CEO Paolo Compagna. “Four years after facing particular challenges in 2022, I am pleased to say that we have emerged from this phase as a stronger and more resilient company.”

    For the current year, Schindler expects “revenue growth in the low to mid-single-digit percentage range in local currencies.” The EBIT margin target is 13 per cent (2025: 12.6 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin 13.3 per cent). “Our priority for 2026 is to grow in a targeted manner and maintain our focus on further improving operating margins,” says Compagna.

  • Digitalisation drives strategic expansion

    Digitalisation drives strategic expansion

    According to a press release, pom Consulting AG is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The company was founded by Peter Staub and Professor Hansruedi Schalcher as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. It was based on a research project on the integration of tasks, data and processes in the construction industry.

    The consulting firm now offers its services in real estate, infrastructure and construction not only in Zurich, but also in Basel, Bern, Lausanne and St. Gallen, as well as in Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne. It employs over 130 people, has advised over 800 clients and carried out around 8,000 projects.

    According to a press release, pom is now entering its “next strategic growth phase”. It intends to focus on the further development of its digital services, the automation of customer processes and the targeted expansion of its team.

    In doing so, it can rely on the Zurich-based investment company White Peaks Capital, which became an investor in the summer of 2025. The family-owned investor, which specialises in SMEs, is the ideal partner, Peter Staub, founder and chairman of pom, explained in a press release at the time. “This partnership gives us the basis to accelerate our growth in a sustainable manner while remaining true to our roots.”

  • Digital assistant makes everyday rental life easier

    Digital assistant makes everyday rental life easier

    Zurich-based LIVIT AG has launched a chatbot supported by artificial intelligence (AI). According to a press release, the chatbot, called Livio, is designed to guide tenants digitally through a catalogue of essential questions about renting and living. The real estate service provider, a subsidiary of Swiss Life, wants to expand its digital offerings with this innovation.

    The chatbot draws exclusively on verified content from the LIVIT website, which is constantly updated and expanded by an in-house team of experts from the fields of property management, communication and digital business. Livio is currently in a beta phase.

    “Livio enables us to assist tenants in a straightforward manner. Recurring enquiries are answered automatically, while employees can focus more on individual concerns,” said David Rivière, Head of Management at LIVIT AG, in the press release. Livit is collaborating with the Zurich-based AI company Typewise on the technical implementation of the chatbot.