immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Bau

  • Steiner AG is redeveloping the industrial area in Breitenbach

    Steiner AG is redeveloping the industrial area in Breitenbach

    The Steiner Investment Foundation wants to convert the Isola area not far from the center of Breitenbach into a residential and commercial area. The owner of the eleven hectare site has commissioned the construction service provider Steiner AG with this, according to a media release . The residents of Breitenbach are to be included in the development process from next year.

    The project developer also wants to open up the Isola area, which is located directly on the Lüssel, to the public. “This can look forward to new, attractive meeting and green areas, which will be created in place of the existing company roads and storage areas”, Stefan Gabriel, team leader for real estate development at Steiner AG, is quoted in the media release.

    The new quarter is not intended to compete with the village center, but rather to complement it. An intensive exchange is currently taking place with the Breitenbach municipal administration about the respective ideas and expectations. As a basis for a common understanding of the spatial development of the area, an urban development and open space planning test planning process will also be carried out, according to the media release. Renowned architectural offices and landscape architects would be invited to come up with suggestions.

    Construction on the first stage is expected to start in 2029. During the planning phase, however, the company wants to enable interim uses and, if necessary, bring forward individual conversion projects in existing buildings.

    The Steiner Invest Foundation, a Zurich-based asset management company for Swiss pension funds and an investment foundation of Steiner AG, acquired the 114,280 square meter area with its largely empty industrial and warehouse buildings in spring 2021.

  • Optisol inaugurates new company headquarters

    Optisol inaugurates new company headquarters

    Optisol has created the largest wooden structure in Valais and recently inaugurated it. The new building of the company headquarters for the company of the Migros subsidiary Micarna had become necessary because the manufacturer of high-quality organic and organic-mineral fertilizers had to relocate from the floodplain of the Rhone correction. According to a media release , the building at the new location in Vétroz reflects Migros’ strong commitment to sustainability.

    Its facade is made of Valais larch wood. The latest technologies are designed to clean the air from dust, odors and ammonia, among other things, before it is released into the atmosphere. In this way, the standards of the Clean Air Act would be met. The dryer for the litter from the poultry farming is supplied by the wood-fired thermal power station installed on the neighboring property. This district heating system also reduces CO2 emissions.

    In addition, Micarna leases the roof area to the Oiken Group. She will operate a photovoltaic system there. Nests for swifts and falcons have been built under the roof.

  • Baden regional works want to add to the administrative building

    Baden regional works want to add to the administrative building

    The administrative building of Regionalwerke Baden AG , classified as a municipal monument, is to be enlarged. According to a media release , the planning provides for an increase in the workshop wing and the expansion of the underground car park at the company’s location on Haselstrasse in the center of Baden. The expansion of the office space is in line with the strategic development of Regionalwerke AG Baden and will secure the location in the future.

    The administration building was built in 1934 by the architects Robert Lang and Hans Loepfe in the “new building” style. The building was renovated from 1987 to 1988. The concrete facade was awarded the Heimatschutzpreis in 1987. The original urban context of the building changed from 1999 to 2005 with the erection of the nave and the north house. The planned extension takes up the urban development and respects the existing building fabric. Several variants were discussed in detail with representatives from the preservation of historical monuments, homeland security and the cityscape commission.

    Next, Regionalwerke AG Baden will clarify essential building law framework conditions as part of a preliminary decision, according to the media release. The construction project is planned for 2024.

    The Regionalwerke AG Baden with 135 employees supplies the city and partly the region with energy and drinking water.

  • Bühler builds center for positive energy and innovations

    Bühler builds center for positive energy and innovations

    Bühler AG has officially broken ground for its new Energy & Manufacturing Technology Center in Uzwil. The building in the immediate vicinity of the Cubic Innovationscampus, which was inaugurated in 2018, underlines the technology company’s long-term renewal strategy, according to a media release. Completion should be in the second quarter of 2023.

    On the one hand, the building consists of an energy center. The center for “good, positive energy” is to become the center for vocational and advanced training as well as for health prevention. Young men and women are trained there in the areas of plant engineering, polymechanics, automation and IT. This center should also be accessible to external partners.

    “We are clearly committed to the success model of our vocational training and lifelong learning. We are also expanding our health expertise much more and making a further contribution to keeping Uzwil as an attractive business location, ”said Christof Oswald, Head of Human Resources at Bühler, in the media release. Overall, the Energy Center aims to make Bühler more attractive as an employer.

    The second part of the building, the Manufacturing Technology Center, will house the areas of innovation and prototype construction. “Here we will manufacture innovations for our customers as pilot projects that we will later introduce in other production plants around the world,” said Andreas Schachtner, Head of Business Development in Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain, in the media release.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony for QUBO has taken place

    The groundbreaking ceremony for QUBO has taken place

    The foundation stone for the QUBO in Sarnen was laid on Monday. The construction work for two interconnected buildings began. On the one hand, Eberli AG is modernizing and expanding its existing headquarters there. On the other hand, the Obwaldner Kantonalbank ( OKB ) is building a new building. Above all, the Startup Pilatus association should find space there. It promotes the settlement of start-ups in Obwalden. Both buildings are to merge into one unit through a central entrance, according to a press release by OKB.

    “The QUBO will create a new, lively workplace in Sarnen,” the CEO of OKB, Bruno Thürig, is quoted as saying. “It creates space for new concepts and ideas in which the digital world of work and New Work can be lived.”

    Accordingly, coworking workplaces, open spaces and various meeting rooms would also be offered in the new building. The OKB itself will set up a room as a creative lab. The room should also be available to external companies.

    The redesign of the office space also enables Eberli AG to “work in a contemporary and efficient manner”, says CEO Alain Grossenbacher. In addition to Eberli AG, the future co-owner of the building, Orfida Treuhand + Revisions AG, and werkunion ag will also settle there. Architekturwerk ag, which is responsible for the architecture of the QUBO, belongs to it.

  • Construction of the InnoQube Swiss has started

    Construction of the InnoQube Swiss has started

    The latest innovation center in the Alpine region is currently being built in Graubünden. The groundbreaking ceremony for the InnoQube Swiss was celebrated on Friday in the Rossboden area of Chur. According to a notification , the project will be fully financed by the Liechtenstein- based ITW group of companies . It specifies the total investment at around CHF 25 million.

    The CEO of the investor and project developer, Dr. Martin Meyer, is convinced that this will create “a place of innovation, inspiration and progress that will become known far beyond the Swiss borders”. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the operating company InnoQube Swiss AG, Franco Quinter, emphasizes that the InnoQube Swiss is viewed as a temporary or permanent “base camp for innovations”. The offer is aimed “specifically at start-ups, spin-offs and companies from research, development and digitization”. “The key issues of health and performance would play a decisive role”.

    Completion is planned for the end of 2023. From 2024 research and work will be carried out in the four-story InnoQube on a total area of 11,200 square meters. It offers flexible office space for around 300 workplaces, various co-working and meeting rooms, an event arena, a restaurant and a daycare center.

  • Schlieren expands planning for Zelgli school complex

    Schlieren expands planning for Zelgli school complex

    The city council of Schlieren has initiated an extended strategic plan for the Zelgli school complex. According to the city council news, the increasing number of students makes new planning necessary. In order to optimally determine the future development of the Zelgli school complex, the city council approved a loan for a feasibility study in July 2019. In April 2020, based on the current figures, two to four additional classrooms, two additional kindergartens and a triple after-school care center were planned. As early as September 2020, the latest figures showed that four new classrooms, two kindergartens and a quadruple day-care center are needed, according to the city council news.

    Structural adjustments are therefore necessary, such as enlarging the teachers’ room or installing additional sanitary facilities. Due to the changed order volume, a loan is now required for strategic planning. The city council has now approved it with 80,000 francs.

    According to the detailed message about the city council resolutions available on the website of the city of Schlieren, the school space requirements are calculated and planned twice a year based on the currently known data. The first order for spatial planning and open space planning with a volume of around 39,000 francs has already been placed with Metron Architektur AG in Brugg AG.

  • Halter AG realizes the VIVO Aesch project

    Halter AG realizes the VIVO Aesch project

    The Halter AG construction group is teaming up with the UBS Sima real estate fund as an investor and future builder to implement the VIVO Aesch project. According to the press release , the legally binding building permit for a new development with residential, commercial and commercial use at the northern entrance to the municipality of Aesch is available. The 15,188 square meter area was used by the previous landowner Victus Real Estate AG as a material storage and transshipment point.

    The new mixed-use development is to be built by 2024, with around 85 percent of the main area being intended for residential use. According to a press release, after the development phase was completed in July, Halter AG was able to win an investor in Balintra for VIVO Aesch. Balintra AG in Basel is a real estate company owned by the UBS Sima real estate fund.

    The new property owner will transfer the project with an investment volume of around 150 million Swiss francs as builder together with Halter as developer and overall provider into the first construction phase from this autumn.

    According to Halter, the project comprises four building units. The 40 meter high VIVOTower at the motorway turn marks the entrance to the municipality of Aesch. On the lower floors, the tower offers space for commercial use and the TowerCafe. In addition, 36 apartments and 80 rental apartments are planned.

    The VIVOHof is another building with mixed use, with areas for small businesses and 36 rental apartments on the upper floors. The VIVOKamm comprises 57 rental apartments with south-facing terraces as well as a common room with access to the neighborhood square. VIVOQube offers a further 55 rental apartments on six floors, mostly maisonette apartments.

    According to Halter AG, the start of marketing for the commercial space is in spring 2022, and for the apartments in spring 2023. Completion is planned for the third quarter of 2024.

  • Inventx can expand its headquarters in Chur

    Inventx can expand its headquarters in Chur

    Inventx has received the green light to expand its headquarters in Chur, according to a press release . The IT service provider wants to build a new building on the area of the old forestry workshop in the city center. This should offer space for more than 200 employees. In addition, there will be space in the new building for apartments, restaurants, a daycare center and the Chur city archive.

    Inventx has been planning to expand its headquarters for four years. However, the project was delayed due to “objections from the neighborhood”. Ultimately, the complaints landed before the federal court. But she rejected this.

    “We are pleased that the project can now finally be realized and that the fallow area in the city center is revitalized,” says Mayor Urs Marti (FDP) in the press release. “In addition, the project strengthens Chur as a business location in the long term and thus also strengthens the city’s position as an attractive ICT location,” he adds.

  • Halter breaks ground for development in Langnau

    Halter breaks ground for development in Langnau

    The groundbreaking ceremony for a new residential and commercial building was carried out on Wednesday afternoon on the area north of the Ilfiskreisel in Langnau iE. According to the media release , the construction company Halter AG from Schlieren will be realizing the development on behalf of the insurance company Visana Services AG as general contractor. In autumn 2023, Aldi Suisse is to move into its new retail space there, the first Aldi location in the upper Emmental. At the same time, the reference date for the rental apartments and other commercial space in the new building is.

    According to Halter, the overall project provides for a mixed use of a retail space on the ground floor rented to Aldi Suisse, rental apartments and a proportion of commercial and office space for third parties. In addition, there is a public outside space as a central access area to the building on the south side and on the east side an outside space with play and lounge area that can only be used by the tenants. The delivery area for the shop is on the west side and the entrance to the parking garage is on the north side.

    One floor has an Aldi staff room as well as nine rental apartments and a commercial unit. A further 16 rental apartments with their own loggia or terrace are being built on the two floors above. Cellar and technical rooms as well as an underground car park with around 80 parking spaces are planned for the two basement floors.

  • The symbiosis of steel and drywall

    The symbiosis of steel and drywall

    Walk-in room-in-room solution
    Coop had been thinking about building a comfortable lounge for its employees for a long time. A 5-meter-high room, a kind of gallery, which is also adjacent to other rooms, was ideal for this purpose. But it would have been much too big, with its sand-lime brick walls, not comfortable and not heated. A room-in-room solution therefore offered itself, which could be implemented quickly, without a lot of dirt, but in compliance with all statics and fire protection requirements. Because the assembly took place while the high-bay warehouse was in operation, everything had to be well prepared and done quickly.

    Only half a day for the substructure
    As with all construction systems with a high degree of prefabrication, precise planning data and error-free transmission to the manufacturer were decisive. All steel profiles were cut to size and provided with the screw and punch holes to facilitate on-site assembly. The individual profiles could be efficiently screwed together using numbers and an assembly plan. Thanks to the corresponding planking, the entire construction has a fire protection rating of REI60. Plasterer entrepreneur Hansjörg Alder: “The steel structure was in the distribution center in just half a day, and within three days it was planked and ready for expansion.” You don’t notice the stylish room and its quality of stay that it was delivered as a kit and set up within a very short time.

    Like lightweight construction, simply much more stable
     RiModul® is actually nothing more than lightweight construction with stronger profiles. They achieve the best possible ratio of strength to weight, which among other things leads to dimensionally stable constructions – that is, walkable and resilient ceilings with additional usable area – and increased seismic resistance (earthquake security). And the system is based on the principle of prefabrication, which can reduce the overall construction time by up to 60%. RiModul® lightweight steel construction systems also result in significantly lower loads on the foundations than conventional construction methods. Complex objects in new construction and renovation can thus be realized safely, economically and with almost unlimited design flexibility. The RiModul® lightweight steel construction systems are particularly suitable for additions, extensions and, as in the case of Coop, room-in-room constructions. It also makes sense to use it as an external wall system for infilling in hybrid buildings.

  • Construction wages will remain stable

    Construction wages will remain stable

    Despite the pandemic burdening construction activity, wages in the construction industry have remained stable this year compared to 2020, the Swiss Master Builders Association ( SBV ) informs in a message . According to her, the construction industry continues to pay “the best wages for craftsmen”. The pay of building cadres is comparable to that of academics in industry.

    According to surveys by the SBV, the current remuneration for foremen and foremen is currently around 7800 francs a month. The rest of the construction personnel have an average of 13 monthly salaries of 5901 francs each. The monthly wage ranges from 4921 francs for an unskilled worker without qualifications or work experience to 6743 francs per month for a foreman.

    The SBV defines education as central to increasing income in construction. The leap from one wage class to the next is associated with a plus of around 500 francs, explains the association. Anyone who moves up from foreman to foreman earns around 1,000 francs more per month. In contrast, wage increases due to years of work were comparatively small due to the “high minimum wages”.

    Around a third of construction site personnel will retire in the next ten years, the communication further explains. The SBV intends to counter the worsening shortage of skilled workers with “individual wage prospects based on targeted training and further education”. To do this, however, the wage system must be converted from general wage increases to performance-related, individual adjustments, says the association.

  • Smino earns 3.1 million francs

    Smino earns 3.1 million francs

    Smino has won over a number of investors with its platform for digital building planning (Building Information Modeling / BIM). The start-up from the St.GallenBodenseeArea has successfully completed a series A financing round and raised CHF 3.1 million, according to a press release .

    Smino is an offer from BBC Systems AG. The platform acts as a data hub for construction projects. This platform is now to be further developed. “The smino team impressed us and our partners with its comprehensive software solution for construction project management”, Manfred Heid is quoted in the message, managing partner of the investor BitStone Capital. “We are very pleased to support the team together with our co-investors as they expand into new markets and develop into a digital project assistant.”

    BitStone Capital led the financing round. Other investors are EquityPitcher Ventures, Swiss Startup Capital, Session VC, Swiss Immo Lab, AXEPT Business Software AG and Conreal. “Smino has managed to generate rapid growth and become a key player in the construction industry,” says Guy Giuffredi from Swiss Startup Capital. “Now the expansion is pending and we are convinced that the excellently positioned team will master this quickly and successfully.”

    This expansion is to be realized first in Switzerland and Europe. In the future, smino also wants to rely on applications with artificial intelligence, as co-founder Sandor Balogh calls it. “The Series A round enables us to expand our market leadership in Switzerland and expand internationally. A further branch will be set up in Germany specifically for the European region. “

  • Second heating network for Steinhausen can be financed

    Second heating network for Steinhausen can be financed

    The construction and operation of a second heating network for the Steinhausen community are economically feasible. This is confirmed by a feasibility study that WWZ Energie and the municipality began a year ago. According to a media release by both actors, their results will be presented to the population on October 20th at 7.30 p.m. in the Steinhausen community hall.

    They show that in large parts of the municipality the prerequisites in terms of energy density and demand for the construction and economic operation of a second and larger network are in place. This is to be operated with regional wood as an energy source.

    The Steinhausen Zentrum heating network has been in operation since 2017. The new network could be linked to this in the medium term as well as to the Ennetsee heating network planned by WWZ. This increases the security of supply and allows efficient dimensioning of the heating center.

    "The heating network, as we are planning it with WWZ, makes a significant contribution to the implementation of the Energy Strategy 2050," said Mayor Hans Staub. In addition, it increases “the attractiveness and quality of life in our community”.

  • Tax deductions for eco-investments in new buildings should take effect more quickly

    Tax deductions for eco-investments in new buildings should take effect more quickly

    There is currently a waiting period for environmentally friendly investments in real estate. Such investments are only tax-deductible five years after the property has been built. Last December, Councilor of States Roberto Zanetti (SP / SO) submitted a motion calling for this waiting period to be shortened.

    In view of the high construction costs, the financial limits of especially younger builders for ecological measures in new buildings are understandable, writes Zanetti in his motion. If, after completion of the building, it turns out “that the corresponding ecologically desirable additional investments would be financially viable”, the owners will, however, in view of the five-year waiting period “be careful not to take these investments by hand immediately”. This is “regrettable from an ecological point of view,” says Zanetti.

    The shortening of the waiting period called for by the SP Council of States can now be implemented. After support from the Federal Council and the adoption of the motion by the Council of States, the National Council has now “accepted the proposal without discussion”, the parliamentary services inform in a message . Now it is the Federal Council’s turn. He must create the legal basis for shortening the waiting period. In addition, different procedures between the cantons are to be harmonized so far.

  • Megura gives Birchmeier Group a new look

    Megura gives Birchmeier Group a new look

    The Baden-based communications and advertising agency Megura has revised the Birchmeier Group’s public presentation. According to a media release, the new appearance under the motto Birchmeier enthusiastic is intended to clearly show the company’s development from the small construction company founded in 1940 to today’s large group with over 600 employees. The current range of services includes more than pure construction work. Birchmeier has developed from a pure construction company to a broad-based specialist within the construction world.

    This development should also be made visible and noticeable in the appearance of the brand, according to the announcement. Logo, design, photo style, imagery, tonality as well as information architecture and user experience on the website were rather down-to-earth. Megura introduced an iconic B in the logo in the so-called refresh of the brand, which enthusiastically depicts Birchmeier’s positioning. The new page captivates with a light and reduced design, direct and simple tonality and an authentic world of images.

    The Birchmeier Group presents itself on the redesigned page as a general contractor who takes full responsibility for the turnkey implementation of a construction project. Architects and specialist planners are integrated in the service contract. The customer has only one contact person.

  • Collabo wins further investors

    Collabo wins further investors

    Kollabo has raised a total of 2.4 million francs in a seed financing round, the Zurich start-up informs in a message on startupticker.ch. In addition to the already existing lead investor Wingman Ventures, Kollabo was also able to win PropTech1 Ventures from Berlin as well as other well-known business angels as investors. Roland Brack, Christian Wenger and Stéphane Pictet are named in the communication.

    Kollabo intends to use the established funds to expand the company’s own job platform for temporary work in the construction industry. Craftsmen can create their own profile at Kollabo and have their specialist knowledge certified in an evaluation system. The aim of the young company is to “become the dominant digital ecosystem for qualified craftsmen in the DACH region,” explains Kollabo in an entry on LinkedIn.

    “It is no secret that the shortage of skilled workers is the decisive bottleneck in the timely completion of construction projects”, Anja Rath is quoted in the message on startupticker.ch. The managing partner of PropTech1 Ventures sees the collaboration as “the right solution for this problem”. In addition, Rath points out that Kollabo’s sales are growing threefold every year. “Kollabo’s vision of offering additional products in the future, such as the possibility for craftsmen to book accommodation or insurance for individual orders, also opens up the opportunity for further synergies and growth potential,” says the manager of the young company’s new lead investor.

  • Demand for larger apartments is driving the construction industry

    Demand for larger apartments is driving the construction industry

    The construction industry has proven to be crisis-resistant during the corona pandemic. According to a press release, the economic research and consulting institute BAK Economics expects building construction to grow by 0.4 percent this year. An increase of 0.6 percent is expected for 2022.

    The prospects for construction activity vary between residential construction, commercial construction and infrastructure construction. While residential construction is increasing, commercial and public construction projects are recording slight losses. The demand for larger apartments is growing due to increased home work. In addition, the energetic renovations and the expected turnaround in interest rates are driving growth.

    In contrast, the pandemic-induced decline in the number of public-sector construction projects is having an impact on infrastructure construction. The number of commercial construction projects is also falling, as many companies postpone or stop planned construction projects. Thanks to the current economic upturn, according to BAK Economics, an upturn in both areas can be expected in 2022.

    Positive results in building construction are expected for the years 2023 to 2027. In commercial and infrastructure construction, the medium-term order situation should remain constant.

    There are regional differences in overall construction activity: According to BAK Economics, the regions of Zurich / Aargau, the Lake Geneva region and central Switzerland have the best forecasts. The institute expects the Basel region to stagnate in the medium term.

  • Construction company W. Schmid AG is now called WSG

    Construction company W. Schmid AG is now called WSG

    The construction company W. Schmid AG has carried out a rebranding. The company founded in Glattbrugg by Walter Schmid in 1966 now appears as WSG. According to a message on LinkedIn, this is seen as a milestone for the owner-managed SME. Due to the dynamic change caused by digitization, the business model, competencies and company culture have already been adjusted. Now follow the matching modern dress, it says in the message. In addition to the new WSG logo, the generously designed new logo in light green lettering bears the addition “See what will be.” This is intended to signal the “fresh wind” in the traditional company, according to LinkedIn.

    The development from the original construction company to today’s WSG is described on the company’s website. The company is active in German-speaking Switzerland, with three offices in Glattbrugg, Zug and Basel and employs around 70 people. WSG is active as an innovative real estate developer and is responsible for the construction of more than 10,000 apartments in the past 55 years.

    As a construction company directly at the airport, the airport region around Kloten shaped the orders and customers of W. Schmid AG. Swissair and the hotel chains with their airport hotels are named as regular customers. The company also paid attention to sustainability early on. The first solar facade was built in 1988 and the first apartment building with a Minergie certificate was completed in 1998. In 2016, the world’s first energy self-sufficient apartment building was built by W. Schmid AG.

  • SUPSI starts a series of lectures on climate and environmental crises

    SUPSI starts a series of lectures on climate and environmental crises

    The Department of Environment, Building and Design of SUPSI starts its high-profile public lecture series on the climate and environmental crisis on September 22nd. According to a press release, this reflects “the challenges facing our entire knowledge”. It is entitled “Earth Emergency – Live, Build, Think a Sustainable Future”. A total of four events are planned in this context on the SUPSI campus in Mendrisio. They are not only aimed at students, but also for all citizens. Participation is free in each case, but registrations are required.

    Thomas Stocker from the University of Bern will play the first evening. In its announcement, SUPSI introduces him as “one of the most important protagonists of international climate research”. The professor for climate and environmental physics has been working on the climate for 30 years and was instrumental in drafting the UN reports on climate change. On September 22nd at 6:30 pm he will give a lecture entitled “Climate Crisis – Is There a Vaccine?”.

    On October 27, the geophysicist and former President of the Roman Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology , Domenico Giardini, will give a lecture on the subject of “On the way to Mars”. On December 9th, Telmo Pievani, Professor of the First Chair in Italy for Philosophy of Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Biology at the University of Padua, will give a lecture entitled “We are changing the world and the world is changing: An evolutionary look at the environmental crisis”.

    Finally, Francesca Bria, President of the National Innovation Fund of Italy and Honorary Professor at the Institute for Innovation and Public Affairs at London’s Global University , will speak on February 23, 2022 on “The Revolution of the City: Data Democracy, Participation and Ecological Change”.

  • BKW Building Solutions is strengthening itself with takeovers

    BKW Building Solutions is strengthening itself with takeovers

    BKW Building Solutions AG buys Aerovent Crissier SA and Aerovent Service SA. With the takeover, the subsidiary of the BKW Group is expanding its competencies in the areas of ventilation, air conditioning and service in western Switzerland, according to a media release .

    Aerovent Crissier SA is based in Crissier VD. Aerovent Service SA is based in Villars-Ste-Croix VD. With around 40 employees, they work in the fields of building and house technology. The owner of both companies, José del Castillo, as well as co-owner and co-manager Pascal Baudois will remain with the companies.

    “Thanks to their extensive know-how of building technology solutions for smaller conversions through to large administrative, industrial, commercial and school complexes, the two companies have great potential for further development – especially in the service area,” says in the press release.

    In addition to engineering and infrastructure services, BKW Building Solutions is one of three service groups of the energy services company BKW. BKW Building Solutions offers building technology, automation and IT services across the country.

  • Holcim wants to strengthen water resources and biodiversity

    Holcim wants to strengthen water resources and biodiversity

    According to its own statements, Holcim is the first company in the construction industry to commit itself to measurable positive effects on biodiversity and more ecological water management. At the same time, the group wants to bring more nature into the cities.

    According to a press release , Holcim aims to reduce the water intensity in all product lines by 2030. A reduction of 33 percent is to be achieved in the production of cement. It should be 20 percent for aggregates and 15 percent for ready-mixed concrete. The building materials company promises to replenish fresh water in water-endangered areas by 2030: 75 percent of the locations should be “water-positive” by then. In addition, Holcim intends to equip 100 percent of all locations with water recycling systems during the same period.

    Holcim also wants to achieve measurable positive effects on biodiversity. The group wants to orient itself on the reporting system for biodiversity indicators (Biodiversity Indicator and Reporting System, BIRS ) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN . Rehabilitation plans should be available for all quarries by around 2022. The BIRS principles for all cultivated areas should be fulfilled by 2024. In addition, the use of solutions such as the water-permeable Holcim concrete Hydromedia and green roof systems for more livable cities is to be accelerated.

    Eva Zabey, Executive Director at Business for Nature , praises Holcim for these ambitious goals. They could “lead to scalable changes both in the building materials sector and in industry as a whole.” All ecosystems and societies are dependent on such measures and obligations from companies.

  • Managing Director Audergon leaves arv Baustoffrecycling

    Managing Director Audergon leaves arv Baustoffrecycling

    After five years at the helm of the arv building materials recycling association, Laurent Audergon is leaving. He wants to face a new professional challenge, it says in a letter from association president Adrian Amstutz and the two vice presidents Stefan Eberhard and Laurent Steidle to all members and partners of the association arv Baustoffrecycling Schweiz.

    The board of directors agreed on an immediate end of work with Audergon. However, the departing managing director is available to arv for an orderly handover, according to the letter. The association is therefore looking for a new managing director.

    In the meantime, the deputy managing director Gregor Schguanin will take over the management of the association with the support of the board. He has extensive and longstanding expertise in the areas of inspectorate and environmental protection as well as in-depth experience in project and team management. Schguanin studied cultural engineering and surveying at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) and is a graduate engineer and certified consultant for organizational development.

    Audergon is a graduate chemist and civil engineer at the ETH. In his five years as managing director he had a decisive influence on the repositioning and continuous development of arv, the presidents state in their letter. He led the association with great commitment.

    The association arv Baustoffrecycling Schweiz is based in Schlieren.

  • NEST office unit demonstrates potential for circulation

    NEST office unit demonstrates potential for circulation

    A new unit went into operation on Tuesday in the NEST research and innovation building of the Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute ( Empa ) and the ETH Domain's water research institute ( Eawag). As Empa in a message emphasized the office module called is Sprint was completed in just ten months. This demonstrates that building with reused materials and components is “a viable alternative to building with new material”. It “meets the market requirements for flexible and fast building”.

    The entire unit follows the so-called design for disassembly approach. If necessary, the flexible partitions could be dismantled. This enables flexible use of space and the recycling of built-in materials.

    The still existing skepticism of the construction industry about the reuse of materials is unjustified. Contrary to initial concerns about the tight schedule, "we were even able to find the re-use materials faster than new material," is quoted from Kerstin Müller, architect and business service member at the Basel construction office in situ , which planned the sprint unit.

    In addition, reuse is not yet cheaper given the current market situation. However, that will change as soon as a competitive market has developed, believes component hunter Oliver Seidel from in situ. In addition, there is a need for CO2 taxation, "which relieves the cost of new materials and used materials in order to be able to quantify the ecological added value."

  • Hilcona creates a meadow on the roof

    Hilcona creates a meadow on the roof

    Hilcona has created a 1200 square meter roof meadow on the first completed new building at the company’s headquarters in Schaan. According to a press release, the roofs of the five-year expansion will also be planted in an “ecologically valuable” way. “The green areas provide more infiltration areas than concrete-sealed areas, relieve the sewage system and offer essential protection against heavy rain events,” says the Head of Technical Service, Peter Ritzer, in explanation.

    As Hilcona further explains, green roofs are able to hold back and store water. Therefore, when building the new company building, care was taken to seal as little area as possible. They also absorb pollutants such as CO2 and clean water and air. On the other hand, the water on sealed surfaces such as conventional roofs, tar and concrete surfaces immediately drains into the sewer system and onto open floors. That causes floods and floods. The green roofs could cushion this.

    In addition, they heat up less than gravel roofs, for example. They are also more durable and easy to care for. “With the roof meadow we want to give back as much as possible to nature,” says Ritzer.

  • Sto AG replaces crude oil with pine oil

    Sto AG replaces crude oil with pine oil

    Sto AG replaces a third of the binding agent in the coatings of its StoTherm AimS facade insulation system with a renewable raw material based on pine oil. This saves around 43 liters of crude oil in a single-family house with a facade area of 200 square meters, according to a press release.

    A complete replacement of crude oil with pine oil was not possible. This would have had a negative effect on quality and durability.

    According to a media release, StoTherm AimS is the only facade insulation system with under and top plasters and a facade paint that is partly based on renewable raw materials. It is certified with the German Blue Angel eco-label. In addition, it is crack and impact-proof and cannot burn. Therefore, it is also suitable for high-rise buildings.

  • Schilliger Holz AG plans a new plant in Perlen

    Schilliger Holz AG plans a new plant in Perlen

    Schilliger Holz AG from Küssnacht is planning to build a new production plant for wood fiber insulation panels in Perlen. According to a media release, this is to be built on the Perlen Papier AG factory site. The CPH Group , to which Perlen Papier AG belongs, will hand over a land area of 20,000 square meters to the wood processing company with building rights.

    Schilliger Holz AG is one of the main suppliers of wood chips to Perlen Papier AG. One of their sawmills is already located right next to the paper mill in Perlen. Thanks to the new plant, the two companies will work even more closely together: Perlen Papier AG will supply the new plant with electricity, process steam, fresh water and fully demineralized water. In addition, it will treat the waste water produced in the company’s own sewage treatment plant.

    “We are pleased to be able to realize synergies in industrial wood processing together with Schilliger Holz AG at the Perlen location. In this way, Perlen will become the center for sustainable recycling of the important resource wood in Switzerland ”, Peter Schildknecht, CEO of the CPH Group, is quoted in a press release from his company.

    According to Schilliger Holz AG, there has been “no more insulation board production in Switzerland for a long time”. With the implementation of the new plant, the company therefore wants to close a “large gap in the Swiss wood processing chain”. Wood fiber insulation boards are used, for example, for the thermal insulation of the outer shell surfaces of buildings.

    The project is currently in the planning phase. Commissioning is scheduled for 2023.

  • Recycling of building materials needs more acceptance

    Recycling of building materials needs more acceptance

    This year, the focus of the Blickpunkt conference organized by the arv Baustoffrecycling association was the quality assurance of the recycling and processing of building materials, even in smaller companies, as well as the requirements for the building products created with them. According to a press release , Blickpunkt 2021 took place digitally on Wednesday.

    National Councilor Isabelle Chevalley spoke at the French-speaking digital Blickpunkt, the “Point de Mire”, in a lecture on strengthening the circular economy with regard to building materials. The importance of recycling building materials to conserve natural resources and scarce landfill volumes has meanwhile also been recognized politically and included in the deliberations of parliament. The Commission for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy (UREK) is working on measures to promote the recycling of building materials, she is quoted as saying. Still, more efforts are needed, according to Chevalley. Companies should offer building owners such products in a targeted manner. Measures are also necessary in procurement.

    Quality assurance is central here. The lecturing experts provided information about the implementation of in-house production controls as well as the reuse of reclaimed asphalt. The standards for this are currently being revised. Here, the association arv Baustoffrecycling Switzerland is committed to promoting recycling and for greater acceptance by all stakeholders, according to the media release.

  • Halter AG lays the foundation stone for a new quarter

    Halter AG lays the foundation stone for a new quarter

    A new quarter is to create the connection between Suhr Süd and the center. In addition to a twelve-story high-rise, three four- to six-story buildings are being built. Schlieremer Halter AG is responsible for project development and implementation, according to a media release . The foundation stone was laid on Wednesday.

    The quarter is being built on an area formerly used by Ferroflex AG. There will be areas for living, services and commerce. Public open spaces with paths and squares, a children's play area and a barbecue area are planned between the buildings. In the high-rise and in the so-called garden house, 59 apartments with 2.5 to 5.5 rooms will be built as residential property. 143 rental apartments are being built in the other two buildings.

    The development project will be implemented according to the objectives of the 2000 Watt Society. District heating from the Buchs AG waste incineration plant is used to generate heat. Solar systems will provide some of the electrical energy required.

  • Museum Langmatt exhibits winning project

    Museum Langmatt exhibits winning project

    The Langmatt Foundation, together with the city of Baden and the canton of Aargau, launched the Museum Langmatt – general renovation project. A total of 50 architectural offices took part in a competition, six of which were invited to the second round. Their designs show a pavilion in the park and a new entrance area for the museum. They will be exhibited in the museum from August 28th, according to a media release.

    At the center of the exhibition is the winning design by Ernst Niklaus Fausch Partner AG . Their pavilion creates a visual connection to the utility building without actually being connected to it. The pavilion is to be used for vernissages and other events. The new entrance area is being built in the utility building and includes the cash register, a shop or the cloakrooms.

    "We are pleased about the substantial improvements in future use", Langmatt director Markus Stegmann is quoted in the message. “With the new pavilion and entrance area, Langmatt is excellently positioned for the future. With its strong visual presence, the transparent pavilion symbolizes the new Langmatt for everyone. "