immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Planning / Development

  • Schlieren and Zurich cooperate on the expansion of Schlieren North-East

    Schlieren and Zurich cooperate on the expansion of Schlieren North-East

    The cities of Schlieren and Zurich have agreed in a letter of intent to jointly plan and develop Schlieren Nordost. According to a statement issued by the city administration, the agreement specifically concerns a 324,000 square metre area within the overall site. This area is located in Schlieren and belongs to the city of Zurich.

    The aim of the contracting parties is to establish a “binding mission statement by 2030”. This will set out strategic goals and framework conditions for the future urban development and use of the area.

    The area is of considerable benefit to both cities. For Zurich, it is “an important land reserve”, while for Schlieren it plays a role in future urban planning. The cooperation is therefore “a basis for further planning steps and decisions” for both cities.

    Zurich wants to use the cooperation to clarify the future approach to its site “at an early stage and on a solid planning basis”. Various building rights will expire there between 2043 and 2050.

    Schlieren has been working on the further development of several large sites for a number of years. “The north-east remains the largest contiguous development area in the municipality,” it says.

  • Housing promotion at federal level

    Housing promotion at federal level

    The federal government’s housing subsidy programme is about to be extended. A majority of the National Council’s Economic Affairs Committee supports the Federal Council’s plans to continue subsidising the Fonds de Roulement in favour of non-profit housing construction from 2030. As well as renewing the commitment credit for contingent liabilities in housing promotion for the years 2027 to 2033. Low-interest, repayable loans are used to support cooperatives and other non-profit organisations in the construction, renovation and acquisition of affordable housing.

    The majority of the Commission sees this as a proven, targeted lever against the tight situation on many housing markets, both in cities and in tourist regions. However, more far-reaching demands for a more substantial increase in the Fonds de Roulement or an increase in the commitment credit failed due to tight federal finances. A minority of the committee does not even want to discuss the proposals and points to the high level of immigration as the main cause of the housing shortage. In their view, the housing issue should be solved via migration policy rather than additional subsidies.

    The situation is much more complicated with the planned cost-rent model in the Housing Promotion Act. The Federal Council wants to introduce a simplified, legally clearly supported cost rent model for indirectly subsidised non-profit housing that consistently aligns rents with the actual financing and operating costs and strengthens state rent control. However, the Commission did not specify how this model should work in detail. In particular, which calculation methods, flat rates and room for manoeuvre should apply to the providers. As the Federal Council would like to regulate the structure at ordinance level, the Commission is calling for more clarity before making a delegation decision. Following consultations with industry associations, cantons and experts, it has suspended its deliberations until the cost-rental model has been largely finalised. A resumption is planned for the third quarter of 2026. Indirect subsidies via Fonds de Roulement and guarantees are likely to continue, while the course still needs to be set for a new cost-rent regime in non-profit housing construction.

  • Riet II makes the supply more crisis-proof

    Riet II makes the supply more crisis-proof

    The St.Gallen region is making its drinking water supply fit for the coming decades. With the decision in favour of the new Riet II lake water plant in Goldach, the existing plant in Frasnacht is being given a second pillar of equal value. Today, the supply of the twelve participating municipalities in Eastern Switzerland depends largely on this one source of supply in the event of an emergency. A risk that no longer fulfils the federal requirements for severe shortages. Riet II is intended to close precisely this gap and ensure supplies even if a plant fails or Lake Constance can only be used to a limited extent at times.

    The new plant will be realised on the site of the existing Riet high-pressure pumping station in Goldach. Around 60 million Swiss francs have been budgeted for construction and equipment. The costs will be borne by the twelve shareholder partners of RWSG Regionale Wasserversorgung St.Gallen AG in accordance with a new distribution model, which will be passed on to end customers via the water prices in future. The fact that all partner municipalities are unanimously in favour of the project and financing shows the high strategic importance: drinking water is treated as a critical infrastructure that must function just as robustly in the event of a crisis as it does in everyday life.

    With Riet II, the RWSG is expanding its role as the backbone of the regional water infrastructure. It is responsible for collecting raw water, treating it and transporting it to the municipal networks and supplies more than 150,000 people with drinking, process and extinguishing water. In future, it will operate two lake water works, Frasnacht and Goldach, as well as the Riet high-pressure pumping station and the associated transport pipelines. This will benefit urban centres such as St.Gallen and Arbon as well as smaller partner communities from Abtwil-St.Josefen to Teufen. The new plant is therefore more than just a construction project: it is a long-term promise of security for an entire region.

  • Spatial planning for municipalities since 1 January 2026

    Spatial planning for municipalities since 1 January 2026

    Federal framework, cantonal rules
    Parliament has reorganised the roles with regard to value-added compensation. One thing is clear: the obligation under federal law to pay value-added tax now only applies to individual zoning; the cantons are responsible for other significant planning advantages such as upzoning and rezoning. In the canton of Aargau, the equalisation of such advantages takes place within the framework of administrative contracts – not by means of decrees. For the municipalities, this means that they must actively negotiate, document properly and align their practices closely with cantonal law.

    Solar on façades
    Solar installations on façades are now generally not subject to authorisation in building and agricultural zones, provided they are deemed to be sufficiently adapted. The notification is made via the cantonal platform; the formal building permit procedure is no longer required. Art. 32abis RPV defines how adaptation is to be understood in concrete terms and at the same time opens up a certain amount of leeway for municipal design regulations. Municipalities can issue area-specific regulations, but may not excessively restrict the use of solar energy. Installations on cultural and natural monuments of cantonal or national importance as well as on buildings with substance protection or in sensitive local and landscape zones remain subject to authorisation.

    Solar above car parks
    In building zones, support structures for solar installations above or on the edge of car parks with 15 or more parking spaces are now considered directly compliant with zoning regulations. However, the municipalities can specify these basic regulations. They may designate areas where such structures are excluded or only permitted subject to conditions, or conversely declare smaller car parks to be zoning-compliant. This turns the car park into a strategic energy area. Provided that the municipalities utilise their autonomy and define clear objectives for townscape, climate protection and energy production.

    New planning principles
    RPG 2 introduces a new planning principle for the utilisation of underground space. In future, underground uses must be harmonised with above-ground uses and the affected interests at an early stage. At the same time, the priority of agriculture in the agricultural zone is expressly enshrined in the law. Agricultural uses are to be weighted more heavily than non-agricultural concerns, for example by easing immission control requirements if the agricultural interest prevails. For the practice of land use planning, this means less of a change of course than a shift in emphasis: the familiar balancing of interests in accordance with Art. 3 RPV remains, but is given clearer guidelines, which must be made visible in the planning report.

    Zoning-compliant and without planning obligation
    Installations for the production and transport of energy from biomass can be zoning-compliant in the agricultural zone under simplified conditions. It is now expressly stated that such zone-compliant biomass plants are not subject to planning requirements, even if they have a spatial impact. This is the legislator’s response to previous case law, which in some cases assumed a planning obligation for biomass-based energy plants. For municipalities and cantons, the discussion is thus shifting more in the direction of authorisation and requirement practice instead of land use planning.

    Building outside of building zones
    RPG 2 also brings noticeable changes outside of building zones. In principle, building applications can only be authorised with the approval of the canton. For municipal authorities, the main changes are in the material criteria against which projects are assessed. The priority given to agriculture will be strengthened and should also have an impact on the easing of odour and noise protection requirements.

    At the same time, the new law improves the framework conditions for plants that utilise renewable energies. Biomass plants in the agricultural zone are deemed to conform to zoning if they fulfil certain requirements and do not require prior planning, even if they are no longer subordinate to the agricultural operation but are merely part of it. For installations for the use of renewable energy and for thermal networks that do not conform to zoning regulations, the requirements for exceptional authorisations are relaxed, provided they contribute to the reduction of fossil fuels.

    Infrastructure, mobile radio and dismantling
    For infrastructure installations outside of building zones, the principle of bundling in locations that are as insensitive as possible now applies. Mobile radio installations can also be explicitly authorised outside the building zone if the location there offers significant advantages over a location within the building zone. Finally, the statute of limitations for dismantling orders will be standardised. Unlawful buildings and installations can generally no longer be demolished after 30 years, regardless of whether they are located inside or outside the building zone. Constellations in which police assets such as public order, peace, safety or health are jeopardised remain exempt.

    For the municipalities, the revised spatial planning law opens up new scope for solar energy, biomass, infrastructure and the prioritisation of agricultural interests. It will be crucial to actively shape this freedom, to anchor it in land use planning and authorisation practice and to document the new principles transparently.

  • Canton of Zurich continues to grow

    Canton of Zurich continues to grow

    The canton of Zurich continues to grow, but the major growth spurt of recent years is over for the time being. At the end of 2025, the civil resident population was 1,628,081 – an increase of just under 13,000 residents or 0.8 per cent compared to the previous year. Apart from the coronavirus years, this is the smallest increase since 2005 and thus a clear sign of a phase of more moderate momentum.

    Immigration most important growth driver
    Population growth continues to be driven primarily by immigration from abroad. Over 80 per cent of the increase is attributable to people of foreign nationality settling in the canton for the first time. Although net migration from abroad has fallen slightly compared to the previous year, it has returned to roughly the same level as before the war in Ukraine. The internal migration balance with the other cantons remains slightly negative and has hardly changed for several years. Zurich is losing about as many people within Switzerland as it is gaining.

    Births and deaths
    The birth balance accounts for less than a fifth of growth. Although initial estimates show a slight increase in births and a slightly lower number of deaths, the overall surplus remains low. This confirms the trend that the population is growing primarily “from the outside”, while the demographic momentum within the country is levelling off.

    Cities and small municipalities are growing the fastest
    The spatial picture is divided into two parts. Cities with a population of over 10,000 account for more than two thirds of growth. The city of Zurich alone accounts for almost a third of the cantonal increase, growing by 4,008 people. It was followed by Dübendorf and Uster, while Winterthur recorded the weakest growth since the turn of the millennium with an increase of 355 people.

    Relative to the size of the municipality, however, the small municipalities recorded the strongest growth. Flaach, Hüntwangen and Wila recorded growth rates of between 4 and a good 5 per cent, underlining the fact that even rural municipalities in the canton can benefit from the influx.

    Regions are shifting
    All regions in the canton are growing, but at different rates. Weinland and Furttal are leading the way with growth rates of 1.1 and 1.0 per cent respectively. Twice as high as in the Winterthur region, which will bring up the rear in 2025. While the areas close to the city in the north and east have recently seen above-average growth, the city of Zurich and the Limmat Valley are now above the cantonal average, while the Glattal and the Winterthur region are falling behind.

    Foreign population strongly characterised by Europe
    At the end of 2025, around 472,000 people of foreign nationality lived in the canton. This represents 29 per cent of the total population. Their number continues to grow, albeit at 1.5 per cent, the slowest rate since the introduction of full freedom of movement with the EU in 2007. Almost two thirds come from an EU or EFTA country, over 80 per cent from Europe.

  • Innovative materials in construction

    Innovative materials in construction

    Lightweight concrete in a single pour
    ICSC Beton AG presented prefabricated parts made from its own lightweight concrete based on expanded glass, which are significantly lighter than normal concrete. At the same time, they have good insulation values, frost resistance and fire protection. This material is used to produce prefabricated elements that speed up construction processes and increase quality on the construction site. One focus is on lightweight concrete elements that combine static function, integrated ballasting and simple installation of solar modules, thus enabling roof renovation and solar installation in a single step. For experts in the audience, it became clear how prefabrication, lightweight concrete and photovoltaics can be combined to create sophisticated system solutions. With less weight, fewer interventions in the roof and more energy yield per square metre.

    Climate-neutral concrete on the construction site
    KLARK demonstrated how CO₂-saving concrete is already being used in building construction today. Without additional work for the construction site and with an externally tested climate impact. The concrete is based on the addition of biochar from waste wood, which permanently binds the carbon and stores hundreds of kilograms of CO₂ per cubic metre in the structure of the concrete. Technically, it largely behaves like conventional concrete. It can be pumped or processed by crane and remains fully recyclable. The stored CO₂ is not released again during demolition. In the Speakers Corner, it became clear that this opens up the opportunity for clients and planners to make measurable contributions to net zero strategies using familiar construction methods without having to reinvent processes and roles on the construction site.

    Climate additives for plaster and co.
    KohlenKraft presented a climate-positive building material that permanently binds CO₂ in the building and at the same time offers advantages in terms of building physics. The centrepiece is a climate additive based on biochar, which can be mixed into mineral building materials such as plasters and coatings, turning building components into long-term carbon stores. In addition to CO₂ storage, the systems aim to improve the indoor climate and regulate humidity. This is an argument that has met with great interest, particularly in refurbishments and high-quality interior fittings. The message to manufacturers, planners and construction companies is that climate effects can be integrated directly into existing products without having to fundamentally change processing and detailed planning.thinking in concrete, building with wood
    In the Speakers Corner, the TS3 technology used real projects to demonstrate how familiar design logic and a new timber construction technique come together. An important step in turning large-volume timber buildings from a pioneering project into an established option. Today, large-scale, biaxial load-bearing timber ceilings with column grids of up to 8 x 8 metres can be realised with a special end-face bonding of cross-laminated timber. Load-bearing structures that were long reserved for reinforced concrete. The panels are rigidly joined on site by grouting the joints with cast resin, resulting in beam-free, point-supported flat timber ceilings that can be treated like flat concrete ceilings in the design. For architects and engineers, this opens up great freedom in terms of floor plans and subsequent conversions, as non-load-bearing walls can be moved flexibly, while weight, construction time and carbon footprint are significantly reduced compared to concrete ceilings.

  • Relocation creates development opportunity with lake view

    Relocation creates development opportunity with lake view

    Because it no longer meets the current requirements for a modern health centre, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital will be relocated to Schenkon together with the Seeblick nursing home. According to a statement, the canton, as the owner, and the city of Sursee want to plan an attractive future for the 47,000 square metre site.

    Initial assessments indicate that the site is suitable for mixed-use development with residential and commercial premises. This would allow for the creation of residential facilities for families, couples, singles and senior citizens, with services and restaurants completing the site. The site, located above Lake Sempach, is in close proximity to the old town of Sursee and already has good access to various modes of transport.

    “The move opens up a unique opportunity to repurpose the previous location in Sursee,” said Reto Wyss, member of the cantonal government, in the announcement. “This attractive site with lake views in a good location is to be rezoned for this purpose. The next planning steps will show what is feasible and where.” The planning phase for the new neighbourhood is set to begin in spring 2026, when the hospital starts to move. Various meetings with the local population and interest groups are planned. The site is expected to be vacant from 2034 and could be redeveloped. The possibility of incorporating the existing building fabric is also being considered.

  • Co-operation to leverage the potential of the Silbern industrial estate

    Co-operation to leverage the potential of the Silbern industrial estate

    Today, Silbern is an important location for production, trade and shopping and contributes significantly to the economic strength of the region. At the same time, the area has hardly developed at all over the years in terms of urban development and urban space and lags behind the potential of other business locations in the region. This is precisely where the new alliance comes in. It wants to initiate qualitative further development instead of merely managing the existing utilisation.

    Integrative approach instead of individual interests
    In the Silbern Future Alliance, IG Silbern, Limeco, BirdLife, the city of Dietikon and the canton of Zurich are working together in a long-term, collaborative framework. The approach is clear: the economy, mobility, environment and nature are planned and managed together. The aim is to recognise conflicting objectives at an early stage and to develop solutions in a coordinated and transparent manner based on interests.

    Vision and charter as a binding framework
    The result of a two-year mediation process led by Joris Van Wezemael is a common vision, supplemented by a binding charter. Both create orientation, define guidelines and strengthen reliability in the cooperation. This gives companies and landowners a framework within which they can actively shape development. With more planning security and clear expectations regarding the compatibility of economic, ecological and social concerns.

    Sustainable economic and living space
    The alliance sees itself as a long-term cooperation with a clear ambition. Silbern is to develop into a location that offers attractive framework conditions for companies, improves accessibility and at the same time strengthens natural and living spaces. Infrastructure is seen as key, as part of the solution, for example by converting waste materials into energy and new resources.

    Common will as a success factor
    The next step requires concrete projects and the sustained will of all those involved to share responsibility. Entrepreneurs, property owners, the public sector, infrastructure operators and nature conservation organisations have already developed a better understanding of each other and mutual respect in the dialogue to date. This basis of trust is crucial if the shared vision is to be realised and Silbern is to make the leap from an underestimated working area to a future-oriented economic and living space.

  • Building a house from plastic waste

    Building a house from plastic waste

    Today’s PET bottle could be part of a floor beam tomorrow, as a load-bearing element. A research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is investigating how recycled plastic can be shaped into load-bearing components using large-format 3D printing. The focus is on a beam system that has been specially developed and tested for use in residential construction.

    Plastic trusses instead of wood
    The new beams look familiar at first glance, as they are based on the geometry of classic wooden trusses. A frame with diagonal struts absorbs and distributes forces, a construction method that has been tried and tested for decades. What is new is the material and production. A composite of recycled PET and glass fibres is used for printing, which provides rigidity and stabilizes the pressure behaviour. Each beam measures around 2.4 m long, around 30 cm high and a good 2.5 cm wide, weighing only around 6 kg and therefore significantly less than a comparable wooden beam. The production time is short, less than 13 minutes per component is sufficient for printing.

    Load test under practical conditions
    In order to test its suitability for everyday use, the team assembled four beams in parallel and screwed them together with a wood-based panel to form a floor frame measuring approximately 1.2 by 2.4 m, a common grid dimension in the USA. The surface was then gradually loaded with sandbags and concrete weights, while the deflection was continuously measured. Up to a load of around 140 kg, the deformation remained well below the limits permitted by US building regulations. Only when the total load exceeded 1,800 kg did the construction fail, the beams buckled and broke. This indicates that the rigidity is generally sufficient to meet the relevant requirements in residential construction.

    Lightweight, modular, quick to assemble
    In addition to the load-bearing capacity, the low weight is a key advantage of the system. The plastic beams can be transported using a pickup truck, which simplifies logistics and handling on the construction site. Assembly follows the principle of classic timber frames. The elements are screwed together on site and joined to form a load-bearing skeleton. In the long term, the concept is aimed at modular house frames in which the floor, walls and roof consist of standardized, printed components. This approach is particularly interesting for regions where wood is scarce or expensive.

    Plastic waste as a raw material for a billion houses
    The project was triggered by the enormous global demand for housing. AJ Perez from the MIT School of Engineering points out that around one billion new houses will be needed by 2050. A demand that can hardly be met with wood alone without clearing gigantic areas of forest. Instead, existing waste streams should be used. Disposable plastics such as bottles or food packaging will be given a second life as a construction product. The aim is to create components that are lighter, more durable and more sustainable than conventional alternatives.

    Costs, standards, long-term behavior
    Despite the promising results, the technology is still in its infancy. The actual costs on an industrial scale, the adaptation of standards and approval processes and the long-term behavior of the components under weathering, UV radiation and changing loads are still unclear. Nevertheless, the project opens up exciting prospects for planning, development and the construction industry. 3D-printed supporting structures made from recycled plastic could change the material mix in building construction. Provided that cost-effectiveness and durability can be convincingly demonstrated.

  • From industrial heritage to innovation campus

    From industrial heritage to innovation campus

    Where textile machines and industrial production used to set the pace, a new focus for technology, trade and entrepreneurial development is now being created. The approximately 75,000 square meter site is not being conceived as an isolated business park, but as a networked innovation location with a direct link to the Töss district. Existing buildings, paths and spaces form the backbone of the transformation.

    Historical substance remains where it creates character and identity. At the same time, structures will be opened up, paths made more permeable and new places for encounters, collaboration and exchange created. The Vitus site will thus become a visible driver of Winterthur’s economic development.

    Mission statement and site strategy
    The guiding principle is both simple and ambitious. A tech and innovation cluster that brings together companies, start-ups, education and research in one place. The focus is on work, not living. Office and commercial space is planned for technology-oriented companies, research-related businesses, service providers and creative players. Co-working facilities, flexible spaces and space for young companies will also be added.

    At the same time, the site development focuses on atmosphere. Urban meeting zones, restaurants, cultural offerings and publicly accessible outdoor spaces are intended to ensure that the area also comes alive outside of traditional office hours. The planned Vitus Promenade connects the site with the Töss river and creates an identity-forming open space axis that enables movement, recreation and interaction.

    Development in stages
    The transformation is deliberately taking place in several stages. In the first phase, existing buildings will be activated, renovated or upgraded through targeted conversions. Interim uses, co-working, events and cultural formats will ensure that the area gains appeal even during the planning phase. The first companies from the fields of technology, sustainability and future mobility are already using the Vitus site as a place to work and develop.

    At the same time, structural foundations are being laid for the next steps, such as improved access, sharper utilization concepts, mobility and sustainability approaches. Individual construction projects, such as the new LANDI site, fit into this picture and strengthen the commercial character of the area. In a later stage, the eastern part of the site in particular will be redeveloped in greater depth. Additional, contemporary space for production, laboratories, offices and services will be created here – tailored to market needs and demand.

    Prospects for Töss and Winterthur
    The Vitus site will give Winterthur-Töss a strong economic anchor point. The site offers potential for several thousand jobs and thus strengthens the district’s role as a productive yet urban location. Open spaces, permeable paths and cooperation with local players should prevent the creation of an isolated commercial area.

  • Green living in Basel Dreispitz Nord

    Green living in Basel Dreispitz Nord

    Dreispitz Nord is transforming a formerly single-use area covering around eight football pitches into an inclusive district. Around 800 flats are being built, a third of which will be affordable and non-profit housing. Three striking round high-rise buildings will offer attractive flats as well as office space, a library and a fitness centre. The focus is on a neighbourhood where everything is within easy reach. Living, working, shopping and leisure activities merge into an urban whole. Pedestrians and cyclists have priority, and the public space is almost completely car-free. A total of 4,000 bicycle parking spaces are planned, and car parking facilities are bundled together and separated from the residential area to minimise traffic in the neighbourhood.

    A green place for urban climate and community
    Two newly planned city parks with large shade trees will transform the area into Basel’s green lungs and improve the microclimate in the long term. Permeable soils and planted roofs fulfil the principles of the sponge city and help to mitigate heat effects. The secondary school for around 600 pupils will be built on the roof of the modernised MParc, opening up new dimensions in terms of land use. The facilities will be complemented by basketball and sports fields, a triple gym and a youth club, which can also be used outside school hours. Direct access from Gundeldingen via a green ramp seamlessly connects Dreispitz Nord with the neighbouring district and creates public spaces that foster a sense of identity.

    Partnership-based planning with vision
    The Christoph Merian Foundation as the landowner, the Migros Basel cooperative as the building leaseholder and the canton of Basel-Stadt as the planning authority are jointly driving the project forward. After an intensive public consultation period with seven objections, all of which were rejected, the cantonal government confirmed the development plan on 14 October 2025 and forwarded it to the cantonal parliament for consideration. In addition to the development plan, adjustments to the zoning plan, noise sensitivity levels and building regulations are also planned. The environmental impact assessment confirms that all requirements have been met.

    Sustainability and social balance
    Dreispitz Nord is a prime example of sustainable neighbourhood development. Instead of grey parking spaces, green open spaces are being created, and the diversity of housing promotes social mixing. The existing building is being integrated into the new complex in a resource-efficient manner. Wide distances between the high-rise buildings ensure good ventilation, shade providers reduce heat stress and permeable surfaces strengthen climate adaptation. With 1,400 new residents, representing 7 per cent of the total population of Gundeldingen, and 1,600 jobs, the district will become a significant economic driver.

    Urban life and economy in harmony
    The new quarter integrates today’s modernised retail spaces, complemented by cafés, restaurants and small shops, which are also easily accessible via the extended tram stop. The interconnection of living, working, shopping and leisure creates an inspiring atmosphere and promotes sustainable mobility over short distances.

    Dreispitz Nord is characterised by its urban compactness, ecological sensitivity and social diversity. The project is a prime example of how comprehensive urban development can harmonise innovation, sustainability and quality of life, strengthening Basel as an attractive city for today and tomorrow.

  • From freight station to urban district

    From freight station to urban district

    The transformation will begin in 2027 with the first phase of development in the western part of the site. Around 600 flats will be built, a third of which will be affordable cooperative flats. The aim is to attract a diverse population and combine urban density with social diversity. The Urban Hub will become the lively centre of the neighbourhood. It will combine gastronomy, sport, culture and services and act as a link between residential buildings and commercial areas.

    The second phase of development will begin in the east of the site in 2031. Modern service and commercial buildings will create around 1,000 jobs and unlock the site’s potential for business, innovation and city logistics. Its central location at the railway station and its connection to the regional transport network reinforce its function as an urban hub in Basel.

    Focus on architecture, sustainability and flexible use
    The master plan consistently follows the principles of ecological and sustainable urban development. The new perimeter block development is based on the sponge city principle and integrates historic railway buildings into the courtyard concept. This ensures a pleasant microclimate, promotes biodiversity and improves rainwater management. Buildings such as Janus and Binaria impress with reused components, modular wood and metal elements, green and accessible roofs, and photovoltaic surfaces. The flexible construction guarantees reparability, ease of maintenance and subsequent conversion.

    Cultural and social start-up initiatives strengthen neighbourhood identity
    Even before construction begins, the area is being actively revitalised through innovative temporary uses. SBB is opening historic warehouses for culture, gastronomy and sport. One example is pickleball, which offers 2,000 square metres of space and attracts new players. Rental space for creative and social initiatives is also available. These pioneering uses create proximity to the neighbourhood population and promote creative participation. In particular, the broad participation process, in which the public, associations and organisations are involved from the outset, guarantees acceptance and innovation.

    Mobility, smart city and quality of life as a guiding principle
    People are at the centre, with technology and sustainability as the supporting pillars. A city logistics hub in the eastern area ensures resource-efficient goods distribution in Basel and the surrounding area. Modern mobility services and integration with public transport are an integral part of the neighbourhood strategy. The SBB’s scientifically supported quality of life model, developed in collaboration with the University of Basel, makes Wolf Basel a laboratory for innovative solutions in energy, circular economy and social cohesion.

    Wolf Basel is creating an inspiring neighbourhood that combines urban densification, sustainability, smart networking and social diversity. In this way, Basel is growing not only spatially, but also socially and technologically into the future.

  • Densification of housing stock is unpopular with the population

    Densification of housing stock is unpopular with the population

    Taller buildings in cities could alleviate the housing shortage, but they are unpopular with the general public. This is according to a survey conducted by the comparison portal Comparis. According to the survey, 50 per cent of those questioned by Comparis were against the construction of taller buildings with more than six storeys. In contrast, 45 per cent of the 1,039 adults surveyed across Switzerland in November 2025 were in favour.

    According to real estate expert Harry Büsser from Comparis, taller buildings in urban areas could be “a political path to more living space”. “Let’s get people in cities to take the lift instead of driving,” he is quoted as saying in a statement accompanying the study. It highlights a dilemma: rising rents affect everyone, but most people reject possible countermeasures. For example, 68 per cent of those surveyed are against densification with fewer green spaces and smaller distances between buildings. 66 per cent reject new building zones at the expense of agricultural or green spaces. Only the restriction of objections found a relative majority: 47 per cent are in favour, 43 per cent against.

    The study also shows that measures to create additional living space are assessed differently depending on gender and age. While 54 per cent of men are in favour of taller buildings, the proportion of women is 36 per cent. Denser development was approved by 33 per cent of men compared to 22 per cent of women. Thirty-nine per cent of the men surveyed said yes to new building zones, compared to 21 per cent of women. Büsser suspects that the reason for this lies in different roles and activities. Women often bear the brunt of family and neighbourhood responsibilities. Changes in the living environment would therefore “probably be perceived more strongly as a loss of quality of life”.

    The worsening housing shortage is particularly felt by 18- to 35-year-olds (65 per cent) and city dwellers (66 per cent). According to Comparis, this explains why the approach of building upwards met with the most approval among this group: 52 per cent of respondents in the young population group would agree to buildings exceeding six storeys. The survey also found that taller buildings are only accepted in the city centre (54 per cent). In the suburbs, only 39 per cent are in favour.

  • The Sursee hospital site – new prospects from 2034

    The Sursee hospital site – new prospects from 2034

    The new construction of the LUKS Sursee and the Seeblick care center on Schwyzermatt in Schenkon will free up an area of around 47,000 square meters on Spitalstrasse in Sursee. About seven football pitches, centrally located, well developed and with views as far as the Alps. Where hospital buildings still stand today, a new urban building block can be created from 2034 that will shape Sursee in the long term. The canton of Lucerne is the main owner of the site, while adjacent areas also belong to the canton and partly to the city and will be included in the planning.

    The almost 50-year-old LUKS Sursee no longer meets the requirements of a modern hospital operation. The government council’s decision to build a new hospital and care center in Schenkon by 2033 will shift the healthcare infrastructure and open up a rare urban development potential in Sursee.

    Living, living, meeting
    The canton of Lucerne and the city of Sursee are pursuing a common goal: a mixed-use, lively district that combines living, services and quality of life. A test plan from 2026 will examine which uses and development structures are possible and sensible on the site. The results will form the basis for rezoning, architectural competitions and the first construction phases, which are to start after the hospital and nursing home have moved away, with the aim of avoiding vacancies as far as possible.

    It is already clear that the area is particularly suitable for residential use, for families, couples, singles and senior citizens. In addition, services, shopping facilities and restaurants are conceivable to fill the district with life. The aim is to create a socially mixed environment with a mix of upmarket and affordable housing that strengthens Sursee as a place to live and at the same time creates new opportunities for different phases of life.

    Sursee is growing
    Sursee is growing dynamically and, with a vacancy rate of 0.26 percent, has an extremely tight housing market. The new offer on the hospital site should help to alleviate the pressure and create additional residential quality in a central location. Its proximity to the old town, the existing transport links and the view of the lake make the site a key location for future urban development.

    It is an opportunity to create a new, identity-forming district. The site can provide impetus for the economic development of the region, create new jobs in the service sector and further raise Sursee’s profile as a regional center.

    District development as a joint task
    The planning of the hospital site is deliberately designed as an open process. Workshops with the local population and various interest groups are planned from spring 2026. Needs, ideas and expectations are to be incorporated at an early stage so that a district is created that is not only convincing from a planning perspective, but is also supported by the population.

    The municipal assembly will decide on the necessary changes to the sub-zone plan. This makes it clear that the future of the hospital site will not be designed in secret, but in a transparent process that combines specialist planning and local perspectives.

    A new urban building block with a history and a future
    In the long term, a diverse residential and living space with green areas, play areas and recreational spaces could be created where a hospital still operates today. Outdoor meeting places, short distances and good connections to the existing urban structure should make the area an integral part of Sursee.

    The canton of Lucerne wants to make targeted use of the potential of the privileged location with its lake view and historical use. From 2034, there will be an opportunity to create a district that respects the history of the site and at the same time provides answers to the housing and living needs of the coming decades. A new chapter for the hospital site and for Sursee.

  • 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.

  • ABB cashes in and Oerlikon builds

    ABB cashes in and Oerlikon builds

    ABB is selling a site of around 7,000 square meters near Zurich-Oerlikon railroad station to real estate service provider Pensimo. The sale will result in an operating gain on disposal of around CHF 290 million before taxes in the first quarter of 2026. ABB no longer needs the site as a strategic land reserve and is taking this step to enable the further development of the Neu-Oerlikon district.

    Around 500 apartments, a high-rise building and commercial space are planned for the site. Over the next few years, the former industrial area is to be transformed into a mixed-use district with housing, services, workplaces and cultural and commercial facilities. Due to high land prices, rents are expected to be rather high. At best, individual apartments at cost rents are conceivable, for example as part of a densified site development.

    New ABB headquarters in Oerlikon
    ABB is expanding its presence in Oerlikon at the same time as selling the land. The Group is planning a new headquarters in the immediate vicinity, into which around 500 employees are expected to move in 2031. The project comprises a renovated, listed existing building and a new six-storey timber composite construction designed by Christ & Gantenbein.

    With a gross floor area of around 10,800 square meters, modern working environments including an auditorium, lounge and cafeteria, foyer and exhibition area as well as recreation and fitness areas will be created. The investment volume is around 80 million Swiss francs. ABB CEO Morten Wierod emphasizes the company’s commitment to Switzerland and the city of Zurich. Mayor Corine Mauch speaks of an even more “colorful and lively” district around Oerlikon station in the future.

    Strong final quarter of 2025
    ABB made significant operational gains in the final quarter of 2025. Comparable sales rose by 9 percent to 9.05 billion US dollars. Order intake developed particularly dynamically, increasing by 32 percent on a comparable basis to USD 10.32 billion, exceeding the USD 10 billion mark in a quarter for the first time.

    The operating EBITA margin improved from 16.6% to 17.6%, while adjusted net profit rose by 29% to USD 1.27 billion. For the full year 2025, net profit increased to USD 4.73 billion, around 20% more than in the previous year. The dividend is to be increased from CHF 0.90 to CHF 0.94 per share; at the same time, ABB is announcing a further share buyback program.

    Outlook and new buyback program
    For the first quarter of 2026, ABB expects comparable sales growth of 7 to 10 percent and a further increase in the margin. For the year as a whole, management expects growth of 6 to 9 percent and slightly higher profitability. Analysts see particularly strong drivers in the data center business and in the Electrification division, where orders increased by around a third.

    In addition, ABB is launching a new share buyback program with a volume of up to USD 2 billion, which is scheduled to run until January 27, 2027. A previous program of up to 1.5 billion US dollars has expired. This strengthens the attractiveness of the share and signals confidence in the company’s own earning power.

    ABB share at record level
    The figures and outlook were rewarded with price gains on the stock market. ABB shares rose by 8.46 percent to 66.38 Swiss francs, reaching a new all-time high of 67.22 Swiss francs. The strong order intake, the improved margin, the increased dividend and the larger share buyback program clearly exceeded the previously cautious expectations.

    For the Zurich-Oerlikon site, the combination of the sale of land, the construction of the new Group headquarters and the planned development of the district means a significant structural change. From an industrial site to a dense, urban residential and working district, with high investments, but also with the prospect of further rising rents.

  • Higher education responds to new requirements in construction

    Higher education responds to new requirements in construction

    The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is to establish a new master’s programme at its Department of Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering in Winterthur. According to a press release, the MSc in Integrated Building and Energy Systems (IBE) will enable future civil engineers to put sustainable and climate-friendly construction projects into practice.

    The programme lasts five semesters and teaches core skills in building technology, energy and sustainability expertise, and interdisciplinary skills in architecture and civil engineering. The programme prepares graduates for careers in planning, consulting and implementing sustainable construction projects in architectural firms, engineering companies, consulting firms or public institutions.

    “The requirements for planning and implementation have expanded massively,” says Beat Waeber, architect and head of the Teaching Division at the Department of Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering at ZHAW, quoted in the press release. “We need specialists who can think across disciplines, structure collaboration and take responsibility at the interfaces. With the MSc IBE, we are specifically anchoring this qualification in the department’s training portfolio.”

  • Rankstrasse residential tower block

    Rankstrasse residential tower block

    In order to make optimal and sustainable use of the limited space on Rankstrasse, Basel’s “1000 ” residential construction program is based on a widely advertised, anonymous architectural competition. 78 teams showed interest, 15 selected projects were submitted and competed for the best solution. The expert jury was ultimately won over by “Miranda” by Zurich-based studio DIA, Haller Ingenieure and Hefti Hess Martignoni.

    Sustainability integrated into the architecture and social fabric
    The 88-metre-high building will provide over 100 new rental apartments based on the “Mietvertrag Plus” model, which is affordable and bound by income and occupancy rules. The outstanding feature is the innovative neighborhood concept. Three floors are connected vertically, creating inclusive meeting zones for diverse groups of tenants. The apartments have a compact and functional design, enable economical use of space and meet high ecological and economic standards. Green outdoor areas, communal spaces and resource-conserving construction methods underline the sustainability claim. The city is thus proactively committed to responsible, socially integrative urban growth.

    New benchmark for living on the outskirts of the city
    With “Miranda”, Basel-Stadt is launching a further development on the eastern outskirts of the city. The high-rise marks a striking prelude to future neighborhood developments and sets an architectural example of openness. The earliest start of construction is 2028, preceded by a development plan and public information. The focus on community, mixing, sustainability and architectural quality positions the project as a reference for modern, urban construction in Switzerland.

  • Roche site development Basel

    Roche site development Basel

    The first development phase of the Roche site was completed at the end of 2023, and now a new stage follows. One of Europe’s most important research infrastructures will be built on the north site by 2030. The core project is Building 12, a 72-metre-high research and development building with space for around 450 researchers. The new building will replace the outdated infrastructure and create optimal conditions for developing novel active ingredients from basic research to production maturity. With an investment volume of around 500 million Swiss francs, Building 12 will become the central interface between research and clinical development.

    At the same time, the Institute of Human Biology in Building 92 will be expanded into a new center for biological model research. Around 100 million francs are being invested in the modernization and conversion. The aim is to link academic and industrial research in order to make complex human cell models usable for drug development.

    Production is also undergoing a fundamental overhaul. State-of-the-art facilities for the development and commercialization of synthetically produced active ingredients will be built in buildings 50 and 51 by 2028. A new era of pharmaceutical process innovation will be ushered in here with a modular design, digital control and high energy efficiency. The investment framework for these projects is around CHF 570 million.

    Sustainable urban development on the south site
    Parallel to the research on the north side, Roche is pursuing a long-term sustainable development strategy on the south site. The site on the Rhine is being redesigned in close consultation with Basel politicians. The revised development plan provides for generous green spaces, ecological networking along the banks of the Rhine and integration into Solitude Park. Old building structures will be gradually dismantled and building materials reused according to the principle of the circular economy.

    The Canton of Basel-Stadt is actively supporting this process. The cantonal government and the Grand Council support the approach of upgrading the southern area in terms of urban development without providing for public thoroughfares or expropriation. This means that the site will remain within the company’s own control, but will be opened up in the future through landscaping connections and new open space concepts.

    Signal for Switzerland as a business location
    Since 2015, Roche has invested around eight billion Swiss francs in its Swiss sites and over 33 billion in national research and development. In Basel alone, further facilities for research, production and infrastructure will be built by 2029, including a new underground heating and cooling center to ensure security of supply for the entire site. The construction work on the north and south sites is emblematic of sustainable, resource-conserving site development that combines business, the city and science.

    The next few years will be characterized by intensive construction phases, urban planning coordination and technological innovations. With the ongoing development of the site, Roche is not only strengthening Basel as a pharmaceutical location, but is also sending out a strong signal of its long-term commitment to Switzerland as a place for cutting-edge research, sustainable architecture and shaping the urban future.

  • Research and practice are moving closer together in the property market

    Research and practice are moving closer together in the property market

    The ERNE Group from Laufenburg and SwissREI are jointly awarding the “ERNE Swiss Master – Best Scientific Work in the Real Estate Sector 2026” prize. The nominated research teams from nine Swiss universities will present their work on 5 November 2026 at the Best of Research Congressat the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (HWZ).

    The award will be given to the contribution that combines scientific rigour with high practical relevance and provides concrete impetus for the further development of the real estate industry. According to a press release, the winner will be determined by a transparent process involving an expert audience from the real estate industry.

    “With our commitment, we promote practical research, strengthen the exchange between science and applied real estate practice, and contribute to the sustainable further development of our industry,” says Giuseppe Santagada, Group CEO of the ERNE Group.

    The Best of Research Congress is considered one of the leading events for applied real estate research in Switzerland and is organised by the Swiss Real Estate Institute, a foundation of the HWZ, and the Swiss Real Estate Association (SVIT). The ERNE Group is a construction and real estate service provider with activities in Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg. The company focuses on a high degree of in-house production along the entire construction value chain and is strongly committed to the circular economy.

  • 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.”

  • Electricity industry warns of declining security of electricity supply

    Electricity industry warns of declining security of electricity supply

    According to a press release, the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE) has presented the Swiss Electricity Supply Index for the first time. The index rates Switzerland’s electricity supply at 82 points for 2035 and only 69 points for 2050.

    The index assesses the electricity supply in five categories. Per capita electricity demand is set to rise further, mainly due to electromobility and data centres; the index gives a score of 86 points for 2050. The expansion of renewable energies is too slow, especially for winter supply. Solar panels on roofs are not sufficient for this, and projects in wind and hydroelectric power production are being delayed or cancelled. The index gives 83 points for 2050. The flexibility of the electricity system is rated at only 52 points for 2050. The federal target for the expansion of seasonal storage will be significantly missed. The expansion of electricity production receives 63 points. The phasing out of domestic nuclear power from 2040 onwards will increase demand. The expansion of the grids is rated at only 57 points.

    In its statement, the VSE points out that imports cannot be increased at will and do not offer any security in times of shortage. “Switzerland is at a decisive crossroads: without decisive energy policy decisions, concrete investments in new production capacities and a significant acceleration of the approval process, we are putting our security of supply at risk,” VSE President Martin Schwab is quoted as saying in the statement.

  • Joint development for the Silbern working area

    Joint development for the Silbern working area

    According to a statement issued on 14 January 2026, representatives from politics, business, Regiowerk and nature conservation launched the Zukunft Silbern alliance. Together, the alliance aims to develop the Silbern area into a sustainable, easily accessible and ecologically responsible business location.

    The conceptual basis for this innovative cooperation was developed over two years by the interest groups Regiowerk fürs Limmattal (Limeco),Natur- und Vogelschutzverein Dietikon, IG Silbern, the city of Dietikon and the canton of Zurich in a mediation process led by private lecturer Dr Joris Van Wezemael. He is an architectural sociologist and teaches at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. His scientific contributions have helped shape new concepts for collective decision-making in spatial planning and urban development.

    Before the alliance was founded, the various interest groups agreed in their analysis: the Silbern area is an important location for production, trade and shopping. However, in terms of urban development and urban space, it has hardly developed for many years and has fallen short of its potential. Now the alliance wants to develop the area in such a way that companies find attractive conditions, accessibility is improved and, at the same time, nature and living spaces are strengthened.

    According to the information provided, the partners developed a better understanding of each other and built mutual respect in the process of establishing the Zukunft Silbern alliance. “This,” the statement says, “has created an important foundation for successfully implementing projects and advancing Silbern as a whole.”

  • 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.

  • Nidwalden pools its blue light forces

    Nidwalden pools its blue light forces

    The 33,000 square meter site on Kreuzstrasse is now completely built over. Many of the buildings are in need of considerable renovation, including the cantonal police and prison buildings. In addition, there are operational deficiencies such as a lack of escape routes or inadequate separation between public and staff entrances.

    On the basis of a broad-based investigation, the cantonal government has decided to completely reorganize the site and build new replacement buildings. The aim is to create a modern security competence center that improves functional processes, increases security and is more economical in the long term than selective renovations.

    Bundled blue-light organizations
    The site is currently home to the police, prison, road safety center, road inspectorate, justice department and public prosecutor’s office. Due to the central location, the possibility of relocating additional emergency services, in particular the fire department and ambulance service, to Kreuzstrasse is being examined. The aim is to create a location with short distances, coordinated processes and clear responsibilities.

    Test planning has shown that this bundling on the existing site is realistic. It confirms that the spatial requirements of the current uses and additional organizations can be implemented on the site without obstructing the site’s development potential.

    Prison with a view to future needs
    The future direction of the cantonal prison was also analyzed in depth as part of the test planning. The demand for prison places in Switzerland is high, particularly for inmates in need of care in the penal system. Against this background, Nidwalden is examining how the new prison facilities should be dimensioned and functionally aligned in order to meet demand in the long term.

    Design plan and indicative project
    The District Council has approved a planning credit of CHF 1.63 million for the design plan and indicative project. The planning will be continued with a clearly defined group of users – the cantonal police, rescue service, fire department, justice department, public prosecutor’s office, prison, road inspectorate, road safety center and selected administrative units.

    The design plan is intended to create the legally binding framework for the next planning steps. It specifies which uses are permitted where, how development, open spaces and urban planning are to be designed and which stages are possible.

    Adjustments to the process and open sub-projects
    Several planning teams were initially involved in the study commission for the design plan and indicative project. In the course of 2025, however, it became apparent that the development with a moderate expansion of the existing traffic circle would not be sufficient in view of new traffic forecasts. At the same time, a new option for the road safety center came into play. Obwalden is planning a new building in Sarnen and synergies of a shared location with test halls and test tracks are being examined.

    In order to be able to react more flexibly to these changes, it was decided to terminate the study contract in its previous form and to continue working on the indicative project with just one planning team. In October 2025, the District Council also requested more planning certainty, particularly for the two sub-projects “Road Safety Center” and “Prison”, before the design plan and indicative project are definitively completed.

    Next steps and timetable
    The design plan will cover the three local municipalities of Stans, Buochs and Oberdorf. The corresponding municipal assemblies or ballots for decision-making are currently scheduled for 2027.

    The first loan applications for architectural competitions for individual buildings of the security competence center are expected from 2028 at the earliest. Until then, it will be a matter of clarifying the unresolved issues relating to development, the prison layout and the traffic safety center.

  • Mobile networks must receive emergency power

    Mobile networks must receive emergency power

    The Federal Council is tightening the requirements for the reliability of mobile networks. In future, operators will have to install an emergency power supply at key locations and antennas that will maintain operations for at least four hours in the event of power outages.

    The focus is on the safety of the population. Emergency calls, traditional telephony and Internet access should continue to function even if the regular power grid fails. This also explicitly includes radio programs that are broadcast via the Internet as an information channel in crisis situations.

    Staggering until 2034
    The new requirements do not apply to all services equally or immediately. From 2031, emergency calls must be possible for at least four hours. Other mobile services, such as general data traffic, will only have to be secured over this period from 2034.

    In order not to overload the networks in a shortage situation, operators will also be given clear room for maneuver. They will be allowed to restrict the transmission of videos and TV programs in order to secure capacity for priority services such as emergency calls, voice connections and central information services.

    Compromise after criticism from the industry
    The Federal Council originally planned much stricter requirements. The mobile networks should have remained stable even in the event of power outages lasting up to three days and repeated shutdowns. Telecommunications companies and trade associations criticized these requirements in the consultation process as hardly feasible and too costly.

    In a moderated dialog led by Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, mobile network operators and the administration agreed on the solution that has now been adopted. It increases the level of protection of the networks without overburdening the industry with maximum scenarios and is in line with what other European countries are also demanding.

    Examination of further hardening
    The partial revision of the Telecommunications Services Ordinance is not the end of the discussion on security of supply. In a second stage, the responsible department is examining the extent to which further hardening of the grids is realistically feasible for scenarios such as power shortages or outages lasting several days.

    Several federal departments are working together on this, including Economic Affairs, Education and Research as well as Defense, Civil Protection and Sport. By the end of 2027 at the latest, it should be clear whether and how additional measures are necessary to ensure that Switzerland is provided with the most reliable mobile services possible, even in extraordinary situations.

  • 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.

  • Choice of materials to combat the urban heat

    Choice of materials to combat the urban heat

    Switzerland is heading for hotter summers, more hot days and more frequent extreme weather events. Cities and densely populated areas in particular heat up more than their surrounding areas and cool down more slowly at night – the well-known heat island effect. It is directly related to the way buildings are constructed; dense sealing, dark surfaces and solid structures store heat and only release it again with a delay.

    Because buildings and infrastructures stand for decades, the materials used today shape the microclimate of tomorrow. This makes the choice of materials a strategic decision. It influences not only energy requirements and comfort in the building, but also health and quality of stay in public spaces.

    What the new edition does
    This is where the second, expanded edition of the materials catalog comes in. The reference work from the Federal Office for Housing shows how different building materials influence the outside temperature and what contribution they make to a heat-resilient urban climate.

    The catalog compares common outdoor materials such as floor coverings, facades and now also roofs and greenery in dry and wet conditions. In addition to the effect on the ambient temperature, it takes into account additional properties such as reflection of solar radiation, durability and, in the case of coverings, infiltration capacity. This creates an overall picture that combines thermal, functional and water management aspects.

    Updated method, comparable results
    The new edition is based on simulations carried out by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy and the BWO. The materials already included in the first edition were also recalculated using improved simulation software.

    As a result, all results are based on a uniform methodological standard and can be directly compared with each other. For planners, this means that they can compare variants qualitatively and quantitatively and better justify their decisions to clients and authorities.

    Tool for planning and implementation
    The material catalog is designed as a practice-oriented reference work for new buildings and renovations in densely built-up areas. It supports specialist planners and property developers in integrating the effect of material selection on heat development into their processes at an early stage, from the project idea to detailed planning.

    In combination with other instruments for climate-adapted urban development, the catalog becomes a building block for heat-resilient districts. It helps to brighten surfaces in a targeted manner, utilize evaporation capacity, improve infiltration and thus gradually make the urban climate more robust in the face of climate change.

  • 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.