immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Bauen

  • Hächler refurbishes historic Posthorn inn

    Hächler refurbishes historic Posthorn inn

    The Hächler construction company reports progress on the renovation project with a new building for the historic Posthorn inn in Neuenhof. According to the press release , the old building will be extensively renovated. Seven rental apartments are being built in the former hotel. There is also a new building with a further 16 rental apartments.

    Since the building permit for the Posthorn superstructure was granted in 2019, the structural and civil engineering department of Hächler AG has been in charge of the construction work since spring 2021. According to Hächler, the project is not easy. The historic post horn was not allowed to be torn off. The building dates from 1834 and is a protected site. Gable and facade must be preserved.

    According to Hächler, to ensure the statics and to support the facade that remains in place, a complex steel brace was installed. The rest of the post horn could only be broken off after the installation of this steel spline. When the historic building was gutted, the effective master builder work began. In the meantime, the erection work on the roof trusses of the Posthorn and the new building are scheduled for March and April.

    According to the construction management, the work on the superstructure will be completed around May 2022. Then the interior work takes place. The move-in date for the new apartments in the Posthorn is planned for February 2023 and in the new building for April 2023.

  • Allreal increases corporate profit

    Allreal increases corporate profit

    In the 2021 financial year, Allreal achieved a company result that was significantly higher than in the previous year, the real estate company with its own general contractor informed in a press release . Specifically, Allreal reported a profit of CHF 182.6 million, compared to CHF 167.2 million in 2020. Excluding the revaluation effect on the real estate portfolio, a profit of CHF 133.3 million was realized.

    In the real estate division, Allreal achieved “an excellent result” in the year under review, the press release goes on to explain. The company from Opfikon emphasizes the expansion of its portfolio in western Switzerland as a growth driver. He increased the market value of the investment properties to CHF 5.11 billion. In addition, rental income increased year-on-year by CHF 4 million to CHF 204.4 million.

    In general contracting, a profit of 53.4 million francs was realized in 2021, compared to 46.6 million francs in the previous year. Here the company benefited “from high sales success”, writes Allreal. The completed project volume, on the other hand, developed “less dynamically than expected”, as in 2020. The division’s result, at CHF 13.8 million, was nevertheless CHF 6 million higher than in the previous year.

    Allreal writes that the backlog of around CHF 694 million secured at the end of the year will ensure capacity utilization for around two years. For the current fiscal year, the company is assuming rising real estate income and further growth in the operating result.

  • Dutch central bank builds with new strength

    Dutch central bank builds with new strength

    The Dutch Central Bank uses CO2-neutral concrete in the renovation of its Amsterdam headquarters. This is made possible thanks to a collaboration between the Dutch New Horizon Urban Mining BV and the Swiss start-up neustark , according to a LinkedIn announcement .

    New Horizon’s technology makes it possible to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by 75 percent, they say. For this, cement is obtained from concrete recycling material. The remaining footprint is offset by neustark. The start-up has developed a technology with which CO2 from the atmosphere can be permanently stored in recycled concrete. For this purpose, liquid CO2 is introduced into demolition material.

    Neustark is a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich ( ETH ) based in Bern. The company works with Holcim , among others, to drive innovation and sustainability in the construction sector. As part of the collaboration, neustark is investigating the CO2 conversion potential of Holcim’s recycled demolition concrete. Holcim, in turn, optimizes the concrete produced by neustark.

  • Sika expands in Canada

    Sika expands in Canada

    Sika has announced the takeover of the Canadian building materials supplier Sable Marco in a media release . With this commitment, the specialty chemicals company wants to make sales in eastern Canada even more successful.

    Sable Marco is a leader in mortar and cement production. According to the press release, the company based in Pont-Rouge in the province of Québec has annual sales of 20 million francs.

    Sable Marco’s customer base fits Sika’s portfolio, they say. In addition, Sika can benefit from the “contacts to national and regional building material markets and DIY retail chains” and is taking an important step towards a “new customer base with high potential”.

    The cementitious products, mortar, polymer sands and other materials are produced in Greater Quebec. According to the announcement, the companies see synergies in the “cross-selling potential of the products that Sika offers in the target markets of waterproofing and building finishing”. Due to the geographic location, Sika sees opportunities for new sales channels in eastern Canada. In addition, the increasing demand for polymer sand products is conducive to cooperation.

  • Graubünden begins renovation of the Plantahof

    Graubünden begins renovation of the Plantahof

    According to a press release , the canton of Graubünden is building a new, state-of-the-art conference center on the Plantahof site. 24.5 million francs are available for the development of the area.

    The ground-breaking ceremony heralded the start of construction for a building that is intended to create the spatial and energetic conditions for the future. The Plantahof agricultural training and advice center will receive a “future-oriented, flexible infrastructure” in several construction steps. The new building is said to be an asset for the future education and training of the young generation of farmers and for advising farmer families.

    Investing in the future means environmentally conscious building in accordance with the Minergie-P-Eco standard. This energy-efficient and resource-saving construction meets all “legal requirements and regulations in terms of energy, environmental and safety technology as well as disability law”.

    The new building is urgently needed after more than 40 years of operation and considerable need for repairs, especially in the dining room, kitchen and accommodation. Gradually, first the accommodation, then the kitchen and the hall will be modernized. The architecture should “disentangle” the building areas and “structure the exterior and interior spaces of the facility precisely and with high quality”.

    Planning and implementation is carried out by a consortium consisting of the Nickisch Walder Architects based in Flims GR, the planning office Planalytik with headquarters in Flums SG and a specialist planning team.

    The canton is investing CHF 24.5 million in the construction project. The Graubünden electorate had approved the referendum on February 9, 2020. Construction can take place during ongoing operations. Completion is scheduled for spring 2025. In the canton of Graubünden, the conference center founded in 1896 plays a central role in training and further education for agriculture.

  • HRS completes project in Locarno

    HRS completes project in Locarno

    A few days ago, HRS handed over the Residenza Step Tower in Locarno to CS Asset Management (Switzerland) AG as the client, the real estate service provider from Frauenfeld informed in a press release . The project consists of a nine-storey and a three-storey building, which house a total of 44 apartments, the Lidl branch, offices and storage rooms. HRS is pleased “that a compact structure could be implemented here that makes optimal use of the available space and is self-confident but also harmoniously integrated into the neighborhood,” writes the real estate service provider.

    All units in the Step Tower have digital controls, and the apartment doors have digital locks. HRS explains that communication with property management can also take place digitally. Both buildings meet the Minergie and Greenproperty standards.

  • Jaisli-Xamax completes work on tram depot

    Jaisli-Xamax completes work on tram depot

    Jaisli-Xamax has completed the electrical installation in the Limmattalbahn tram depot, according to a press release from the Dietiker electrical company. All electrical installations, switchgear construction and building system technology were carried out on behalf of Limmattalbahn AG. Work started in July 2020.

    The tram depot on the border of Dietikon and Spreitenbach is 24 meters wide, 145 meters long and eleven meters high, according to the Jaisli-Xamax statement. Project manager Edin Brkic is quoted as saying that working at such heights was very challenging and demanding for the installation team.

    The work on the depot is part of the second construction phase of the Limmat Valley Railway, which has 27 stops over a length of 13.4 kilometers from Zurich-Altstetten via Schlieren, Urdorf, Dietikon, Spreitbach to Killwangen. The second stage from Schlieren Geissweid to Killwangen-Spreitbach station and in the city of Zurich between Altstetten station and Farbhof should be completed by the middle of this year. The railway is scheduled to start regular operations in December.

  • Strabag is an active partner on Engineers' Day

    Strabag is an active partner on Engineers' Day

    Strabag Switzerland will take an active part in the day of engineers and will present a pilot project in Küsnacht in an online lecture. According to the media release from the Schlierem construction company, the start is on Friday, March 4, at 11 a.m. The lecture goes until 12:15 p.m. and will be broadcast on the Internet via Microsoft Teams. On the Engineer’s Day website, access is possible by clicking on it without prior registration. The speakers are Stijepan Ljubicic, Technical Group Manager BIM, and Christian Häni, Technical Group Manager Traffic Routes Engineering at Strabag.

    BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and describes the model-based planning, implementation and operation of construction projects, with the aim of optimizing the transfer of knowledge, the quality of the results and the efficiency of all those involved, according to Strabag. On March 4th, Strabag will present its project for the renovation of the Schiedhaldensteig in Küsnacht in the live presentation. Strabag is the total contractor and is responsible for the planning and construction management as well as the execution – model-based using the BIM 5D program. In Küsnacht, the upper part of the Schiedhaldensteig was rehabilitated in a very narrow and steep traffic area and the sewage pipes were replaced. At the same time, the existing gas, water and electrical lines at the plants on Lake Zurich were renewed.

    Even before the actual Engineer’s Day, a networking event will take place on Thursday, February 17, at the JED in Schlieren. Zurich government councilor Carmen Walker Späh and Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin will be taking part. According to a press release from the Limmatstadt AG location promotion, a panel discussion will highlight the qualities and potential of engineers from various disciplines.

  • Allreal starts construction work for the new Rieter campus

    Allreal starts construction work for the new Rieter campus

    According to a press release , Allreal has started construction work on Rieter ‘s new campus in Winterthur. The real estate company from Opfikon is responsible for the project as general contractor. She works with the BDE Architects from Winterthur, among others.

    Rieter is investing around 80 million francs in its new campus. This is to include a customer and technology center and an administration building on an area of 30,000 square meters. The textile machine manufacturer will be able to employ around 700 people there from 2024.

    Rieter relies on renewable energies for the new campus. The heat is to be generated with geothermal probes, for example. In addition, a 1300 square meter photovoltaic system will be installed. According to Allreal, the project is “very complex, especially with regard to the building services”. In product and technology development, different climate zones are required that can be set differently.

  • Securecell expands its headquarters in Urdorf

    Securecell expands its headquarters in Urdorf

    The headquarters of Securecell AG in Urdorf has been expanded. The biotech company has been based in the Luberzen industrial area since April 2019. At that time, the move to an area of 1800 square meters with around 30 employees took place. According to the media release , the company, which specializes in the development of automation solutions for bioprocesses, has since doubled the number of its employees and has therefore now enlarged its workspace. At the turn of the year, the ground floor at the company headquarters became vacant. According to the press release, Securecell AG was able to move into an additional 2,000 square meters of office and production space at the end of 2021.

    When moving into the 1st floor in 2019, modern offices, a research laboratory and a clean room for medical technology development as well as a production facility for small devices with an attached warehouse and workshop were set up. The newly added work area on the ground floor is perfectly tailored to Securecell’s needs and could be used immediately without much effort, according to the press release.

    The previous tenant equipped the rooms with modern office workplaces and meeting rooms, an ESD-protected workshop suitable for electronics and production, and a large warehouse. ESD means protection against electrical discharges. In addition, the floor offers access to the loading dock and a spacious kitchen.

    Securecell is a member of Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zürich .

  • Sika wants to grow in Africa

    Sika wants to grow in Africa

    Sika is positioning itself for further dynamic growth in Tanzania and the Republic of Ivory Coast. The company has moved into a new location in the East African economic center of Dar es Salaam. There, the Zug-based company now also produces mortar and tile adhesive in addition to concrete additives. This shortens the transport routes, according to a press release from the company.

    In the Republic of Ivory Coast in the west of the continent, Sika has doubled the size of its factory premises. With new areas for storage, offices and laboratories in Abidjan, Sika can double the production capacities for tile adhesive and repair mortar in the medium term and expand storage capacities. The neighboring countries of Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Mali and Sierra Leone will also be supplied from there.

    Sika is committed to “sustainable business activities in Africa” in the long term, Regional Manager EMEA, Ivo Schädler, is quoted as saying. “At both locations, we produce high-quality solutions that are used for large infrastructure projects.” As examples, he cites the metro project and the expansion of the seaport in Abidjan, the Standard Gauge Railway and the Julius Nyerere hydroelectric power station in Tanzania.

  • HSG inaugurates the Square learning center

    HSG inaugurates the Square learning center

    On Sunday, February 13, the HSG inaugurates its new learning center. Square represents a “prototype of the university of the future” and should serve as a “place for surprising encounters and mutual inspiration”, writes the HSG in a statement . “The new learning and teaching formats that are being developed in Square are intended to inspire the entire university and prepare our students as best as possible for practice,” HSG Rector Bernhard Ehrenzeller is quoted as saying.

    Square’s work is based on three pillars that faculty, alumni and students have developed together. On the one hand, the learning center is intended to serve as an experimental field for new formats which, if successful, can be implemented at the HSG and other universities. For the spring semester beginning on February 21, 80 existing courses were selected to be carried out and evaluated in the square.

    On the other hand, Square will take on the role of a base camp for an exchange between students, alumni and researchers. The HSG has planned to include personalities from various professions and social groups. Paul Achleitner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Deutsche Bank, Gabriele Fischer, Editor-in-Chief and publisher of the German business magazine “Brand eins”, and Federal Chancellor Walter Thurnherr, among others, have confirmed for the spring semester.

    Last but not least, Square should also serve as a public space for a critical discourse by and with those who are not directly connected to the HSG. In order to attract residents of St.Gallen and guests from near and far, Square wants to present itself as a marketplace with an open atmosphere. Music, barista coffee and beer brewed especially for Square are also offered.

  • Empa shows the advantages of high-performance insulating materials

    Empa shows the advantages of high-performance insulating materials

    Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research ( Empa ) have investigated when an investment in costly high-performance insulating materials such as aerogels can be worthwhile for builders. According to a media release , the 25 most expensive cities in Europe, North America and Asia were initially compared. The research team found out that the lucrative area gain through the more expensive aerogels at a square meter price of more than 8000 francs exceeds the additional costs of the thinner insulation variant.

    The reason given is that high-performance insulation achieves the same insulating effect as conventional mineral wool, but only requires half to a quarter of the material used. Against the background of rising real estate prices and dense construction in cities, high-performance insulating materials such as aerogels could promote economical construction. Because the thinner the outer shell of a building, the more space is available inside.

    The economic advantages calculated using an equation could have been shown in the 15 most expensive cities – including the four Swiss cities of Zurich, Geneva, Lugano and Basel with the highest prices per square meter in Europe. Amortization was determined in the 14 most expensive cities in North America and in the ten most expensive cities in Asia. The knowledge could also support future planners when deciding on the appropriate insulation material.

  • Heart Neuro Center Lake Constance is inaugurated

    Heart Neuro Center Lake Constance is inaugurated

    On February 7th, the key handover ceremony for the new Heart Neuro Center Lake Constance on the Münsterlingen hospital campus took place. A department for neurological early rehabilitation from the Rehabilitation Clinic Zihlschlacht will also start work there in March.

    The move of the patients from Kreuzlingen TG had taken place two weeks earlier without any problems, according to a media release . The Heart Neuro Center in Münsterlingen has been in regular operation since January 24th. Since then, 50 interventions have already been carried out.

    Government Councilor Urs Martin and Mayor René Walther delivered greetings. As a sign of their “lived partnership”, the flags of the two sponsors and the canton of Thurgau were hoisted.

    The CEO and owner of the real estate service provider HRS Real Estate in Frauenfeld, Martin Kull, handed over the symbolic key to the two operators. HRS “entered the demanding construction project” at the end of 2021, “after the new clinic building threatened to fail due to massive construction delays”. According to the information provided, Professor Dierk Maass, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the client, confirmed to the HRS team that they had “achieved a great deal in an enormous race to catch up” during the final sprint.

  • Paperi's first "2000-watt area" in the canton of Zug

    Paperi's first "2000-watt area" in the canton of Zug

    The paper mill shaped the community of Cham and the Zug West region for more than 360 years. A new living and working quarter with industrial charm is now being built on the former industrial site. Formative existing buildings are being supplemented with striking new buildings directly on the Lorze and implemented sustainably. The story continues and bridges are built between past and future, between people and nature, between living and working. “Sustainability” has played an important role as an overall topic since the beginning of the site development. As the client, the Cham Group committed itself to the goals of the 2000-watt society early on in the planning process and made the decision to use fossil-free heat supply out of conviction and even before the intention of certification. As the crowning glory of the ongoing sustainability efforts, the Papieri was the first area in the canton of Zug to be awarded the “2000 Watt Area” certificate today. On behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Daniel Kellenberger thanked the Cham Group for their commitment and perseverance in not only talking about energy and CO 2 targets, but actually implementing them with the “2000 Watt Area” certificate, among other things.

    Zero CO2 emissions
    The Papieri area offers completely new foundations for an energy-efficient, climate-neutral and sustainable society. This makes it a pioneering project throughout Switzerland. Practically from the beginning of the development of the site, the Cham Group decided to completely dispense with fossil fuels for heat generation and to rely fully on the favorable location factors with hydropower, geothermal probe fields and photovoltaics. The highlight of the area is the completely CO 2 -free energy system. The entire energy supply on the site is based on 100% renewable energies. This is achieved by means of geothermal probes and a river water catchment, which each serve a central heating and cooling network via heat pumps. Thanks to a ZEV (association for self-consumption) with the renovated small hydroelectric power plant on the Lorze and large-scale photovoltaic systems of 6,500m2 on the new buildings, around 40% of the total energy required can be generated on site. “Moreover, other aspects of comprehensive sustainability are explored in practically every project, be it through “building recycling”, ie intelligent conversion of the existing building, the use of CO 2 -optimized construction principles such as timber construction, or through intelligent sharing offers in the field of mobility,” explains Lukas Fehr, Head of Development at the Cham Group.

    Lighthouse character for municipality and canton
    So far, only 43 areas in Switzerland have been certified with this label by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy –
    26 of them as a 2000-watt area “in development”. Government Councilor Florian Weber is also pleased that the canton of Zug is playing a role in this. “100 percent for 2000 watts: the Cham Group is opening up a new era of comprehensive and sustainable energy concepts for large-scale developments at the Papieri site,” says the construction director. As Energy City Gold, the municipality of Cham also celebrates the award of the papers as a “2000-watt area”. “The award is a seal of quality for the Cham Group’s site development, an incentive for others and at the same time corresponds to the community’s commitment to climate protection. After all, Cham wants to become climate-neutral internally by 2030; by 2050, “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions should even be achieved for the entire municipality,” explains Drin Alaj, Head of Traffic and Safety for the Cham municipality. And Mayor Georges Helfenstein adds: “We see the developments on the Papieri site as an opportunity and are pleased about this certification and about the new, vibrant and now also certified sustainable quarter”.

    Marketing start of the first office and commercial space
    On February 10, 2022, the rental of the shop, office and commercial space on the ground floors of the properties in the first construction phase, which will be ready for occupancy at the end of 2022, will start on the papieri-cham.ch website. The Papieri area offers space for every business model and company of different sizes. Not interchangeable and arbitrary, but sustainable, well thought out and in the middle of a lively district.

  • Walo installs new flooring at Stadler

    Walo installs new flooring at Stadler

    Walo Bertschinger has provided the Stadler Rail production halls in St. Margrethen with a new floor covering. According to a message on Facebook, an area of 19,000 square meters was covered with the Haypanol-D covering in the production halls for the assembly of trains. The Haypanol-D epoxy coating developed by Walo has been tried and tested in industrial buildings and parks for years. The finally hardened epoxy forms together with the scattered material of the quartz sand a very hard, clean and even surface structure.

    According to a technical explanation on Walo’s special website for floor coverings, the seamless Haypanol-D litter coverings have high mechanical and chemical resistance. The property profile of the industrial floor coverings is adapted to the respective stress class. The anti-slip properties of the covering are coordinated according to the customer’s requirements. In addition, the system can also be designed as an antistatic or electrically conductive covering. The flooring has a longevity of up to 25 years.

    The Stadler site in St.Margrethen in the border triangle is the competence center for double-deck multiple units within the Stadler Group, according to the Stadler Group website. After more than 20 years in Altenrhein, this production was moved to the newly built plant in St.Margrethen in 2020.

  • Kantonsspital Winterthur moves into a new building

    Kantonsspital Winterthur moves into a new building

    After ten years of planning and five years of construction, the new building of the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur (KSW) has been officially opened. According to a press release from the engineering and consulting company HKG , operations should definitely start in the coming week after the moving day on Thursday.

    According to the KSW, the new bed and operation wing will replace the existing high-rise building. After 55 years of operation it will be demolished. According to the KSW , the new building has 61,000 square meters of floor space, 13 floors, 213 rooms, seven operating theaters, 95 treatment rooms and 240 parking spaces. The RA-B architects working group (Rapp Architekten AG and Butscher Architekten AG) created the new KSW building under the direction of the cantonal building authority.

    The new building has a simple design with a lightweight travertine facade. Fully automatic building shading enables a pleasant climate in the rooms despite the large window areas. Like the facade, the KSW also designed the public park in front of the new building together with the Winterthur urban design specialist group.

    According to the announcement, the cantonal hospital invested CHF 350 million in the approximately ten years of planning and construction. CFO Hansjörg Lehmann, who will replace the current CEO Rolf Zehnder as Chairman of the Management Board in May, refers to the special features of the financing. “The KSW was the first hospital in Switzerland to place a green bond on the capital market and at the lowest conditions ever seen,” he is quoted as saying. The successful realization of the new building is “a milestone in the history of KSW”.

    Because a public celebration of the commissioning was not possible due to the pandemic, the KSW has provided videos with a virtual insight into the new building on a special website .

  • Implenia receives five building construction contracts in Germany

    Implenia receives five building construction contracts in Germany

    For Implenia ‘s Buildings Division, the new year begins with an attractive building construction contract worth CHF 227 million in Germany. According to a press release , the Opfikon-based construction and real estate specialist has been awarded the contract to build several sustainable residential and commercial buildings in five German cities.

    According to the announcement, Implenia’s Buildings Division is constructing two residential and commercial buildings in Kiel , a high -rise apartment building for the Franklin site in Mannheim, which according to the announcement is “currently the largest site development project in Germany”, and the partially modular construction of a new rehabilitation center in Mosbach am Neckar Residential district in Neunkirchen am Brand and a school center in Delitzsch near Leipzig.

    The model-based and software-supported working method Building Information Modeling (BIM) is to be used in the planning and execution of the new construction projects. Lean construction should guarantee the coordination of all processes and trades during the construction phase.

  • BKW is stepping up its presence in two growth markets

    BKW is stepping up its presence in two growth markets

    In a press release , BKW announced the takeover of Arnold und Gladisch Objektplanung Generalplanung GmbH from Berlin and Dr. Blasy-Dr. Øverland Ingenieure GmbH from Eching am Ammersee announced.

    As the Bern-based energy and infrastructure company has announced, the success of the BKW Engineering network is to be continued and expanded with the new partners from Germany. In addition, company growth is important in order to successfully position oneself in competition with "multidisciplinary market leaders".

    The portfolio of the German companies promises an increase in competence for the growth markets of residential construction, safe construction, water and environment, it is said. Blasy Øverland contributes its expertise in water management, hydraulic engineering and environmental planning. The Arnold und Gladisch architectural office focuses on residential construction and safety-compliant construction.

    The BKW Group specializes in planning and consulting for energy, infrastructure and environmental projects and covers building technology, including the construction, service and maintenance of energy, telecommunications, transport and water networks. For its corporate goal of offering services for infrastructure, environmental and energy projects from a single source, BKW can draw on a network of more than 50 successful companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

  • Swiss Prime Site and Superlab are building laboratory space in Schlieren

    Swiss Prime Site and Superlab are building laboratory space in Schlieren

    Swiss Prime Site Immobilien has entered into a partnership with Superlab Suisse . Superlab is a provider of laboratory and research space. According to the press release , Superlab Suisse provides operational and fully equipped research and laboratory space as well as operational services. It already has such a location in Lausanne. Both partners plan to develop locations in Basel and Schlieren with a total area of more than 10,000 square meters. According to Superlab Suisse, the laboratory in Schlieren will have an area of 5,400 square meters.

    The city on the Limmat is home to facilities of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH), the University of Zurich (UZH) and research centers of numerous national and international pharmaceutical companies. The demand for laboratory space is correspondingly high, it is said. Swiss Prime Site Immobilien is planning a modern new building project on the JED site in Schlieren. In cooperation with Superlab Suisse, research and laboratory areas for start-ups, spin-offs or established companies are to be created on two floors.

    “Due to the direct proximity to the Wagi area in Schlieren and the technology park in Basel, companies from the life sciences sector can benefit from significant synergy effects of these ecosystems,” says Zhang Xi, CEO of Superlab. In Basel, a state-of-the-art building with laboratory and research areas is to be built by Superlab Suisse at the Stücki Park in the next 18 months.

    For Martin Kaleja, CEO of Swiss Prime Site Immobilien, the modern standard of construction, the flexibility of the space and the guarantee of support and services are key success factors. Kaleja is quoted as saying that Swiss Prime Site Immobilien and Superlab Suisse together had the necessary know-how to ensure the space required for laboratory and research areas.

  • Balgrist builds a teaching and research center

    Balgrist builds a teaching and research center

    The medical location of Zurich is getting a new surgical research and teaching center. The Operation Room X (OR-X) at Balgrist University Hospital has been under construction since January 26. Its commissioning for the test phase is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.

    According to a press release , the OR-X creates new opportunities for surgical research, development and teaching. According to the clinic, it should offer the opportunity to develop and validate new technologies based on augmented reality, robotics and artificial intelligence more efficiently. In this way, new technologies could be put into clinical use more quickly. In addition, prospective surgeons could learn and gain practical experience in a realistic operating room.

    “Modern surgical innovation and teaching should happen in the most real environment possible, before use on patients,” said Mazda Farshad, medical director and initiator of the OR-X, in a previous statement from the hospital. “That’s why we’re building a simulation operating room, focused on orthopedics, but open to the field of surgery.” The OR-X creates an infrastructure that, according to Balgrist, contributes to “being at the forefront of the development of surgical innovations”. .

  • Empa awards the use of airgel

    Empa awards the use of airgel

    The Airgel Architecture Award enters the second round. Since January 19th and until June 30th, Empa has been accepting examples of the use of aerogel in architecture, construction, renovation and monument preservation, the research institute informs in a press release . Architects, civil engineers and employees in design offices can apply for the prize. Architecture and civil engineering students are also invited to participate.

    The exact conditions of participation can be found in the announcement or on the Airgel Architecture Awards website. “The prize recognizes the best examples of energy efficiency, unconventional solutions, translucent daylight lighting and high-performance building solutions using super-insulating airgel materials,” writes Empa. This year’s winners are to be announced on August 5th in Empa’s NEST building in Dübendorf.

    The Airgel Architecture Award was launched in 2020 by Empa and the industrial partners Fixit , Agitec , Haga AG Naturbaustoffe and Hasit as well as the AdvaPor association. It should help to publicize the possibilities of airgel insulation materials in monument protection and in the renovation of buildings among architects and civil engineers. Five offices applied last year.

  • Implenia separates from Gravière de la Claie-aux-Moines

    Implenia separates from Gravière de la Claie-aux-Moines

    Implenia AG is selling its majority stake of 66.67 percent in Gravière de la Claie-aux-Moines SA ( GCM ). The construction and real estate company from Opfikon informs in a message that the stake will be sold to Walo Bertschinger SA Romandie as well as to Vigier Holding AG and H 2 M Participations SA. Shareholder Walo Bertschinger SA Romandie had previously held the remaining third of the GCM. Even after the entry of Vigier Holding AG and H 2 M Participations SA, the stake held by Walo Bertschinger SA Romandie will remain a minority stake, according to the announcement. The parties involved have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

    “Implenia is selling its stake in GCM SA to suitable owners in order to continue to focus on the defined core portfolio and advance its asset-light strategy,” the company explains in the press release. As part of the corporate strategy, Implenia wants to concentrate on “integrated construction and real estate services in Switzerland and Germany as well as tunnel construction and related infrastructure projects in other markets”.

  • Holcim takes over Malarkey Roofing in the USA

    Holcim takes over Malarkey Roofing in the USA

    The global Zug-based building materials company Holcim has signed an agreement to take over Malarkey Roofing Products . Malarkey is a leader in the American residential roofing market, according to a press release . It is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The transaction is valued at $ 1.35 billion and will be 100 percent cash-funded. Holcim expects to realize synergies of $ 40 million per year by year three.

    Malarkey Roofing Products is forecast to have net sales of $ 600 million in 2022. According to the announcement, the company can point to double-digit growth in the highly profitable roof-top housing market in the USA with a volume of 19 billion dollars. Both companies have set themselves the goal of sustainable building.

    “The acquisition of Malarkey Roofing Products is an excellent start for our ‘Strategy 2025 – Accelerating Green Growth’, with which we are expanding our Solutions & Products division and becoming one of the world’s leading providers of roofing systems,” Holcim CEO Jan Jenisch is quoted as saying. With Malarkey, Holcim is positioning itself as a full-range roofing provider. The strategy to accelerate green growth is to expand this area to 30 percent of the Group’s net sales by 2025.

    Gregory Malarkey, President of Malarkey Roofing, founded in 1956, sees Holcim as the right partner. “For decades we have been looking for a company that aligns with our vision, shares our values and can help us accelerate our growth strategy.” Like Malarkey, Holcim also focuses heavily on promoting the circular economy and the transition to sustainable construction, Malarkey becomes further quoted.

  • New professor for circular building at the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Building at the FHNW

    New professor for circular building at the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Building at the FHNW

    The Institute for Sustainability and Energy at the University of Architecture, Building and Geomatics FHNW is actively involved in research, training and further education as well as services in the areas of energy-efficient and climate-neutral construction, integral building technology, sustainable construction and operation, resource-efficient and circular construction as well as health aspects in buildings. One of the fundamental concerns of this strategy is to strengthen building in the circular economy. In the area of training and further education as well as in research, the institute makes an important contribution to ensuring that more energy- and resource-efficient and sustainable construction methods are implemented in Swiss building practice. The expertise of the researchers working at the FHNW is in demand both nationally and internationally as well as within the FHNW.

    In order to strengthen this highly qualified team, the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Building has succeeded in recruiting Andrea Klinge from ZRS Architekten Ingenieure Berlin as professor for circular building.

    Andrea Klinge studied architecture at the Technical University of Berlin and specialized in sustainable building at the London Metropolitan University. She worked in various architectural offices in London, Rome and Berlin, and has been with ZRS Architects since 2013, where she established the research department. Her main research interests are a holistic approach to building and include circular, low-tech building as well as the use of natural building materials (clay, wood, natural fibers) to improve the quality of the interior space in buildings.

    Due to her background as a carpenter, Andrea Klinge always works practically to bring research results into direct application. To this end, she has implemented several projects with wood, clay and bamboo with students from different universities but also with international colleagues.

    At the FHNW University of Architecture, Building and Geomatics, Andrea Klinge wants to make a difference: “What I associate with the professorship and want to address are the current challenges in the construction sector. This is one of the most resource-intensive economic sectors in the world and contributes significantly to climate change. In order to meet the Paris climate goals, consistent approaches are urgently needed to implement the necessary building turnaround in the construction sector. “

    Andrea Klinge has been a member of the Life Cycle and Circular Building Advisory Board of the German Society for Sustainable Building since September 2021. Since October 2021, together with Eike Roswag-Klinge, she has also headed the DIN Circular Economy Standardization Roadmap working group, Structures and Municipalities working group .

    Prof. Barbara Sintzel, Head of the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Buildings, is looking forward to working with Andrea Klinge: “Andrea Klinge stands for the turnaround in construction. She brings the enthusiasm and versatility that this topic needs. She has technical expertise to help the use of ReUse components and renewable building materials in practice with applied research to achieve a breakthrough and thus make the building turnaround possible. We look forward to your active support in research and teaching. “

  • Steiner sells the "Widacher" project to Fortimo

    Steiner sells the "Widacher" project to Fortimo

    During the first construction phase, Fortimo will build 16 terraced houses and 42 apartments in the Minergie standard. The latter are spread across three apartment buildings that are being newly built, as well as two existing listed buildings. The new quarter will have attractive housing offers, private retreats and communal meeting areas. Right from the start, Steiner AG pursued the goal of transforming a fallow industrial area into a new, livable place to live in the countryside. Existing listed buildings such as the barn and the old post office were carefully integrated into the project and are now being revitalized as part of the implementation for living and common rooms.

    Focus on real estate development
    Due to a portfolio adjustment, Steiner AG decided to sell the site development, which has already been approved in part, before the execution phase. Michael Schiltknecht, Co-CEO of the Steiner Group, is very pleased about the successful transaction: “With Fortimo we can hand over this great project to a long-term partner company, which ensures the successful implementation and further development of this attractive residential development.” He adds: “We have developed a convincing new building project with great potential from a former industrial site, the success story of which is now being continued by Fortimo.”

    A major project in three stages
    The construction of the first stage will start in summer 2022 if the project goes according to plan. The overall project, which consists of three stages and will one day include 165 residential units in 10 multi-family houses and 46 row single-family houses, will be completed in the next few years.

    Rural yet central
    The proximity to Zurich, an independent village character and a colorful club life make the Aargau community of Fischbach-Göslikon particularly attractive as a place to live. The Widacher area is in a quiet location and scores with a wonderful view and excellent transport links. From here, the public schools, shops and the natural banks of the Reuss with their sandbanks can be reached quickly on foot.

    Steiner AG
    Steiner AG, one of the leading project developers as well as total and general contractors (TU / GU) in Switzerland, offers comprehensive services in the areas of new construction, renovation and real estate development. The company, founded in 1915, has built over 1,500 residential construction projects, 540 commercial properties, 45 hotels and 200 infrastructure facilities such as universities, schools, hospitals, old people’s homes and correctional facilities. Steiner AG is headquartered in Zurich and has branches in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Tolochenaz and Lucerne.

    Fortimo AG
    Fortimo creates added value with joy and enthusiasm, regardless of whether you develop, hold or operate real estate. Responsible and sustainable, the more than 80 Fortimo employees at the new headquarters in St.Gallen generate annual added value of well over CHF 200 million. In 2020 Fortimo built more residential units than ever before, and at the beginning of 2021 the properties it owns exceeded the billion mark. The combination of investment, development and operation creates valuable synergies that ultimately benefit the users of the real estate.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rietbach Center has taken place

    The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rietbach Center has taken place

    The starting shot for the Rietbach Center has been given. Representatives of the municipality of Bachenbülach, tenants and other guests attended the groundbreaking ceremony, according to a message from P&F Immobilien . Burger King, the hotel chain Schatz AG and Bodypalace Gym, which will also offer physiotherapy, have been won as anchor tenants.

    The new health, commercial and service center in the Zürcher Unterland is only about three minutes from the Bülach-Süd / Bachenbülach motorway exit. It will have freely expandable areas that are just as suitable for medical practices and other providers in the health sector as for specialized shops. The health services offered are intended on the one hand to ensure basic care, while on the other hand medical specialists are also to be settled there. The future tenants should also benefit from synergy effects from the surrounding centers.

    On the ground floor of the Rietbach Center, an area of 3000 square meters is available for trade and services. This is supplemented by 1,600 square meters of rental space on the upper floor.

  • Holcim launches concrete innovation

    Holcim launches concrete innovation

    Holcim has developed a new high-performance concrete called DYNAMax. According to a media release from the Zug-based building materials group, it can be used to build thinner and longer structures than with conventional concrete. On the one hand, this enables larger usable rooms. On the other hand, material is saved in building.

    Holcim also paid attention to the overall ecological footprint of DYNAMax. In addition to the reduced use of materials, the product is characterized by local production, “short transport routes” and a recyclable and completely reusable profile.

    DYNAMax will initially be launched in Europe, North and South America and the Asia-Pacific region in 2022.

    “Given today’s population and urbanization trends, DYNAMax is an ideal material for building smart cities. It offers high performance so that you can build more with less, without compromising aesthetics and functionality, ”says Jan Jenisch, CEO of Holcim.

  • Steiner sells Immo-Projekt to Fortimo

    Steiner sells Immo-Projekt to Fortimo

    Steiner AG has decided to “adjust the portfolio”. As a result, it sells the entire Widacher project in Fischbach-Göslikon to Fortimo Invest AG . According to a press release , Fortimo will begin with the implementation of the first construction phase in the coming year. There is already a building permit for this.

    Initially, 16 terraced houses are to be built on an abandoned industrial site. This first stage also includes a further 42 apartments in three apartment buildings and two listed buildings. A total of 165 residential units in ten multi-family houses and 46 row single-family houses are planned on this site. They are to be built in three sections.

    “With Fortimo we can hand over this great project to a long-standing partner company, which ensures the successful implementation and further development of this attractive residential complex,” Steiner CEO Michael Schiltknecht is quoted as saying.

  • Implenia is building five buildings for SBB

    Implenia is building five buildings for SBB

    As a general contractor, Implenia is building five buildings on the former Malley industrial site west of Lausanne, one of which has 19 floors and a second one with 24 floors. As the company reports , the order volume is CHF 200 million. It includes the construction of residential and commercial buildings for the first phase of construction called Central Malley . An area of 42,200 square meters is to be developed. 23,700 square meters are planned as office space, 3800 square meters for commercial units and 14,700 square meters for around 200 apartments.

    The Central Malley construction project is the first step in the revitalization of the Malley industrial area. According to the information, the area is to be converted into a sustainable urban quarter with apartments, offices and commercial units. The concept for the development is based on ecological building, future ways of life and the Minergie P-Eco standard. The development of the new district fits into the spatial development plan for the Lausanne metropolitan area, which envisages several “ambitious architectural designs”. In this way, Implenia is making a contribution to the design of “promising future living and working environments,” says Jens Vollmar, Head of the Buildings Division, quoted in the press release.

    The project was preceded by two architecture competitions. The designs are implemented by the offices of Aeby Perneger & Associés SA and Pont 12 Architectes SA .