immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Bauwesen

  • Young companies in the construction industry receive innovation awards

    Young companies in the construction industry receive innovation awards

    At the Swissbau trade fair in Basel, three young companies from the construction and property industry have been awarded prizes in the second Swissbau Startup Challenge. According to a press release, the business model, business plan and financial plan were taken into account in the assessment. The jury selected three companies that are working on innovative solutions in the field of sustainable construction from the 17 candidates taking part in the innovation competition.

    Irmos Technologies from Zurich, which emerged in 2023 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), impressed the jury with the development of an intelligent platform for building monitoring, predictive construction analysis and the safety of buildings, according to the press release. “Vibrations from daily information sources such as traffic, wind and construction work” serve as the data basis.

    Rematter, based in Zug, has been launching ceiling elements made of clay and wood on the market since 2022. The system, developed on behalf of the architectural firms Senn and Herzog & de Meuron, creates an alternative to concrete using locally available, low-carbon materials. It fulfils the highest requirements in terms of load-bearing capacity, fire resistance and sound insulation. The production process combines natural materials and robot-assisted high-tech.

    Oxara from Zurich produces cement-free aggregates. The ETH spin-off has been working on the development of an additive technology for the production of cement-free concrete from excavated material containing clay since 2019. Oxara also received the special Green Award, presented for the first time, which was created for special commitment in the area of sustainability.

    The award ceremony marked the end of the Swissbau construction trade fair. This was preceded by nine months of preparation. During this phase, the young entrepreneurs were able to learn from 13 specialist judges, experts and coaches from the Startup Academy, as well as work on and present their business ideas. The innovation competition is a joint project between Swissbau, Startup Academy, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and Standortförderung Baselland.

  • Timber Finance informs about CO2 methodology in timber construction

    Timber Finance informs about CO2 methodology in timber construction

    Timber Finance has been working since 2022 to establish timber construction on the market for CO2 storage certificates. The company recently received an ICROA CO2 certificate standard for its methodology developed for this purpose, Timber Finance announced in a press release. The competence centre for modern timber investments expects its CO2 storage technology to be finally recognised in the course of the year.

    For the pilot phase of the methodology, Timber Finance is inviting interested parties from the property development, architecture, engineering, project development and real estate sectors as well as general and total contractors to register their planned or ongoing timber buildings as pilot projects for CO2 certification. On 8 February, the Competence Centre will also be hosting an online seminar on the topic. According to the event announcement, the approach of generating financing contributions for timber construction projects via CO2 storage certificates will be explained in detail.

  • Switzerland gets coordination centre for circular construction

    Switzerland gets coordination centre for circular construction

    Circular Hub has founded the Circular Construction Catalyst 2033(C33) association with the support of the Swiss Centre for Construction Rationalisation(CRB), Bauenschweiz, the CEA Lab of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Circular Economy Switzerland and Eberhard Unternehmungen. It is open to other members and is intended to serve as a neutral coordination centre for circular construction for all players in building construction and civil engineering, C33 explains in a press release.

    The declared aim of the association is to contribute to establishing circular construction “as the new normal by 2033 at the latest”, said Marloes Fischer, co-founder of C33 and CEO of Circular Hub, in the press release. “If all players along the construction value chain cooperate in a coordinated manner, the transition to a circular construction industry will succeed,” says Fischer. “In order to maximise the willingness and commitment of the construction industry to help shape the movement towards circularity across the industry, we are taking the non-profit route with C33,” adds Michel Bohren, co-founder of C33 and Managing Director of CRB

    Prior to founding the association, the founders worked with representatives from the entire value chain in the construction sector to develop working topics and a strategy. At a kick-off meeting on 3 October 2023, market development, measurability of circularity, legislation, standards and regulation as well as knowledge building and networking were identified as the main levers for promoting circular construction, writes C33. As a first step, a learning network is now to be set up, among other things.

  • Röfix Academy invites you to the Umwelt Arena

    Röfix Academy invites you to the Umwelt Arena

    Röfix AG, based in Sennwald, is organising several events at its Röfix Academy in February. On Monday, 29 February, an information event for specialist contractors, architects and planners, dealers and DIY stores, investors and private builders will take place at the Umwelt Arena in Spreitenbach from 12 noon to 5 pm. The programme includes topics such as: “Thinking from the ground up – challenges in basement renovations” and “From masonry to surface design”. According to the invitation on the Umwelt Arena website, the programme will focus on creativity, techniques and materials for the best results. Another topic is “Focus on thermal façade refurbishment” Practical examples with successful detailed solutions will be presented.

    The Röfix Academy describes itself as a platform where experienced speakers not only impart their theoretical knowledge, but also present practical examples. The aim is to provide insights into the use of modern construction techniques and building materials. This direct integration of real project experience enables participants to gain concrete insights into the application of modern construction techniques and building materials. The Academy is intended to promote a lively transfer of knowledge between planners and contractors and provide an opportunity to expand one’s own network of experts.

    Röfix AG is part of the Fixit Group based in Freising, Germany. According to the website, it is the umbrella brand for the five established building material brands Fixit, Greutol, Hasit, Kreisel and Röfix. The Group employs around 2,500 people at 69 locations in 18 European countries.

    The Umwelt Arena invitation includes a link to register for the Academy event series.

  • Holcim cooperates with the largest climate incubator in North America

    Holcim cooperates with the largest climate incubator in North America

    Holcim is now working with Greentown Labs to accelerate the development of new climate technologies for sustainable construction. The premium partnership with Greentown Labs, called Terawatt, gives Holcim preferential access to promising start-ups focussing on innovative and sustainable building solutions, according to a press release. The aim is for Holcim to become an early adopter of cutting-edge technologies for the decarbonisation of the construction industry.

    Greentown Labs is the largest incubator for climate technology start-ups in North America. The business incubator, with locations in Somerville, Massachusetts, and Houston, Texas, is home to more than 200 start-ups. Since its foundation in 2011, it has supported over 525 start-ups with laboratory space, shared offices, machine and tool workshops, electronics, software and business resources and a large network of experts. Holcim is also joining the Greentown Industry Leadership Council, which provides strategic advice to Greentown on issues such as shortening the time from technology development to market.

    “The combination of Holcim MAQER Ventures, our venture capital programme, with Greentown’s outstanding selection of successful climate tech start-ups will serve as a catalyst to reinvent how the world builds for a regenerative future,” Holcim’s Head of Sustainability Nollaig Forrest is quoted as saying. Through MAQER Ventures, Holcim says it is working with hundreds of start-ups in its open innovation ecosystem and is conducting research in 15 areas, from ultra high-strength concrete to 3D printing.

  • EWN dispenses with alpine solar plants

    EWN dispenses with alpine solar plants

    The Nidwalden cantonal electricity utility(EWN) has examined a total of six sites in its supply area for their suitability for the construction of alpine solar plants. In a first step, two sites were assessed as suitable in principle.

    However, extensive investigations revealed that the steepness of the terrain at both sites posed particular challenges for the construction and financing of the plants, EWN writes in a press release. EWN refers to the pressure of the snow, avalanches, landslides and possible rockfalls. Possible protective measures would have been so expensive that the plants would no longer have been economically viable.

    EWN has therefore decided not to pursue the two projects for the time being. Should the general conditions change, they could be reactivated.

    Among other things, EWN operates the Dallenwil hydropower plant and a solar plant on the Stans country park. It also holds a stake in Repartner Produktions AG, a joint venture between Repower and other regional energy suppliers for joint participation in renewable energy projects.

  • Wingtra’s mapping drones support the French construction industry

    Wingtra’s mapping drones support the French construction industry

    Wintgra and SITECH France, a digital construction and digital solutions company owned by Trimble, have entered into a partnership. According to an announcement from Wingtra, this collaboration brings together its own mapping drones as a supplier of valuable geodata with SITECH’s expertise in the use of digital technologies for earthworks, road and linear projects, topographical measures, quarries and technical landfills. The French company is based in the Île-de-France region.

    As SITECH enables the seamless integration of Wingtra’s reliable data acquisition, this partnership will advance the industry with improved geodata. This will serve to model construction sites more efficiently, improve project planning and optimise processes.

    According to the press release, both partners are supporting proactive companies in building smarter. This emphasises their commitment to innovation, productivity and reducing the carbon footprint in the construction industry.

  • Trade is optimistic

    Trade is optimistic

    The skilled crafts sector can look back on a very successful 2023, writes Buildigo AG in a press release. The brokerage platform for tradespeople and construction consultants, which has been part of Mobiliar since summer 2020, based its assessment on a survey of over 200 trades businesses. According to the survey, 95 per cent of the companies surveyed were very satisfied or satisfied with the course of business in the past year.

    Buildigo measured the highest level of satisfaction among electricians. The brokerage platform attributes this to the expansion of solar systems and the increasing electrification of mobility. For the current year, 35 per cent of the trades businesses surveyed generally expect business to improve even further. A further 60 per cent expect demand to remain good.

    Recruiting staff was cited as the biggest challenge by 55 per cent of respondents. Order acquisition and administrative efficiency followed with 41 and 32 per cent respectively. In addition, a majority of 54 per cent noted increased competition. Competitors with aggressive pricing strategies and increasingly price-sensitive customers were cited as the main reasons for this.

  • Ecocycle technology from Holcim receives award

    Ecocycle technology from Holcim receives award

    Holcim’s Ecocycle technology has been named a “beacon of the circular economy in the built environment”, according to a press release. This was announced as part of a joint initiative by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company and the World Economic Forum at its annual meeting in Davos. The award recognises pioneering solutions that demonstrate a novel, unique approach to the circular economy, proven and substantial impact of high value, and significant scale and maturity.

    Holcim already operates over 100 of its Ecocycle recycling centres. According to their own figures, they recycled almost 7 million tonnes of construction waste into new building solutions in 2022. This corresponds to over 1,000 lorry loads per day. This network is to be expanded to 150 locations by 2030. In Europe alone, the Group plans to recycle over 20 million tonnes of construction waste. Ecocycle makes it possible for concrete, cement and aggregates to contain between 10 and 100 per cent recycled demolition materials without compromising on performance.

    “With our advanced recycling of demolition materials, we can already reduce the carbon footprint of cement by up to 40 per cent,” Holcim’s Head of Sustainability Nollaig Forrest is quoted as saying. “This is just the beginning. With our innovations and partnerships along the entire value chain to further develop building standards, we want to accelerate the transition to circular construction in all the urban centres in which we operate.”

  • Implenia and Empa join forces for CO2-negative building materials

    Implenia and Empa join forces for CO2-negative building materials

    As Empa ‘s realisation partner,Implenia is building the Beyond Zero Unit in Empa’s NEST building in Dübendorf, the construction and real estate company based in the Glattpark district of Opfikon announced in a press release. The new unit will be used for research into CO2-reduced and CO2-neutral building materials. The Beyond Zero Unit will be integrated into the middle level of the NEST research and innovation platform.

    “We are delighted that Implenia is able to enrich the great research and innovation platform NEST with a new unit as a partner,” said Jens Vollmar, Head Division Buildings at Implenia, in the press release. “As a leading Swiss construction and real estate service provider, we are thus jointly providing important insights for the future, CO2-reducing construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure.” Implenia intends to use the knowledge gained from the Beyond Zero Unit for its own developments and planning.

    The new unit in the NEST building is not the company’s first collaboration with the research institute. “Implenia has realised pioneering sustainable buildings on the Empa Campus in Dübendorf, most recently a laboratory and office building and the first car park in hybrid timber construction in Switzerland,” explains Empa Director Tanja Zimmermann. “The fact that Empa and Implenia are also working together in research into innovative building materials with this new partnership and are investigating promising applications over a longer period of time on our NEST platform promotes the direct transfer of sustainable innovation into practice.”

  • EPFL researches new crack detection for concrete

    EPFL researches new crack detection for concrete

    Cracks in reinforced concrete structures are normal and are regularly checked using conventional methods. However, according to a press release, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne(EPFL) are currently working on methods to digitise these inspections and verify them using an algorithm. Hugo Nick, a Master’s student at the Laboratory for Structural Concrete (IBETON), has developed two methods for this. In the first step, concrete structures are reconstructed in a laboratory and digitally photographed under load until a resulting crack causes the structure to break. The data set is saved and processed into an algorithm using artificial intelligence.

    In the second step, digital images of real buildings are taken. These images of cracks occurring in nature and under load will be compared with the algorithm. The researchers hope that this will enable them to draw conclusions about crack behaviour and predict possible hazardous situations.

    “A detection algorithm then analyses the image with the help of artificial intelligence,” Hugo Nick is quoted as saying in the press release, “The algorithm is actually a neural network that has been trained on thousands of images and can predict crack detection. Inspectors are beginning to test this method in the field, and it has several advantages. By using automatic crack detection systems, we can reduce the number of errors and inaccuracies and make inspections faster and more accurate.”

  • Neues Lehrkonzept für Biodiversität im Bauwesen lanciert

    Neues Lehrkonzept für Biodiversität im Bauwesen lanciert

    Angesichts der zunehmenden Herausforderungen des Artensterbens und des Verlusts an Biodiversität, insbesondere in urbanen Gebieten, hat das Projekt Campus4Biodiversity ein Lehrkonzept entwickelt, das darauf abzielt, zukünftige Fachleute in der Baubranche zu schulen und zu sensibilisieren. Dieses Konzept, das in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Institut für Baustoffe und biobasierte Materialien (IBBM) der Berner Fachhochschule (BFH), dem Netzwerk für Nachhaltigkeitslösungen (SDSN Schweiz) und der Non-Profit-Organisation scaling4good erstellt wurde, ist nun öffentlich zugänglich.

    Das Lehrkonzept stellt eine Reaktion auf den alarmierenden Zustand der Biodiversität in der Schweiz dar, wo fast die Hälfte der Lebensräume und über ein Drittel der Arten bedroht sind. Barbora Starovicova, Leiterin des Projekts, betont die Notwendigkeit, das Bewusstsein und Verständnis der Baufachleute zu schärfen, um effektive Lösungen für diese Umweltprobleme zu finden.

    Das Konzept richtet sich an Dozierende und Leitende von Baukursen an Universitäten und Fachhochschulen. Es soll den Studierenden nicht nur das notwendige Wissen vermitteln, sondern auch praktische Ansätze bieten, um biodiversitätsfördernde Maßnahmen in und um Gebäude herum zu entwickeln und umzusetzen.

    Die Bereitstellung des Lehrkonzepts als frei zugängliche Ressource ist ein entscheidender Schritt, um eine breite Wirkung zu erzielen und die Bauindustrie in Richtung einer nachhaltigeren Praxis zu führen. Dieses Konzept könnte sich als wesentlicher Beitrag zur Bekämpfung des Artensterbens und zur Förderung der Biodiversität in städtischen Umgebungen erweisen.

  • Sika generates record sales

    Sika generates record sales

    Sika generated record sales of 11.24 billion Swiss francs in the 2023 financial year, the global speciality chemicals company for construction and industry announced in a press release. This corresponds to year-on-year growth of 7.1 per cent. In the press release, Sika emphasises the former construction chemicals business of the BASF Group acquired in the previous year as a growth driver. Due to the successful integration of the MBCC Group, Sika anticipates annual synergy effects totalling 180 to 200 million Swiss francs.

    All regions also contributed to the record sales with double-digit growth rates in local currencies. At 15.2 per cent, sales in local currencies grew most strongly in the Asia/Pacific region. In the EMEA and Americas regions, growth rates of 14.8% and 14.9% respectively were realised. The Global Business segment increased its sales in local currencies by 10.0 per cent. Strong devaluations of almost all currencies against the Swiss franc resulted in a negative currency effect of 7.4 per cent.

    “Sika has once again demonstrated its resilience over the past twelve months,” said Thomas Hasler, CEO, in the press release. “Thanks to our well-functioning business model, high innovative strength and the great commitment of our 33,000 employees worldwide, we have grown strongly and gained market share even in a challenging year.” Sika will communicate the full report for the financial year 2923 on 16 February.

  • NEST-Projekt setzt auf CO2-Speicherung in Gebäuden

    NEST-Projekt setzt auf CO2-Speicherung in Gebäuden

    In der Schweiz ist der Bausektor für rund 28% der CO2-Emissionen verantwortlich. Angesichts dieses hohen Anteils rückt die Idee, Gebäude als Kohlenstoffsenken zu nutzen, in den Fokus der Forschung. Die neue Empa-Initiative „Mining the Atmosphere“ zielt darauf ab, CO2 aus der Atmosphäre in Baustoffen zu binden und langfristig zu speichern. Das Projekt „Beyond Zero“ im NEST soll bis 2026 demonstrieren, wie solche Gebäude realisiert und betrieben werden können.

    Bestehende Technologien wie emissionsarmer Beton oder kohlenstoffnegative Isolationsmaterialien bieten bereits vielversprechende Ansätze. Reto Largo, Geschäftsführer von NEST, betont jedoch, dass das Ziel über das Erreichen einer Netto-Null-Bilanz hinausgeht. Die Vision ist es, Gebäude als effektive CO2-Senken zu nutzen. Gerade bei mineralischen Baustoffen wie Beton, einem der meistverwendeten Materialien, wird ein enormes Potenzial gesehen.

    Für die Entwicklung und den Einsatz neuer CO2-negativer Baumaterialien ist eine enge Zusammenarbeit verschiedener Experten erforderlich. Neben den Empa-Laboren unter der Leitung von Mateusz Wyrzykowski, Gruppenleiter Betontechnologie, wird das NEST-Team auch vom Architekturbüro OOS unterstützt. Andreas Derrer, Gründungspartner von OOS, hebt die Bedeutung realer Bauvorhaben hervor, die eine ganzheitliche CO2-Bilanzierung und Potentialanalyse ermöglichen. „Beyond Zero“ soll Antworten auf die Frage geben, ob und wie Gebäude zukünftig zur Senkung des CO2-Gehalts in der Atmosphäre beitragen können. Dieses Projekt markiert einen signifikanten Schritt in der Entwicklung nachhaltiger Baukonzepte und könnte weitreichende Implikationen für die Immobilienbranche haben.

  • New concrete to reduce CO2 emissions

    New concrete to reduce CO2 emissions

    Researchers at the Concrete & Asphalt Laboratory of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) are developing a concrete that binds carbon. According to a press release, the institute wants to use this research to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions for a climate-neutral Switzerland by 2050. In the project, the researchers led by project manager Prof. Dr Pietro Lura note that 8 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are caused by cement production. To counteract this, the Empa research team wants to use biochar in concrete production. The carbon found in plants is formed by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air. No new CO2 is released during the carbonisation process. However, biochar cannot be added directly to concrete.

    “Biochar is very porous and therefore not only absorbs a lot of water, but also expensive additives that are used in concrete production,” Empa researcher Mateusz Wyrzykowski is quoted as saying in the press release. The solution proposed by the Empa team is to pelletise the coal components. The coal is mixed with water and cement in a rotary mixer. This produces pellets with a diameter of between 4 and 32 millimetres. These pellets can be used to produce normal concrete of strength classes C20/25 to C30/37 – the classes that are most widely used in building construction and civil engineering today.

    “With a proportion of 20 per cent by volume of carbon pellets in the concrete, we achieve net zero emissions,” says Mateusz Wyrzykowski. “This means that the amount of carbon stored offsets all emissions generated during the production of the pellets and the concrete.”

    The project is part of the broad Mining the Atmosphere concept being pursued by several research departments at Empa, including the production of synthetic methane gas using solar energy, water and CO2 from the atmosphere in sunny regions of the world and the subsequent pyrolysis of the gas. “This produces hydrogen, which can be used as an energy source in industry or mobility, and solid carbon, which we can process into pellets – like biochar – and incorporate into concrete,” explains Head of Research Lura.

  • Griesser presents solar-powered shading systems

    Griesser presents solar-powered shading systems

    According to a press release, Griesser AG is launching sustainable and easy-to-install solar shading products for windows and patios: With Renobloc Solar, Solozip Solar and Solocreen Solar, the family-run company, founded in 1882, is launching a roller shutter and two awnings with solar drive.

    Renobloc Solar is a front-mounted roller shutter with a high degree of blackout that can be installed under existing lintels or directly on the façade during conversions and renovations. Its box protects the blind and the mechanism from the weather.

    The vertically installed Solozip Solar façade awning comes with a zip that is welded to the fabric. It holds the fabric in the guides over the entire height. This version, with or without the solar option, can withstand particularly high wind speeds of up to 92 kilometres per hour.

    Soloscreen Solar is another vertical awning. It is also available in numerous colour variants. According to Griesser, this makes it ideal as a design element for modern architecture. The Renobloc roller shutter is available immediately. The Solozip façade awning will be available from mid-January and Soloscreen from February 2024.

    The radio motors of all models are equipped with obstacle detection and frost protection function. They are activated using a remote control or the Somfy smart home control system. The solar products reportedly work for 30 days without direct sunlight, opening and closing twice a day.

    Griesser produces in its own factories in Switzerland, Austria and France and sells its products in over 20 countries. The company, which is based in the St.Gallen-Lake Constance area, employs around 1,500 people in total, of whom around 800 work in Switzerland.

  • Möckli Beton achieves CO2 storage record in Neustark plant

    Möckli Beton achieves CO2 storage record in Neustark plant

    Möckli Beton AG has achieved a new storage record for CO2 in demolition materials. In less than three months, it has broken the 200 tonne mark. According to a press release from the Bern-based company Neustark, which supplied Möckli’s storage facility, none of Neustark’s 14 separation and storage facilities to date have achieved this level so quickly.

    When asked how Möckli Beton achieved this record, owner and managing director Chris Möckli refers to the special treatment process at his company. “All demolition waste that we process in our plant is filled into the material box, where the granulate is gassed with CO2 and the mineralisation or storage process is started. We are therefore not surprised by the amount of CO2 stored.”

    Möckli Beton has already produced 500,000 cubic metres of its NovoCon concrete from concrete and mixed demolition waste granulate in recent years. “By integrating the CO2 storage process, we can now produce Novocon concrete even more sustainably and with the latest technology.” In addition, the material mineralised with CO2 becomes stronger, which means that the cement content in the recycled concrete can be reduced.

    According to Möckli, customers are generally very interested. “If the price-performance ratio is right and no compromises in quality have to be accepted, everyone is happy at the end of the day.”

  • Sika invests in Kirchberg

    Sika invests in Kirchberg

    Sika, a company specialising in specialty chemicals for the construction sector, has commissioned new production facilities for the concrete admixture Sigunit in Kirchberg, according to a press release. This is an investment in the expansion of production capacities in the Swiss domestic market, it emphasises.

    The shotcrete accelerator Sigunit is used in particular in tunnelling and excavation support. Thanks to the new technology manufactured in Switzerland, major infrastructure projects such as the second Gotthard road tunnel and important tunnel projects in neighbouring countries will be supplied with the product even more efficiently, according to Sika. The high-performance technology and shorter transport routes will also reduce CO2 emissions and make the realisation of construction projects more environmentally friendly.

    “With the additional production capacities in Switzerland, we are creating the conditions to better serve important infrastructure projects in the entire Alpine region,” said Christoph Ganz, Regional Head EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) at Sika. “With our high-performance products, we not only contribute to the realisation of ambitious road and rail tunnel projects, but also make an important contribution to greater environmental friendliness in tunnelling and construction in general thanks to the durability and sustainability of our solutions,” Ganz continues.

    Headquartered in Baar, Sika has a global presence in 103 countries with 33,000 employees. Sika generated sales of 10.5 billion Swiss francs in 2022.

  • Walo sells Kern Tunneltechnik to PERI

    Walo sells Kern Tunneltechnik to PERI

    The Dietikon-based construction company Walo Bertschinger has sold its majority stake in Kern Tunneltechnik SA, based in Paradiso, to PERI in Weissenhorn, Bavaria, a company specialising in formwork and scaffolding technology, according to a press release. The Walo Group had been a shareholder of Kern since 2017 and acquired a majority stake in the company in 2021, which is one of the leading providers of high-tech solutions in tunnelling, according to the press release.

    “With the sale of its majority stake to the German family-owned company PERI, one of the largest international manufacturers and suppliers of formwork and scaffolding systems, Walo is opening up new development and growth prospects for the Kern Group,” said Leandro A. Testa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Walo International AG.

    According to the company press release, Walo has also concluded a cooperation agreement with the Kern Group. The company currently has around 80 employees at three locations. Under the current management of CEO Reiner Kern, it will operate as an independent business segment under the name Kern within the PERI Group. “The merger with PERI opens up new perspectives for both companies and allows us to be stronger on the market in the future – worldwide,” Kern is quoted as saying.

    “In recent years, together with its CEO Reiner Kern and his team, we have turned the Kern Group into a disruptive and revolutionary market player,” Chairman of the Board of Directors Testa is quoted as saying. The new combination of the strengths of PERI and the Kern Group makes it an even stronger success partner for Walo. PERI International had a turnover of 1.8 billion euros in 2022 and is active in 65 countries with 9100 employees.

  • AEW Energie produces solar power on the roofs of Swisspearl AG

    AEW Energie produces solar power on the roofs of Swisspearl AG

    AEW Energie AG has installed a photovoltaic (PV) system on two pitched roofs of Swisspearl Schweiz AG, formerly Eternit (Schweiz) AG, in Niederurnen. According to a press release, 3144 solar panels have been installed on an area of 6282 square metres. The system is operated under a contracting model: Swisspearl Switzerland receives a preferential price for the electricity produced on site in return for providing the roof area. The contract runs for 30 years.

    The plant on the production hall of Swisspearl, a supplier to the construction industry, produces 1270 megawatt hours, which corresponds to the electricity requirements of 290 households. 85 per cent of the electricity produced is consumed on site and the rest is fed into the power grid. This installation at Swisspearl Schweiz AG expands the AEW portfolio to 81 systems with a total peak output of 25.7 megawatts.

    “The PV system provides Swisspearl Schweiz AG with ecological, local and cheap electricity without having to worry about the photovoltaic system,” said René Wüst, Project Manager at AEW Energie AG, in the press release. “This allows them to concentrate on their core business. The new hall offers ideal conditions for the construction and thanks to the early involvement of all those involved and the constructive cooperation, the installation went smoothly.”

  • Building Envelope Forum comes to the Umwelt Arena

    Building Envelope Forum comes to the Umwelt Arena

    Building Envelope Switzerland invites you to the Management and Entrepreneurs’ Forum – all about craftsmanship 2024 on 24 April 2024. The all-day event will take place at the Umwelt Arena Schweiz in Spreitenbach. According to an announcement, the motto of the forum is “Healthy growth with and thanks to the energy transition”.

    “We are in the midst of the energy transition,” reads the invitation from the Association of Swiss Building Envelope Companies. This poses various challenges for players in the construction industry in particular. Full order books, a lack of skilled labour, time pressure and strong price fluctuations at all levels are buzzwords that can be added to at will.

    The management and entrepreneur forum will provide practice-orientated impetus in the form of specialist presentations and a panel discussion. According to the invitation, the aim is to convey how to keep a company fit and position it successfully on the market.

    According to the Swiss Building Envelope Association, it has been the centre of excellence for the building envelope industry since it was founded in 1907. Together with other professional associations, it offers basic and advanced training in all aspects of the building envelope profession at its two locations at Polybau in Uzwil and Polybat in Les Paccots FR. Innovative, forward-looking solutions and products are developed in collaboration with product manufacturers, building envelope specialists, science, research, technology, architecture and planning.

  • Till Reuter takes over management at dormakaba

    Till Reuter takes over management at dormakaba

    Dormakaba announces a change at the top of the company: The Board of Directors of the locking technology company from Glattal has appointed Till Reuter as the new CEO with effect from the beginning of 2024, dormakaba informs in a press release. The former CEO of German company Kuka AG will take over from Jim-Heng Lee. After ten years at dormakaba, he has “expressed his wish to return to Asia after we have found a suitable successor,” Svein Richard Brandtzæg, Chairman of the Board of Directors of dormakaba, is quoted in the press release.

    During his tenure as CEO of Kuka AG, Reuter transformed the company from an automotive supplier into a high-tech robotics and digitalization provider, writes dormakaba. At the same time, Kuka AG’s turnover more than quadrupled. In addition to his work for Kuka AG, the German citizen born in 1968 was a member of the Executive Board of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) from 2017 to 2018.

    When he takes over as CEO on January 1, 2024, Till Reuter will step down from his seat on the Board of Directors of the locking technology company, which he took over in October. As the new CEO, he wants to “focus all his energy on the further development of dormakaba and the implementation of the Shape4Growth strategy and the transformation program,” Reuter is quoted as saying in the press release. “This will also intensify our efforts to free up resources for growth-oriented investments and innovations.”

  • Holcim co-founds Circularity Task Force at COP28

    Holcim co-founds Circularity Task Force at COP28

    Building materials producer Holcim has joined the London Sustainable Markets Initiative ‘s Circularity Task Force, according to a press release. The task force, which was founded at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, aims to accelerate the global transition to a circular economy in the construction industry in order to promote climate protection, conserve natural resources and respect planetary boundaries.

    The founding members are Holcim Dubai Airports, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Gemini Corporation, Investcorp and LGT Group. According to a statement from the Sustainable Markets Initiative, the Circularity Task Force will be coordinated by Gemini Corporation and its CEO Kunaal Patawari. The task force is guided by the principles of Terra Carta, an association founded in 2021 by King Charles of England, which proposes a series of measures for sustainable global value creation by 2030.

    “In view of the growing world population and urbanisation, we need to build better with fewer resources,” Holcim’s President and CEO Jan Jenisch is quoted as saying in the company’s own press release. “At Holcim, we are driving circular construction in all the metropolises where we operate to build cities out of cities by recycling demolition materials for new construction solutions.”

    Holcim already processes almost 7 million tonnes of demolition material per year, or around 1,000 truckloads per day, into new construction solutions. By 2030, the company wants to expand its ECOCycle recycling technology to 150 sites in Europe and then recycle more than 20 million tonnes of construction waste every year.

  • Holcim and IUCN enter into partnership for biodiversity

    Holcim and IUCN enter into partnership for biodiversity

    The Zug-based building materials producer Holcim and the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) have agreed on a three-year partnership. According to a press release issued by the company, the focus will be on promoting a sustainable nature strategy based on measurable biodiversity and resource-friendly water consumption. The IUCN will pay particular attention to fresh water consumption in all stages of Holcim’s production. Together, the two partners want to raise awareness of nature among all stakeholder groups.

    “Nature provides the foundations for human prosperity and economic viability,” Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The commitment of companies to restoring biodiversity and protecting freshwater resources can be key to the well-being of our societies.”

    Nollaig Forrest, Chief Sustainability Officer at Holcim, is delighted with “the new era of close collaboration with IUCN for a strong positive impact on nature from biodiversity to water management”.

    The current agreement between the two partners is a continuation of the collaboration that began in 2014. This cooperation will help Holcim to present a project next year in which science-based targets for nature conservation will be defined for the first time. This project will be realized as part of the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN).

  • Sika acquires stake in Concria Oy

    Sika acquires stake in Concria Oy

    Sika, the Baar-based specialty chemicals company for the construction sector, has decided to acquire a 30 percent stake in the Finnish start-up Concria Oy. According to a press release, the Finnish company offers innovative solutions for concrete floors. These floor coverings are designed to offer construction companies, architects and property owners a wide range of benefits. According to the press release, Concria offers a new concept for laying and polishing concrete floors that incorporates special hard aggregates and special tools for grinding and polishing. This allows high-quality, particularly durable and decorative floors to be laid quickly and efficiently.

    “With our investment in Concria, we are investing in an interesting, innovative technology for the production of floor coverings,” said Ivo Schädler, Head of Engineering at Sika, in the press release. “Our global production and sales teams will facilitate the production and marketing of the technology worldwide. At the same time, this launch will promote the sale of Sika products that complement Concria’s offering. We look forward to a successful collaboration with the Concria team.”

    Sika expects the expansion to provide an attractive growth platform. The company is present in 103 countries worldwide with 33,000 employees. Sika generated sales of 10.5 billion Swiss francs in 2022.

  • Walo lays the foundation for top-class sport

    Walo lays the foundation for top-class sport

    Walo Bertschinger is installing the new flooring in the Munich SAP Garden construction project. According to the Dietiker construction company’s Facebook post, this presents a special challenge. The multi-purpose sports hall will be the new home of both the German ice hockey champions Red Bull Munich and the former German basketball champions FC Bayern Munich. The surface must therefore be chosen in such a way that it can be converted from ice hockey to basketball within a very short space of time. According to Walo Bertschinger, Duratex freezing slabs, including the necessary substructure, have already been installed on two of the four surfaces.

    The SAP Garden will be the new home of Red Bull Munich and an additional venue for FC Bayern Basketball. Sports-related events, such as e-sports, will also be held in the heart of the Munich Olympic Park in future, according to the operators. The multifunctional sports arena is set to open its doors in 2024. The spectator capacity is said to be up to 11,500 guests. The key figures state that the floor area is 22,512 square meters and the façade 6,114 square meters. A total of 54,332 cubic meters of concrete and around 13,160 tons of steel are to be used.

    In the immediate vicinity of the SAP Garden construction site, Red Bull, FC Bayern Basketball and the software company SAP have set up the Experience Center for interested visitors. The 160 square meter exhibition area provides an initial insight into the new arena.

  • The winning project for the UZH Irchel campus has been chosen

    The winning project for the UZH Irchel campus has been chosen

    The architectural competition for the UZH portal on the Irchel campus has been decided. According to a press release from the University of Zurich(UZH), the design by the consortium M2N Architekten and Jaeger Baumanagement from Zurich won over the jury the most. A total of 14 teams submitted their designs.

    The planned new building plays a central role in the fundamental redevelopment of the site, where UZH has established natural sciences, human medicine and veterinary medicine departments with their specialised infrastructures for experimental research and teaching. According to the information provided, the campus is in great need of modernisation after 45 years of operation.

    The jury judged that the winning project continues the DNA of the Irchel campus. It is “characterised by its outstanding internal qualities and successful integration into the existing Irchel campus. The team has not only understood the concerns of the University of Zurich, but has also taken them one step further,” said François Chapuis, Director of Real Estate and Operations.

    The consortium is planning a six-storey timber-concrete hybrid building. This will be adjoined by a long laboratory wing that is one storey lower. The two parts of the building are connected by an entrance area with a green roof terrace. Technical and logistics facilities for the entire campus will be installed in the basement.

    The winning project will now be developed further. an approvable construction project should be available in 2025. If it is approved, construction work could begin in 2029 or 2030. Those responsible estimate a period of 25 years for the refurbishment of the entire campus.

  • Eschbal uses 3D printers from Sintratec

    Eschbal uses 3D printers from Sintratec

    Eschbal AG has focussed on the 3D printing technology developed by Sintratec for the production of connecting elements. As detailed in a press release, the window manufacturer based in the canton of Zurich has put a Sintratec S2 3D printer into operation for this purpose. Eschbal uses the modular SLS system to produce prototype parts, production aids and small series from robust PA12 nylon. The advantage of selective laser sintering (SLS) lies in the high precision of the components with tolerances as low as 0.1 millimetres. With the Sintratec S2, 100 components can be produced in 24 hours.

    “In terms of design, 3D printing gives us much more creativity – we can now develop things that we hadn’t even thought of before,” says Michael Ebnöther, Head of Technology at Eschbal, in the press release. As the demand for 3D printed parts continues to grow, the company has decided to purchase its own printer. “As we are a company that produces exclusively in and for Switzerland, it was essential for us to find a Swiss 3D printer.”

  • A new chapter is being opened on the former Comadur site

    A new chapter is being opened on the former Comadur site

    High-quality and identity-creating development
    The project vision for the development /
    reuse of the former Comadur site is to develop an urban, mixed-use, identity-creating neighbourhood component with high-quality buildings and open spaces in the short to medium term. Accordingly, the city of Thun and the client (Pension Fund of the Swiss Bar Association (PKSAV)) carried out a multi-stage planning process. The aim was to sound out the potential of the site in a study of design variants, to secure the urban planning qualities as part of a project competition in accordance with SIA Ordinance 142 and to define these under planning law in a zone with planning obligation (ZPP).

    The winning project “Capybara“
    The winning project “Capybara” forms the basis for the development of the Comadur site at Bernstrasse 11. It sets new accents in a heterogeneous environment with innovative urban planning and architectural measures. The three characterful buildings – the “Stadthaus”, the “Gartenhaus” and the “Anbau” – merge creatively with the existing structure of the neighbourhood. They form a coherent ensemble that impresses with its density, diversity and clear identities. A central element of the design is the connecting inner courtyard. It not only creates a seamless integration of the new buildings, but also promotes dialogue with the surrounding neighbourhood. The skilful combination of materials, colours and textures creates an interplay between the history of Comadur and the contemporary elements of the project.

    Sustainable design
    The project is of a very high quality in various aspects. In addition to the visible and appealing design, sustainability considerations and the consideration of grey energy as well as a conscious and careful use of materials play an important role. The project offers a balanced mix of aesthetics, sustainability and integration into the existing neighbourhood.

    Diverse and lively “neighbourhood piece“
    The focus of the site development is on the realisation of contemporary forms of housing. Around 60 new flats are planned. The residential units are diverse and specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of potential residents. This residential use will be supplemented by additional uses that are adapted to the location and orientated towards the public. In this way, a lively and identity-creating neighbourhood component is being created.

    Conclusion
    The site development at Bernstrasse 11 presents itself as a visionary project that honours the past and at the same time provides forward-looking impetus. The winning project “Capybara” shows how history and the present can be combined in a densely populated area, always focussing on quality and care.

  • ABB modernises Untersiggenthal site

    ABB modernises Untersiggenthal site

    The technology company ABB has opened a new multifunctional building in Untersiggenthal. According to a press release, there are 500 workstations for employees in the areas of research and development, sales and service, project management and engineering. The Emotion building took two years to construct. At a cost of around 45 million Swiss francs, this is ABB’s largest investment in Switzerland for over ten years. It was built using over 2,200 cubic metres of Zirkulit, a recycled concrete that also stores CO2.

    “With this investment, we are strengthening ABB’s presence in Switzerland and investing in high-growth technologies of the future. The new multifunctional building is an important step towards positioning ourselves as an employer of choice and attracting the best talent and experienced workers in an age of skills shortages,” said Nora Teuwsen, CEO of ABB Switzerland.

    “The ABB site in Untersiggenthal is an impressive success story of constructive interaction between politics, business, education and research,” said Stephan Attiger, Head of the Department of Construction, Transport and Environment of the Canton of Aargau. The location demonstrates that the high-tech canton of Aargau “offers the best ground for innovation and technological progress, and how regional origins can lead to global success”.

    In Untersiggenthal, ABB develops and manufactures efficient and sustainable technology solutions for drive technology in the areas of industrial processes, infrastructure and railways, as well as for applications in the field of renewable energy generation, for customers worldwide.