immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Bau

  • Hächler Group makes Baden city tower future-proof

    Hächler Group makes Baden city tower future-proof

    Specialists in the renovation of historic and listed buildings belonging to the Hächler Group have repaired water damage to the city tower in Baden. According to a press release from the Wettingen construction company, the damage was caused at a height of 30 meters and the entire tufa brickwork was saturated with water.

    In order to avoid such water damage in the future after the repair is complete, the most modern technology will be used on the historic building. Every year there will be a control of the drains by means of a drone, it says in the message.

    Reto Schwitter – foreman, remodeling and renovation of historic buildings at Hächler – reports on the course of events in the media release. On December 22nd, the remodeling and renovation department of Hächler AG received an emergency message with the information that pieces of plaster were falling from the Baden city tower. The damage was examined the next morning with the help of the turntable ladders of the Baden fire brigade at a height of 30 meters.

    The damaged area had been cleaned, but the heavy snow and rain in the following three weeks, followed by night frost, worsened the damage and more pieces of plaster fell off, reports the foreman. A protective net had to be installed in January. In March, the Hächler specialists scaffolded the city tower for the renovation of historical and listed buildings. The historic building material that was soaked in water was identified. After a period of drying out, it was possible to rebuild, reports Polier Schwitter. Now a new gutter has to be installed and then it is necessary to regularly check the Baden city tower at a height of 30 meters – by drone.

  • Umwelt Arena implements lighthouse project in Urdorf

    Umwelt Arena implements lighthouse project in Urdorf

    The development of the Umwelt Arena in Männedorf received the Watt d'or 2021 from the Federal Office of Energy. The two multi-family houses in Männedorf can cover their energy needs with photovoltaic modules on the facades and roofs and two wind turbines. This means that your residents are exempt from electricity and heating costs up to an upper limit.

    The Umwelt Arena is now following up with a new lighthouse project. In Urdorf, three more energy self-sufficient residential buildings are to be realized, is explained in an article on energeia + . The blog of the Federal Office of Energy will accompany the implementation of the project in a loose series of articles. In the first article, Walter Schmid, investor and initiator of the Umwelt Arena, explains the planned development.

    As in Männedorf, the buildings in Urdorf will also produce their own energy, explains Schmid. “Photovoltaic systems are installed on the facade, on the flat roof or the entrance to the underground car park.” Excess energy produced in summer is to be fed into the gas network and withdrawn in winter. In order to convert the gas back into electricity and heat, a hybrid box will be installed in the basement of the building. The tenants of the residential buildings are to be exempted from electricity and heating costs up to an upper limit.

    In the brochure for the project, the development in Urdorf is referred to as a “national future project”. Because the project should show "that it is worthwhile to build energy-efficiently and win everyone in the process," says the initiator Schmid. Männedorf has already shown that the idea works, that the larger project in Urdorf should "make it even cheaper, more economical". Because this is the only way to attract imitators.

  • Federal government is satisfied with the law on second homes

    Federal government is satisfied with the law on second homes

    The population accepted the second home initiative in 2012. This means that no additional holiday apartments or houses may be built in municipalities with more than 20 percent second homes. The Federal Council has now carried out an impact analysis of the Second Homes Act. He comes to the conclusion that the law does not need to be adjusted.

    In its communication, however, the Federal Council emphasizes that it is still too early to conclusively assess the Second Homes Act. For example, there would still be transition effects. Certain construction projects were approved before the law came into force. Overall, the land consumption for newly built second homes in all affected municipalities decreased by around a third from 2013 to 2018 compared to 2007 to 2012. However, the law on second homes did not result in zero growth.

    The federal government does not see any need for reform in the Second Homes Act. However, he sees a need for action in terms of enforcement, the knowledge base and the key terms of the accommodation industry. For example, the tasks and competencies of the cantons are to be specified. In 2025, the federal government will re-examine the effects of the law.

    In a media release, the Intergovernmental Conference of the Mountain Cantons is disappointed with the Federal Council's decision. It is known that the law on second homes is "largely complex in terms of content and not optimally formulated". This leads to problems in the execution. Accordingly, according to the mountain cantons, the law could be improved. You now want to work towards adjustments in parliament. They also emphasize that the impact analysis was carried out two years later than the law provides. If it had already gone that way, the findings from the corona pandemic should have been incorporated.

  • "Gupfengarten" in Niederweningen receives building permit

    "Gupfengarten" in Niederweningen receives building permit

    The building permit for the Gupfengarten residential development in Niederweningen is now legally binding. According to a media release, construction on a well-developed area south of the 3,000-inhabitant village should begin in late summer. The project is being implemented by the Zurich project developer Steiner AG on behalf of Evostate Immobilien AG.

    The Gupfengarten project comprises 36 single-family houses and three multi-family houses with 21 condominiums. It should be completed by the 3rd quarter of 2023. Graf Biscioni Architekten AG is responsible for the architecture.

    Othmar Ulrich, Head of Real Estate Development in the Eastern Region at Steiner AG, points out in the press release that the marketing of the apartments began last year. "With the legally binding building permit, another important milestone has now been reached," said Ulrich. The 36 row single-family houses with 4.5 and 5.5 rooms have their own private garden and are child-friendly. The 21 condominium apartments with 2.5 to 4.5 rooms have a covered outdoor area. The traffic-free settlement has an underground car park with direct access to the residential units.

    The Gupfengarten project focuses on sustainability with heat generation using a heat pump and photovoltaic system. The building envelope is made of wood for optimal thermal insulation values. The Gupfengarten development is within walking distance of the train station. From there it is 35 minutes by train to the center of Zurich.

  • FenX convinces with sustainable insulation material

    FenX convinces with sustainable insulation material

    FenX AG has secured 2.7 million francs in a seed financing round, according to a press release . Investors include the real estate company Swiss Prime Site, Zürcher Kantonalbank and CADFEM International, which specializes in simulation-based planning.

    FenX AG has developed a patented technology with which industrial waste can be converted into insulation boards using a cost-effective foam process at room temperature. According to the communication, the insulation boards produced in this way have good insulation properties and high mechanical strength. They are not flammable and cause almost no CO2 emissions.

    On the one hand, FenX intends to use the fresh funds to continue investing in research and development. On the other hand, the company wants to set up its first production facility and prepare for market entry. FenX's long-term goal is to produce recyclable building materials around the world. Production is to take place decentrally from locally available resources.

    FenX was spun off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich ( ETH) in 2019. Behind the company are researchers from the ETH Laboratory for Complex Materials.

  • Empa and Eawag expand campus

    Empa and Eawag expand campus

    The symbolic construction work for the expansion of the research campus by Empa and Eawag in Dübendorf began on Wednesday. The groundbreaking ceremony gave the go-ahead for a new laboratory building. In addition, a multifunctional building and a multi-storey car park are planned on the 20,000 square meter site. According release Empa and completion is scheduled for the middle of the 2024th

    The laboratory building will provide space for around 60 new laboratories and offices, the multifunctional building 1000 square meters of office space and space for restaurants on the ground floor. All parking spaces will be moved to the multi-storey car park. A total of 260 vehicles should find space in it. This would make the outside areas more inviting and safer for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, more greening is possible.

    In the future, research will not only be carried out in, but also on and with the new buildings. Innovations from Empa's laboratories are to be used primarily in the areas of energy and building technology. For example, a field with geothermal probes is planned that will store the waste heat from the buildings and release it again in winter. A research project will then investigate how this innovation affects the campus energy supply.

  • Implenia is building an underground station in Stockholm

    Implenia is building an underground station in Stockholm

    Implenia AG has been commissioned by the Stockholm region to expand Stockholm's blue metro line. The construction and real estate service provider is to build the new Sofia subway station with associated elevator shafts, two single-track tunnels for the subway and a parallel service tunnel, according to a media release . The order is worth around CHF 110 million.

    The new Sofia subway station near Stigbergsparken is one of the deepest subway stations in the world with its location around 100 meters underground. Eight high-speed elevators will take commuters to the platforms and exits in 30 seconds. Construction work is scheduled to begin this summer and continue until the end of 2025.

    For Implenia, the new order is a continuation of the London Viaduct tunnel, the construction of which the company was entrusted with by the Stockholm region in 2019. Work is currently underway and paving the way for the future main tunnels in Sofia. "It is an honor to take on another tunnel project of this magnitude – a complex, multidisciplinary project that fits perfectly with our expertise," Per Linden, President of the Implenia branch in Sweden, is quoted in the press release.

    With the preparatory work on the London Viaduct, the tunneling experts could ensure that Sofia would be built safely and efficiently. Implenia is primarily responsible for the implementation work and the planning of the concrete work. The Stockholm client is responsible for the overall planning.

  • Circulit concrete is being delivered for the first time

    Circulit concrete is being delivered for the first time

    In Stadel, the recyclable concrete was delivered circulit for the first time. This will create three apartment buildings on Hinterdorfstrasse. “The circular age begins with the delivery of the first cubic meters of circular concrete,” writes the newly founded company , which calls itself just like its product, in its press release .

    Thanks to the use of 1850 cubic meters of circular concrete, the builder EBI Immobilien saves 3260 primary raw materials. It also reduces the construction project's carbon footprint by 18,500 kilograms. This is achieved by using a “new type of technology” to store CO2 in the concrete.

    This building material "gives me the opportunity to achieve a significant reduction in the biggest influencing factor, concrete," Sarah Heinle from EBI Immobilien is quoted in the press release. "We hope that other clients will follow suit so that we can achieve the ambitious environmental goals together."

    Theoretically, according to Circulit, the construction industry can remove 7.5 million tons of construction waste annually and at the same time store over 42 million kilograms of CO2 in the concrete. The technology is ready for the market and the national expansion has started.

  • LafargeHolcim purchases in Greece

    LafargeHolcim purchases in Greece

    LafargeHolcim has strengthened its Heracles group in Greece. The Zug-based building materials manufacturer bought Halyps Domia Ylika, namely its large aggregates business and two ready-mixed concrete plants, from its competitor Heidelberg Cement. As stated in a media release from LafargeHolcim, this acquisition will strengthen the position of the Heracles Group in the flourishing metropolitan area of Athens with its important infrastructure projects.

    "I am excited about the opportunities and growth prospects of this acquisition in the Attica region in central Greece," said Miljan Gutovic, Region Head EMEA, in the press release. "With our leading range of sustainable building solutions such as the green concrete ECOPact, it will also support us in our pursuit of net zero."

    The acquisition will offer Heracles customers an expanded product portfolio of aggregates and concrete solutions that are suitable for all construction projects. This April, for example, the Heracles Group launched its ECOPact range of green concrete with a reduced CO2 footprint.

  • JED gets neon and icons

    JED gets neon and icons

    The JED in Schlieren is to be supplemented by art in architecture, informs a corresponding report on the website of the center in Schlieren. Art in architecture creates identity and meaning and shows the way, it says at the beginning. The owner Swiss Prime Site hired the artists Roland Ammann and Gregory Gilbert-Lodge to realize the works of art in JED.

    Glassblower Roland Amman comes from Neonhaus Ammann and has dedicated himself to the creation of three-dimensional works of art from neon after the lighting industry switched from neon to LED. For the JED he will create three oversized letters, a J, an E and a D. Amman has already installed the first work of art on the ceiling of the Jake barista bar. At first glance, the object, which looks like a fragile shining ball, turns out to be a J on closer inspection, says the report. “I like it when my art has several levels and the hidden only becomes recognizable at a second or third glance,” artist Ammann is quoted there.

    On the wall of the barista bar, visitors can already see the first work of art by Gregory Gilbert-Lodge in the JED. The independent illustrator has provided the bar with an oversized portrait of its namesake Jake in green. Jake is supposed to represent building J and give the bar “a face”, it says in the report.

    Gilbert-Lodge designed portraits of Eve and Didi for buildings E and D. “The fictional characters in the JED should act as icons,” explains the artist in the report. The values and ideas embodied by them, "even an attitude towards life", are what the icons give to the individual buildings, says Gilbert-Lodge.

  • Andermatt Reuss continues to grow

    Andermatt Reuss continues to grow

    Andermatt Swiss Alps AG notes a sustained high demand for residential property in the mountains. The company plans, builds and develops the year-round destination Andermatt. The new district of Andermatt Reuss will be built according to a master plan by 30 international architectural offices, it says on their website.

    Six apartment houses are currently under construction, according to Andermatt Swiss Alps AG in a media release. 36 of the 46 apartments are already reserved. After the snow melts, the construction of two more houses will begin. In the past few months, several houses around the Piazza Gottardo have grown in height. Some of them were already sold out in the shell construction phase or only had a few apartments left.

    In the coming months, the infrastructure base, known as the podium, on which the new buildings are located, will be expanded further. The next expansion will cover around 19,000 square meters and offer space for 16 houses. In addition, it is planned to start preparatory work for the third hotel in the summer.

  • Coconut fiber becomes a building material

    Coconut fiber becomes a building material

    As early as 2014, the Institute for Materials and Wood Technology (IWH) at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) started a research project in which inexpensive and sustainable building material based on coconut fibers was to be developed, the BFH informed in a message . The experience gained is being further developed by Michail Kyriazopoulos in a spin-off from the BFH. The former student and research assistant at the IWH founded the start-up NaturLoop together with Daniel Dinizo.

    As the first product, NaturLoop has launched a building board made from coconut fibers. Crop waste from Filipino coconut farmers is used for their production. "With Cocoboard we offer a sustainable, cheap and local alternative to conventional building materials", Kyriazopoulos is quoted in the communication. The next thing on the NaturLoop program is the opening of a production facility in the Philippines.

    The products of the young company from Bern are intended to reduce the Philippines' dependence on imported building materials. The sale of coconut fibers also offers local coconut farmers an additional source of income. "As a technology service provider, we want to offer complete solutions for the development of sustainable, natural biocomposites made from agricultural by-products," says NaturLoop CEO Dinizio. For him, sustainability means "taking into account the mutual dependence of nature and people."

  • There are plans for the Rorschacher Feldmühle site

    There are plans for the Rorschacher Feldmühle site

    The Zurich-based project developer as well as total and general contractor Steiner is planning, together with the Steiner Investment Foundation , to develop the largely fallow land of the Feldmühle site in Rorschach. A sub-zone and a design plan, which was drawn up together with the city of Rorschach, will be available to the public from Monday until April 21 at the Office for Building and Urban Development. They can also be viewed on the city's website. An identical press release from Steiner and the city provides information on this.

    On the 27,500 square meter inner-city area near the train station, 40 percent residential buildings for 760 people are planned, a total of 142 condominiums and 162 rental apartments. Commercial space is to be 20 percent or 9,000 square meters.

    An underground car park, e-parking spaces and a car sharing provider are also planned. Individual, historically valuable and identity-creating buildings are retained and placed in context with new buildings. The original character of the former industrial plant should remain noticeable. Completion of the project is planned for 2025 if everything goes smoothly.

  • Implenia relies on virtual reality for Lokstadt-Areal

    Implenia relies on virtual reality for Lokstadt-Areal

    Implenia uses the advantages of virtual reality (VR) at the Lokstadt site in Winterthur. This is made possible thanks to a solution from the Zurich start-up Hegias . Right from the start, users were able to immerse themselves in the virtual plaster model of the area and walk through it from different perspectives.

    Thanks to the solution, concerns of monument conservationists could also be quickly dispelled, writes Hegias in a press release. They initially had reservations about a new hotel, which should have shipping containers as a room. When the concept could be experienced virtually, they were convinced that the “valuable building fabric” would be preserved and that the halls would not be crammed full.

    In addition, the VR solution is also useful for marketing real estate, according to the announcement. The spatial understanding and the experience of the residential property are essential drivers in the purchase decision. Implenia has already bought a license for the Hegias software. Now she wants to expand the use of the software.

    "What was missing so far for the breakthrough of VR was user-friendly software that users can use anywhere without installation and without relevant programming knowledge," Anita Eckardt, head of the Specialties Division at Implenia and member of the management board, is quoted in the press release. "The start-up Hegias made this possible with the intuitively operable solution for VR applications – a real quantum leap."

  • Implenia wins five orders in Germany

    Implenia wins five orders in Germany

    According to an announcement from Implenia , the construction and real estate company was able to acquire five building construction contracts in Germany. Specifically, Implenia is to implement office, hotel and apartment projects for various clients in the Karlsruhe area, in Berlin and in Jena. The order volume is put at a total of 140 million euros in the announcement.

    In Karlsruhe, Implenia is building a new office and hotel building for [glossary_exclude] Qcoon Real Estate GmbH [/ glossary_exclude] and FORTOON Development GmbH. Construction work is scheduled to begin this quarter. In Bruchsal, Implenia was entrusted with the construction of a residential and commercial quarter by Grundwerte Verwaltungs GmbH. The start of construction is planned for autumn.

    Implenia will build an office and commercial building for Investa Real Estate in Berlin. Certification according to the environmental standard DGNB Gold is being sought for the building, explains the company in the announcement. Implenia has been entrusted with the implementation of two high-rise buildings in Jena.

    On the one hand, the company in Jena will build an inclusion center for people in need of care and multi-generation shared apartments on behalf of the Wandlungswelten Foundation. On the other hand, Implenia was entrusted with the construction of a new office building by a private investor not named in the notification. Both projects in Jena are already under construction and will be handed over to their clients in the coming year.

  • Bern gets a new festival hall

    Bern gets a new festival hall

    The voters from Bern have not only approved the construction of the new festival hall, but also the city's investment of CHF 15 million, according to a press release by the trade fair operator Bernexpo AG . This should enable events with up to 9,000 visitors in the future. In addition to trade fairs and congresses, concerts and cultural events are also planned.

    "With the New Festival Hall, we will upgrade the Bern event and trade fair center and thus make a significant contribution to strengthening a diverse range of cultural and entertainment offers that radiate beyond the city and into the region and throughout Switzerland," says Franziska von Weissenfluh in of the announcement quoted, Co-Chairman of the Board of Bernexpo AG.

    The old festival hall is now being demolished. Work on the new festival hall is to begin in the first quarter of 2022 and is to be completed by 2024.

  • Canton approves Rai design plan in Bergdietikon

    Canton approves Rai design plan in Bergdietikon

    The design plan submitted by the municipal council for the Rai area in Bergdietikon has been approved by the Department of Construction, Transport and Environment of the Canton of Aargau. This is announced by the municipal council in a message. It contains a look back at the 40-year history of the land of Rai. It began by buying four parcels of land in the Rai area between 1980 and 1990 so as not to leave the potential building land to speculators.

    After the canton's approval, the next step will be to implement the construction project. According to the communal council, the first step is to take measures to stabilize the hillside area. Implenia Immobilien AG has to submit a planning application for the planned work to the municipality of Bergdietikon. The concept developed by Heinrich Jäckli AG and Basler & Hofmann AG suggests slowing down the slope movements by means of deep drainage ditches arranged in the direction in which the slope falls. For the future development and development of the Rai area, subsoil investigations and movement measurements were carried out between 1991 and 2005. It follows from them that the slope movements can be reduced to such an extent that development and development are possible.

    In the years since the municipality acquired the Rai area, the topic of use has repeatedly dominated the political debate, writes municipality clerk Patrick Geissmann in the report on the Rai area. Pius Achermann, mayor from 1994 to 2005, has their say. He is quoted as saying: “The importance of the Rai area achieved a high priority during my tenure. Hardly a council meeting went by without addressing the subject of Rai. Rai became a constant topic. "

    For Paul Meier, mayor from 2006 to 2009, the state of Rai was “a stimulating word during my 16 years on the parish council.” And Gerhart Isler, mayor from 2010 to 2017, is quoted as saying that the subject involved the involvement of Implenia Development AG and specific planning work has been objectified. Ralf Dörig, mayor since 2018, is quoted as saying: "I am of course very pleased that the 40-year history of the country 'Rai' can now be concluded with a legally binding design plan." Solutions have been worked out, but there have also been setbacks. The entire planning has now been successfully completed.

  • Visionapartments offers 500 new apartments

    Visionapartments offers 500 new apartments

    Visionapartments will open three new buildings this year and next, according to a media release . The opening for the project in Basel is planned for July 2021. In a central location behind the Basel SBB train station, 125 studios in five different furnishing styles will then be available. A gym, restaurant, communal office and swimming pool will also be set up in the building.

    The projects in Glattbrugg and Lugano will follow in the coming year. 316 new apartments are being built in Glattbrugg alone. These are located in the immediate vicinity of Zurich Airport. In addition to the new apartments, a restaurant, a communal kitchen and a fitness and wellness area will also be built there. The property in Lugano will also open next year, on the shores of Lake Lugano. 55 new apartments are being built there. "Despite the current global crisis, we are following our mission to expand further," said Anja Graf, CEO and chairwoman of Visionapartments, in the press release. "We are proud of our growth and look forward to the completion of these real estate projects," she says of the projects in Glattbrugg and Lugano.

    Visionapartments was founded in Switzerland in 1999 and specializes in the rental of furnished temporary apartments. The company offers corresponding properties at 850 international locations.

  • The old spinning mill in Turgi becomes a commercial and industrial center

    The old spinning mill in Turgi becomes a commercial and industrial center

    Limmatkraftwerke AG wants to turn the listed old cotton mill in the center of Turgi into a modern commercial complex by leasing 7000 square meters of space for offices, studios, production or storage in the central and western parts of the building. The premises can be rented from April 1st. In a media release from the owner Limmatkraftwerke AG, a subsidiary of Regionalwerke AG Baden , it is said that the tenants could design and expand the rooms according to their needs, as far as this is possible on site.

    "We would like to see a lively and inspiring mix of various commercial and industrial sectors in the Turgi spinning mill," said Martin Schoop, Chairman of the Board of Directors, who lives in Turgi himself. He wants to promote the character of a modern economic center in Turgi by transferring part of the income for the promotion of Turgi. Schoop: "Part of the rent is used to feed a fund that is supposed to promote this sense of community."

    The spinning mill, which was built in 1826 and was the largest spinning company in Switzerland until 1858, is located in the center of Turgi and is easily accessible. According to the announcement, there are enough parking spaces available and the spinning mill is within walking distance of Turgi train station.

    The redesign also pays attention to sustainability. two parking spaces are to be equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles. The building is to be supplied with district heating from the KVA Turgi and in future it will again draw electricity from the neighboring hydropower plant operated by Limmatkraftwerke AG.

    Limmatkraftwerke AG see the purchase as a strategic decision. Schoop: “We operate one of our power plants right next to the spinning mill building. Thanks to the purchase of the spinning mill, we can also ensure the operation of this power plant in the long term. ”As the owner, the use of the building can be optimally coordinated with the operation of the power plant.

  • LafargeHolcim is on course for recovery

    LafargeHolcim is on course for recovery

    According to a release from LafargeHolcim , the Zug-based building materials group generated total sales of CHF 23.14 billion in the 2020 financial year. In a year-on-year comparison, this corresponds to a decrease of 13.4 percent. The recurring operating profit at EBIT level was 3.68 billion Swiss francs, 10.4 percent below the previous year's figure. Consolidated profit fell by 7.5 percent compared to 2019 to 1.90 billion Swiss francs.

    "2020 was an extraordinary year for everyone, which we have not yet experienced in this form", Jan Jenisch is quoted in the communication. According to the CEO, LafargeHolcim has proven its resilience during the crisis. In the fourth quarter of 2020 the company "returned to the growth path". Specifically, sales and recurring operating profit increased by 1.5 and 14.1 percent on a comparable basis compared to the previous year.

    For the current year, LafargeHolcim is aiming for a growth in recurring operating income of at least 7 percent on a comparable basis. The takeover of the American manufacturer of roof systems and building envelopes, Firestone Building Products , which was announced in January, should contribute to this. As part of the acquisition, LafargeHolcim is creating a new position for global management of the Solutions & Products segment. She will be taken over by the current CEO of US Cement, Jamie Gentoso.

    In order to streamline the group organization, LafargeHolcim is also merging the regions Europe and the Middle East and Africa into one region EMEA, is further explained in the press release. The current head of Middle East and Africa, Miljan Gutovic, will take over the management of EMEA. The previous head of Europe, Marcel Cobuz, has decided to leave the group, writes LafargeHolcim.

  • Canton sets design plan for ZHAW campus

    Canton sets design plan for ZHAW campus

    The Technikumstrasse campus of the ZHAW in Winterthur will be comprehensively renewed within 15 years, explains the building department of the Canton of Zurich in a message . New buildings and more open space are to be created in four stages. At the same time, the Eulach will be renatured in the area of the technical center. In the first phase, two new laboratory buildings are to be built and a public park is to be set up on the Eulach.

    The corresponding design plan was published from April 6 to June 8, 2020. 31 objections were received against him, mainly in questions of urban integration, the scope, development and nature conservation, informs the building management. Another 18 objections related to the renaturation of the Eulach and the definition of the water area.

    The design plan and the water area have been revised based on the objections and have now been set, the message continues. Both documents and the reports on the objections have been publicly available for 30 days since February 26 and can be viewed on the Internet . If no legal remedies are taken, they will come into force at the end of March this year. Then the city of Winterthur could issue the building permit for the first stage.

  • Siemens technology makes The Circle sustainable

    Siemens technology makes The Circle sustainable

    The Circle building complex at Zurich Airport, which was inaugurated in November last year, is not only Minergie-certified, but also meets the LEED PLATINUM standard of the US Green Building Council, Siemens Switzerland informs in a press release . At the highest standard of the organization, seven areas are checked for sustainability, it says there. Products for building and energy technology from Siemens have made an active contribution to the sustainability of The Circle.

    In total, over 30,000 Siemens components have been installed in the Circle, the company writes in the press release. "We are present with our products in every room", Felix von Rotz, Head of Building Products Switzerland, is quoted there. For the implementation of the order, Siemens Switzerland had "designed a unique logistics concept, with a warehouse at our Steinhausen location and a transport vehicle that is only on the road for The Circle," explains von Rotz.

    When it comes to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, Siemens products create a healthy and optimal room climate. Other components regulate the communication of the controls of these systems with blinds and lights. All buildings can be fully automated using the KNX communication standard.

    A further 7,000 Siemens components were installed in the power engineering systems. There are also voice alarm systems in private and public areas of the complex.

  • Trusttechnology equips Turin with pavilions

    Trusttechnology equips Turin with pavilions

    Turin, the capital of Piedmont, has ordered 50 of its pavilions from the Ticino start-up Trusttechnology. The aim is to equip the bars and restaurants in the so-called Murazzi buildings along the banks of the Po. A report on startupticker.ch provides information on this.

    These transparent protective structures fold up automatically when required, powered by batteries, and then only take up about one square meter of space. This corresponds to the city's flood protocol: when the water level rises in the arcades and boathouses on the west bank of the Po, they can be quickly stowed away by the staff present. Their installation is planned as soon as the catering industry is allowed to reopen after the corona lockdown.

    According to the announcement, the entrepreneurial journey of the now 47-year-old owner Tiziano Pili led from an advanced semester at the University of Applied Sciences South Switzerland and the Venturelab via the Tecnopolo of the Agire Foundation in Manno TI, where he founded his company. In 2014, Pili received an international patent and then the Swiss Made certification. As a finalist in the StartCup Ticino competition, he was finally accepted into the USI Startup Center of the University of Italian Switzerland .

    "I believe that the solution I have designed will radically change the market for temporary protective structures outdoors," says Pili. "The ink on the contract is not dry yet, as I am already finalizing the contract negotiations with a large company near Asti that would also like to invest in this solution."

  • Edelweiss windows are now producing in Münchwilen

    Edelweiss windows are now producing in Münchwilen

    The new production hall of Edelweiss Fenster AG in Münchwilen has been in operation since January 2021. According to a press release, it houses one of the most modern and fastest production facilities for plastic windows in Switzerland. Their energy concept enables an environmentally and climate-friendly production process.

    Contrary to the trend of relocating production to low-wage countries, the company in Switzerland has invested in this 100-meter-long and 25-meter-wide production hall. “Thanks to the latest technology and a clear strategy, this new building will help us to strengthen our position as a quality window manufacturer,” CEO Walter Koller is quoted on the window manufacturer's website from the St.GallenBodenseeArea. Despite the high level of automation in the new system, six new jobs have been created.

    "Plastic windows are in great demand in Switzerland," Koller is quoted in the press release. “And many customers want a window that is produced here. With our new building we can serve our customers and resellers even better and more individually. "

  • Thomas Hasler is to lead Sika

    Thomas Hasler is to lead Sika

    According to a statement from Sika , the globally active Zug-based building materials group was able to post new record values for operating profit and consolidated profit in the 2020 financial year. Specifically, the operating result at EBIT level rose by 7.1 percent year-on-year to 1.13 billion Swiss francs. At the same time, consolidated profit increased by 8.8 percent to 825.1 million francs. Sales grew by 3.4 percent in local currencies to 7.88 billion Swiss francs.

    "In 2020, the distribution business and our refurbishment business in particular proved to be particularly resistant to crises," Paul Schuler is quoted in the press release. In the opinion of the Sika CEO, the group will benefit from the growing demand for environmentally friendly products in the future. "A large part of our sales is already generated with technologies that provide customers, the environment and society with sustainable benefits," explains Schuler. For the current year, Sika is aiming for sales growth of between 6 and 8 percent in local currencies.

    Schuler will hand over his position to Thomas Hasler at the beginning of May. The current head of Global Business and Industry at Sika has been with the Zug-based building materials group for 32 years, the press release explains. Hasler joined Sika as a research chemist for industrial adhesives and in 2011 took over as head of automotive worldwide. The designated CEO has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2014. The current CEO, Paul Schuler, will be proposed for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting in April.

  • Oertli Instrumente builds at the company headquarters

    Oertli Instrumente builds at the company headquarters

    Oertli Instrumente , the Rheintaler expert for ophthalmic surgical equipment and consumables, is building a three-story building at its company headquarters. According to a press release , the owners Christoph and Thomas Bosshard, together with mayor Bruno Seelos and Björn Lutze from the executing Bänziger Lutze Architektur AG, broke ground on Thursday.

    On a total of 11,000 square meters, the new building is intended to strengthen the infrastructure for the future development of the company from the St.GallenBodenseeArea. "The construction of the Lean Factory we set the foundation for the further development of value creation and growth at the site Berneck," it says on the website of the company.

    The eastern of the two new structures is intended to expand the clean room and the production areas for surgical equipment and instruments. The western one is designed for "efficient in-house logistics". In addition, an underground car park, training and break rooms are planned as well as a roof terrace. Both parts of the building will be connected to one another via an inner courtyard and various access zones. The new building should be fully occupied in 2023.

  • Domat / Ems station area is being converted

    Domat / Ems station area is being converted

    The Rhaetian Railway (RhB ) wrote in a press release that the Domat / Ems station area is getting "a new face". According to her, the Graubünden railway company will renew the Domat / Ems station and make it accessible for the disabled. "We are building a modern train station that is adapted to the needs of our customers and to those of the community," RhB director Renato Fasciati is quoted in the announcement.

    Specifically, the RhB wants to extend both platforms at the station and partially cover them. In addition, a pedestrian underpass is to be built and equipped with handicapped-accessible ramps and stairs. The municipality of Domat / Ems contributes two passenger lifts. In addition, the RhB plans to equip sidewalks and streets with a continuous separation at the three secured level crossings.

    At the same time, the municipality of Domat / Ems is tackling extensive changes in the station area. The heart of the building plans is a new commercial and residential building directly on the platform. The four-storey building will have space for public use on the ground floor and living and office space on the other three floors, according to the announcement. In addition, a new space is planned on the south side of the station. The number of bicycle parking spaces available at the station will be increased to around 300. All construction work planned by the municipality and the railway company should be completed in summer 2023.

    "Good transport links are central to the community of Domat / Ems – for the numerous commuters, but also as an important commercial and industrial location," said Mayor Erich Kohler (CVP) in the message. "The overall project creates a modern, functional train station area that optimally meets high requirements for user-friendliness and audience-oriented uses."

  • Schlieren drives the upgrading of Kesslerplatz

    Schlieren drives the upgrading of Kesslerplatz

    The Migros Pension Fund's investment foundation has presented a design plan for Kesslerplatz. After the transfer of the private design plan from the local council to the local parliament, "the city of Schlieren will soon come a big step closer to its goal," as a media release said.

    As part of the planned upgrading of the square, the high-rise is to be preserved. The design plan also provides for four new structures. One of them is intended for commercial use, the other three are intended to provide living space. A total of 103 new apartments, a double kindergarten and a multi-purpose room are to be created as a result. For the realization of the kindergarten, the city of Schlieren has agreed with the investment foundation of the Migros pension fund both an exchange of land and compensation of CHF 2.11 million.

    Work is scheduled to begin in spring or summer 2022, and move-in is to take place from spring / summer 2024. Since the double kindergarten will not be available until a year later, “the Migros Pension Fund's investment foundation will cover 50 percent of the rental costs for a temporary arrangement, the remaining rental costs are also included in the compensation”, according to the city of Schlieren.

    With the upgrading of Kesslerplatz, a “high-quality and attractive entrance gate” to Schlieren should be created, which will also be optimally connected to the Limmattalbahn.

  • Controversial quarries slow down cement production

    Controversial quarries slow down cement production

    Around 5 million tons of cement are used annually in construction and infrastructure projects in Switzerland. In 2019, 86 percent of demand was met by Swiss cement plants. The raw materials lime and marl, which are used in the cement industry, are available in Switzerland.

    However, a report that the Federal Council has taken note of assumes that cement production in Switzerland is likely to decline in the coming years. The reason for this is resistance to the expansion or reopening of quarries. If the requested mining expansion projects for the raw materials lime and marl set out in the cantonal structure plans are not approved, Switzerland's supply of domestic cement will fall to 64 percent by 2024, according to the report.

    The report therefore proposes that raw material deposits that are important for the production of cement should also be considered from a national supply point of view. Currently, the authority for the approval of dismantling projects lies with the municipalities and cantons. The aim is to create a national overview of the raw material deposits and to evaluate it from a “raw material geological point of view”. This would give authorities and raw material producers a basis when planning mining projects.

    In its communication, the Federal Council also emphasizes that the Federal Office for the Environment ( FOEN ) is currently working with research and industry to find new solutions to replace the primary raw materials lime and marl with secondary raw materials. So far, however, this has only been possible to a very limited extent. However, technologies are also in the development phase that will replace cement in concrete or even lead to cement-free concrete.

  • Builders' Association examines Switzerland of the future

    Builders' Association examines Switzerland of the future

    Last year, the Swiss Master Builders Association ( SBV ) carried out a representative survey on the expectations of the Swiss up to 2040. According to the results, the majority of the country’s residents are in favor of densifying urban space, the SBV informed in a statement on the survey. At the same time, the need for more spacious and sustainable living space is registered.

    For the SBV, the construction industry can make a decisive contribution to the implementation of these ideas. Already today, every dismantled apartment is being replaced by two new ones with a total of three times the building area, writes the association. At the same time, however, the SBV is calling for regulatory obstacles to be removed when renovating the building stock. Specifically, the communication mentions the simplification of building permit processes and the acceleration of complaint procedures. The SBV also sees a need for action in noise protection and homeland security.

    The SBV supports the CO2 Act with its building program. When it is implemented, new replacement buildings should be promoted more intensively, as these represent the most efficient solution in terms of energy technology, writes the association. For peripheral regions and mountain areas, the SBV proposes creating framework conditions, technology and transport infrastructure that can attract working residents or keep them in the region.