immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: immobilien

  • Solar roofs from Megasol can prevent hail damage

    Solar roofs from Megasol can prevent hail damage

    The “Level” solar roof system from Megasol has been certified with the highest hail protection class 5. According to a media release, the company, which is based in the canton of Solothurn, is responding to increasingly extreme weather events with its “Level” solar roof system. Recent experience in Ticino has shown that many conventional roofs cannot withstand heavy hail.

    Solar roofs from Megasol are therefore tested in the laboratory against hailstorms. Hailstones with a diameter of about 5 centimetres would be shot against the panels at a speed of 110 kilometres per hour. “We have developed the solar roof ‘Level’ specifically to withstand violent environmental influences such as heavy hail, high snow loads and wind suction forces,” Michael Reist, Head of Communications at Megasol, is quoted as saying in the statement. The system is based on so-called glass-glass solar modules, which have a particularly high resistance.

    The Level Solar Roof is scaled, the solar modules do not need frames. The system is said to be quickly adaptable to all roofs, so that the entire roof surface can be used for the production of electricity. Thanks to the fastening hooks and short sealing rails, it can be installed quickly. “The Level solar roof is therefore cheaper over its lifetime than a conventional roof,” says Reist. This is because the additional costs for the solar system, which correspond to a quarter of the costs for the roof, are amortised in a few years. “After that, the solar system pays for the roof.”

  • Canton Zurich and Winterthur coordinate expansion of the ZHAW

    Canton Zurich and Winterthur coordinate expansion of the ZHAW

    The number of students at the ZHAW is expected to increase by between 0.8 and 2.0 percent annually until 2035. The ZHAW therefore needs additional space in Winterthur, the Canton of Zurich ‘s Department of Construction informs in a statement. The canton wants to coordinate the expansion of the university with the ZHAW and the city of Winter thur. Both the university staff and the city’s population should benefit from coordinated planning. A binding basis for the spatial development of the ZHAW is laid down in a declaration of intent already signed by the three partners.

    According to the agreements, the expansion of the university is to be concentrated on the three sites Sulzer-Areal, Technikum and St.Georgen. On the Sulzer site, expansions can take place on the area already belonging to the university. Between the Technikum and the armouries, on the other hand, new areas are to be used. Here the city of Winterthur wants to create a knowledge quarter together with the ZHAW. To this end, it is planned to relocate current third-party uses to Teuchelweiherplatz.

    At the St.Georgen site, the use of the Linde site is being examined. The SBB site, which is no longer needed for railway operations, could be considered as a possible new location for the ZHAW, writes the construction directorate. The construction directorate, the education directorate, the ZHAW and the city of Winterthur have set up an area management team to concretise and implement the plans. “This will ensure that the complex work is carried out in the long term from an overall perspective and in a coordinated manner,” the statement says.

  • Halter pushes ahead with project in Bischofszell

    Halter pushes ahead with project in Bischofszell

    Halter AG of Schlierem has pushed ahead with the Schützengütli site project in two steps, according to a media release. After the urban planning, a study contract was awarded for the architectural planning. Of the six participating teams, Daniel Cavelti Architektur AG from St.Gallen came out on top. The study, called Zauberwald, will now be further developed.

    In addition to representatives of the municipality and landowner Halter, the jury also included several experts. They agreed that the winning design fits perfectly into the surrounding neighbourhood. In addition to 54 condominiums, which will be realised in several buildings, the design envisages a spacious inner courtyard that will be lushly planted in accordance with its name, Zauberwald. If construction begins in 2026, the flats could be completed in 2028.

    Until a few years ago, the site was used for production by the Laumann und Co malt factory and fruit pressing plant. The plans by Daniel Cavelti Architektur call for a chimney to be retained as a reminder of the previous use of the Schützengütli site. Halter AG acquired the site in 2022. ce/jh

  • Mosaic project wins Redesign of the Luberzen school complex

    Mosaic project wins Redesign of the Luberzen school complex

    The offices of VPA Architektur from Zurich, extrã Landschaftsarchitekten from Bern and Timbatec Holzbauingenieure from Zurich have won the competition announced by the city of Dietikon for the redesign of the Luberzen school complex. Their project, called Mosaik, convinced the evaluation committee both financially and in terms of urban planning and ecology, the Dietikon building department explained in a statement. Mosaik was unanimously chosen as the winner from a total of 15 proposals.

    The winning project is characterised by good urban planning and external spatial coordination and multi-layered neighbourhood networking. The existing classrooms of the school complex are to be extended using a modular timber construction. In addition, the construction of a new community wing and a sports building are planned. The proposal by VPA Architektur, extrã Landschaftsarchitekten and Timbatec Holzbauingenieure also scored points with the jury due to its resource-saving handling of the existing building and its ecological construction method. “Despite the small floor area compared to the other project entries, it convincingly fulfils the required space programme from an organisational and operational point of view,” writes the building construction department.

    The new concept provides for the expansion to four kindergarten, 16 primary and 18 secondary school classes. In addition, a canteen, a library, a triple gymnasium and a teaching pool are to be built. Interested parties can view all 15 proposals submitted until 24 September on the first floor of the Stadthalle Dietikon.

  • Dietikon and SBB present winning project for station area

    Dietikon and SBB present winning project for station area

    SBB and the town of Dietikon have selected the winning project of the architectural competition to redesign the station area. The jury chose the design by Hosoya Schaefer Architekten from Zurich and BRYUM Landschaftsarchitekten from Basel. The three best competition projects are now on display in the foyer of the Stadthaus.

    According to a press release, the Dietikon railway station area is to become a contemporary transport hub and a lively urban district. To this end, the station square and bus station will be redesigned over the next few years, the station building from 1977 will be renovated and extended, and new residential and commercial space will be created on the station site.

    The winning project of the tender envisages a tree canopy varying in density from the centre of Dietikon to the railway station and connecting the station building to the market square and town centre on foot. The final stops of the bus station are divided between the north and south bus islands separated by the tree canopy. Under the tree canopy is a chaussiered area that is intended as both a movement and recreation space. There will be space for event areas, fountains and seating.

    The city council followed the jury’s recommendation and decided to continue working on the winning project with the corresponding planning team. The completion of the redesign of the station square and bus station is planned for between 2027 and 2030.

    In addition to the three best architectural projects, the SBB design plan will also be available for public inspection for 60 days. After the public display, the documents will be revised, approved by the city council and submitted to the municipal council for approval. The design plan is expected to become legally binding in 2025.

  • Viboo raises 1.5 million Swiss francs

    Viboo raises 1.5 million Swiss francs

    Viboo has successfully completed a seed financing round. A total of 1.5 million was raised from investors High-Tech Gründerfonds, Swisscom Ventures and Rainmaking Impact, the spin-off of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa) informs in a statement. “The round was oversubscribed, reflecting the strong investor confidence and interest in the company’s potential to decarbonise buildings,” it says.

    Viboo has developed a platform for optimal energy use in buildings. The predictive-control-as-a-service platform works with self-learning algorithms that use weather and building data, as well as occupant preferences, to optimise indoor energy use. The funds raised in the financing round will be used to commercialise the platform. Here, viboo plans to focus on commercial buildings during the upcoming heating season.

    “The platform and the algorithms are a real revolution for existing and also older buildings,” Gregor Haidl, Senior Investment Manager at High-Tech Gründerfonds, is quoted as saying in the announcement. “The results of the last heating season show that viboo can make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of buildings.”

  • Helion Energy and Meyer Burger enter into partnership

    Helion Energy and Meyer Burger enter into partnership

    Photovoltaic manufacturer Meyer Burger has agreed a strategic partnership with Helion Energy, a provider of complete solar energy solutions and AMAG subsidiary. According to a media release, the AMAG Group will give preference to Meyer Burger solar modules for all its own photovoltaic plants yet to be built. As part of its climate strategy, the AMAG Group will build around 75,000 square metres of solar plants at its own locations by 2025.

    Helion Energy and Meyer Burger Technology are committed to rebuilding the photovoltaic value chain in Switzerland as part of the strategic partnership, the statement added. Currently, Switzerland imports more than 90 percent of its solar modules from Asian countries.

    “Meyer Burger high-performance modules offer a number of advantages for customers: they are developed in Switzerland and sustainably produced in Germany,” Helion CEO Noah Heynen is quoted as saying. The modules show lower performance losses over the years and higher yields in all seasons due to better temperature coefficients and low-light behaviour. They are designed to last more than 30 years and come with an industry-leading warranty of at least 25 years, he said.

    According to CEO Gunter Erfurt, Meyer Burger is in the process of “massively expanding” its production for solar cells and modules. The Swiss solar modules have a technological advantage over the Asian competition and generate significantly higher yields over the entire lifetime.

  • Valais rejects simplified approval of large solar installations

    Valais rejects simplified approval of large solar installations

    Voters in the Canton of Valais have rejected a simplification and acceleration of the cantonal approval procedure for large photovoltaic plants. In the cantonal vote on 10 September, a decree to this effect was rejected by 53.94 percent of those who voted, the State Council of the Canton of Val ais informs in a statement. It “takes note of this result”.

    The decree, which had already been approved by the Grand Council, provided, among other things, for a more concentrated approval procedure and the transfer of the approval authority from the cantonal building commission to the State Council. Complaints against a permit could thus have been lodged with the cantonal court without a diversion. After the rejection of the decree in the cantonal referendum, the previous cantonal procedure remains in force. Permits will continue to be the responsibility of the building commission. Appeals must first be lodged with the State Council. In the second and third instance, the cantonal court and the federal court have a role to play.

    By simplifying the cantonal procedure, the State Council wanted to support the implementation of the new Article 71a in the national energy law. It is aimed at the increased construction of large photovoltaic plants. The corresponding federal law remains unaffected by the result of the cantonal vote. Among other things, the conditions for the approval of large photovoltaic plants are regulated there.

  • Siemens puts climate-neutral campus into operation

    Siemens puts climate-neutral campus into operation

    Siemens has officially opened the new research and development building at the global headquarters of its Siemens Smart Infrastructure Division in Zug. The climate-neutral campus for 1700 employees is now complete after seven years of construction, according to a media release. The German technology group has invested around 250 million Swiss francs in cutting-edge technology and in Switzerland.

    Zug is an important location for the development of building technologies. Every year, about 80 new patents are registered from there. The technology company sees the campus, which consists of three buildings, as a model for its new digital business platform Siemens Xcelerator for sustainable building technologies. One part of this is Building X. At the opening ceremony, the participants also had the opportunity to experience Building X on a tour. The scalable digital building platform from Siemens helps to digitise, manage and optimise building operations.

    “Siemens uniquely connects the real and digital worlds,” Matthias Rebellius, CEO of Smart Infrastructure and Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, is quoted as saying in the release. “The new Siemens Campus in Zug is an excellent example of this. Using the latest technologies from our portfolio to improve building operations and achieve maximum efficiency, the campus will be operated in a completely climate-neutral manner.” This means that the company is already achieving the goal to which it committed two years ago.

  • Parliament decides on solar obligation for large new buildings

    Parliament decides on solar obligation for large new buildings

    The National Council voted 98 to 95 in favour of making solar energy compulsory for new buildings with a roof and façade area of more than 300 square metres. It thus followed a minority vote of its Committee for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy, the parliamentary services inform in a press release. An extension of the solar obligation to include conversions was rejected. The decision of the National Council corresponds to a decision already taken by the Council of States in the context of the discussions on the Energy Mantle Decree.

    However, the two chambers have not yet been able to reach an agreement on other points of the Energy Mantle Decree. Deviating from the Council of States, the National Council on Monday continued to support a solar obligation also for car parks above a certain size. With regard to the residual water regulations for hydroelectric power plants, the National Council voted for a stricter limitation of the exceptions than the Council of States. However, there is agreement on the planning of hydropower plants whose residual flow would run through a protected area of national importance. Such projects should not be excluded from the outset.

    The federal law on a secure electricity supply with renewable energies, known as the Energy Coat Decree, serves to implement the energy turnaround. In order to avert the danger of a shortage of electricity as quickly as possible, the Energy Decree should be passed by the councils this autumn, if possible, according to a statement by Energy Minister Albert Rösti. After the National Council’s vote, the bill now goes back to the Council of States.

  • Holder companies increasingly act as a group

    Holder companies increasingly act as a group

    Schlierem-based real estate developer Halter AG is reorganising its management structure. According to a statement, an ecosystem of sister companies with different construction and real estate services has grown up around the company over the past ten years. This has resulted in the need for further development at the top. Halter Holding has so far hardly appeared in public as a “silent” holding company.

    In future, they will position themselves more strongly in the market. The construction and real estate industry’s path to a circular economy can only be successfully implemented with integrated value-added processes and models of cooperation in planning, execution and operation. This is linked to the use of digitalisation and digital technologies.

    In the course of the organisational development, there will be personnel changes from 1 January 2024, according to the company’s statement. Maik Neuhaus will take over from Markus Mettler as CEO of Halter AG. Mettler will now become Chairman of the Board of Directors of Halter AG and Delegate of the Board of Directors of Halter Group. Balz Halter remains Chairman of the Board of Directors of Halter Group. Alexandra Stamou joins the Board of Directors of Halter AG and becomes Head of Innovation and Products of Halter Group.

    The business unit Total Services of Halter AG, which is the largest unit with more than 200 employees, will be split up. From January 2024, there will be Halter Total Services German-speaking Switzerland and Halter Total Services French-speaking Switzerland. The new managing directors will be Diego Frey for German-speaking Switzerland and Fréderic Boy for French-speaking Switzerland. Both will then be part of the Halter AG Executive Board.

  • Empa repurposes old asphalt

    Empa repurposes old asphalt

    In a research project, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research has investigated the possibilities of recycling asphalt deposited on waste heaps in new construction and in the repair of road surfaces. According to a media release, researcher Martins Zaumanis’ goal was to increase the recycling content of asphalt. To this end, two test sections with recycled asphalt were set up in Uster ZH and on the Lukmanier Pass between the cantons of Graubünden and Ticino. The results are reportedly promising.

    The research project is called HighRAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) and was carried out by Zaumanis together with the Federal Roads Office, the Federal Office for the Environment, the cantons of Zurich and Graubünden and several industry partners from 2019 to early 2023.

    The tests showed that on the busy road near Uster, 30 per cent RAP content could easily be introduced without any loss of performance. “Typically today, for such a heavily trafficked road, RAP is completely dispensed with in the surface course,” says Zaumanis. For the underlying binder course, between 40 and 50 per cent RAP was possible.

    The road section at the Lukmanier Pass is not exposed to heavy traffic, but to harsh climatic conditions. At an altitude of 1900 metres, the strong temperature fluctuations can cause cracks in the road surface. Nevertheless, RAP admixtures of 85 percent in the foundation layer and 70 percent in the base and binder layers above were possible.

  • Netstal lime factory presents CO2 capture project

    Netstal lime factory presents CO2 capture project

    The Netstal lime factory(KFN) wants to liquefy around three quarters of its daily CO2 emissions from lime production instead of emitting them into the atmosphere. To this end, KFN is planning to install an oxyfuel firing system with exhaust gas recirculation in the lime shaft kiln. The company has now presented its corresponding CO2 capture project in the lime factory.

    Federal Councillor Albert Rösti also took part in the presentation, KFN announced in a press release. The head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications described the project as an important contribution to climate protection and attested to the high potential of the technology worldwide.

    With the help of the oxyfuel firing system with exhaust gas recirculation and various innovations in the construction of the lime kiln, the CO2 concentration in the exhaust gas is to be increased to more than 75 percent by volume. This makes it possible to subsequently liquefy the CO2 in an energy-efficient manner, KFN explains. The liquefied CO2 can then be fed into further processing or permanent storage.

    Simulations and tests have already confirmed the potential of oxyfuel firing on the planned scale. Currently, KFN and technology partner Maerz Ofenbau are busy with preparatory work for the implementation in Netstal. There are still questions regarding financing, KFN writes. However, Konrad H. Marti, Head of Corporate Development at KFN, expects that the project can be realised in an economically satisfactory manner in the near future.

  • Kistler baut Smart Factory in Winterthur

    Kistler baut Smart Factory in Winterthur

    Kistler is investing in Winterthur. A smart factory is to be built on a plot of land adjacent to the existing main site, the globally active specialist in measurement technology and sensors announced in a press release. There, state-of-the-art production processes will be combined with a high level of automation. Kistler also wants to set up the world’s largest production facility for piezoelectric sensors in the new factory.

    “We believe in Switzerland as a place to work,” Group CEO Rolf Sonderegger is quoted as saying in the statement. “That’s why Kistler is investing in Winterthur and creating the conditions for future growth.” Once the Smart Factory is completed, the company plans to consolidate its employees, who are currently spread across three Winterthur locations, in one place. The move is planned for 2028.

    Kistler signed the contract for the purchase of the site on 30 August. No details are given in the announcement about the purchase price for the almost 20,000 square metres of space. However, it was important to the former owner “to sell the property to a local industrial company in order to strengthen the location of the Winterthur economic area”, writes Kistler.

  • Hoyou wins at the Start-up Weekend Uri 2023

    Hoyou wins at the Start-up Weekend Uri 2023

    The Canton of Uri held the second edition of its Start-up Weekend Uri from 1 to 4 September. The canton “once again presented itself as an attractive location for start-ups”, writes the cantonal Department of Economic Affairs in a statement. Four young companies were given the opportunity to further develop their business idea “in an inspiring environment between co-working space, canoe tours and culinary delights together with expert coaches”, it continues.

    “We have only known the canton of Uri in passing,” Miro Mandelz and Philip Zollinger of appreci8 are quoted as saying. Their start-up from Zollikon ZH uses artificial intelligence to mediate between job seekers and employers. “During the three days, we were able to get to know the versatile business and living location of Uri better and further develop our business idea.”

    At the final presentation on 4 September, Christine Hegglin was able to convince the jury of experts from companies and the cantonal administration with her platform for real estate exchange. She received the *zünder wildcard for this and is allowed to participate in the *zünder accelerator funding programme with her start-up Hoyou without going through the selection process.

  • Efficient asphalt recycling in Switzerland

    Efficient asphalt recycling in Switzerland

    In Switzerland, the growing amount of old asphalt in landfills is a problem that is now being addressed through innovative research. The “HighRAP” project, led by Martins Zaumanis and in collaboration with authorities and industry partners, aims to maximise the use of recycled asphalt in road construction.

    Challenges and solutions
    Waste asphalt is a challenging resource. Its binder, bitumen, ages and stiffens over time, making it difficult to use. In addition, old asphalt is often a mixture of different road layers and time periods, which affects its homogeneity. Zaumanis’ research project offers solutions here. Specialised testing methods and a newly developed computational model make it easier to reuse old asphalt.

    Practical tests and applications
    The project has already proven its practicality in two pilot projects. In Uster, it was possible to incorporate up to 50% recycled asphalt into the road surface without sacrificing performance. Even on the climatically challenging Lukmanier Pass, asphalt with high recycled content was successfully used. These results encourage the expanded use of recycled materials.

    Forward-looking research
    The project not only offers practical solutions for road construction, but also sheds new light on the possibilities of using recycled material efficiently and sustainably. Martins Zaumanis is confident that his research will help to significantly reduce the amount of used asphalt in landfills.

    With the “HighRAP” project, sustainable road construction in Switzerland is taking off. New methods, political will and successful practical tests make a future with less waste and more recycling in road construction seem realistic.

  • Wetzikon votes for the district heating network

    Wetzikon votes for the district heating network

    On 3 September, the voters of Wetzikon approved the foundation of Fernwärme Wetzikon AG. The district heating network with waste heat recovery will supply up to 50 per cent of Wetzikon households with CO2-neutral energy from 2025. According to a press release, the energy service provider Energie 360° and the town of Wetzikon will be joint shareholders in the new public limited company with 40 and 60 percent respectively.

    The new public limited company will conclude long-term heating contracts with the Wetzikon wastewater treatment plant and the Zürcher Oberland waste incineration plant (KEZO). The district heating is to be brought from the KEZO Hinwil to Wetzikon via a transport pipeline and distributed to the households from there. The energy centre is planned at the Wetzikon open-air swimming pool.

    “With energy networks, it is important to use locally available heat sources,” Romeo Deplazes of Energie 360° is quoted as saying. “In Wetzikon, district heating from waste recycling is available, which is ideal.”

    “The sooner we can realise district heating Wetzikon, the better,” thinks councillor Heinrich Vettiger. “This way we become less dependent on fossil fuels from abroad and use regional waste heat that accumulates anyway.” With its many years of experience and sound expertise, Energie 360° is the ideal partner.

    According to its own information, the energy service provider is already building and operating energy networks with lake water utilisation for various communities and companies around Lake Zurich. In Dielsdorf ZH, waste heat from data centres will be used to supply up to 3,500 households with heat in the future.

  • Steiner initiates construction of wooden building in Ostermundingen

    Steiner initiates construction of wooden building in Ostermundingen

    Steiner AG has started building 17 condominiums in Ostermundigen, near Bern. The marketing of the studios and the 2.5- and 4.5-room flats is already “in full swing”, writes the Zurich-based real estate developer in a post on LinkedIn. The NIDO project envisages a building in timber construction with flats accessed by an arcade.

    “Equipped with modern building technology such as a geothermal probe with heat pump and a photovoltaic system, this progressive wooden building will be a forward-looking home for people who are concerned about sustainable living,” Steiner says. According to the project description, the flats have balconies and terraces facing west. The flats on the ground floor each have a garden area. In addition, “meeting zones for all residents” are to be created in the outdoor space.

  • Ecospeed simplifies energy accounting for buildings

    Ecospeed simplifies energy accounting for buildings

    Ecospeed, the Zurich-based software developer specialising in environmental accounting, has integrated new functions into its software. According to a media release, these were developed as part of a relaunch of the Enercoach software and will be available to the company’s customers before the end of the year.

    The software shows users the energy status of buildings and provides an accurate picture of the development of consumption, emissions and costs over a certain period of time. Until now, when calculating the consumption of electricity, heating oil, gas and district heating, the difficulty arose that the accounts did not follow the course of the calendar year. With the software renewal, this problem is to be solved and the calculation simplified.

    “You simply enter the raw data in the corresponding mask, i.e. the current meter reading or the consumption value and the date of recording,” Thomas Herzberger, managing director of Ecospeed, is quoted as saying in the statement. “The software converts the values to the calendar year.”

    Thus, an exact comparison including descriptive visualisation is possible. The data can be displayed in the form of tables, graphs and over a period of several years. Likewise, the effectiveness of improvement measures can be precisely determined.

  • Basel residential building uses material from demolished buildings

    Basel residential building uses material from demolished buildings

    As part of its 1000+ housing programme, the canton of Basel-Stadt is constructing a building in Kleinbasel with six affordable flats and a kindergarten. It has selected the planning team Solanellas Van Noten Meister and Thomas Kohlhammer with their project L’Eclisse.

    According to a statement by the canton, the planning team convinced the jury with their intensive use of used building materials, among other things. For example, ribbed ceilings and supports came from the demolition of the Lysbüchel multi-storey car park. Steel supports and railings were also taken from other buildings.

    The CO2 emissions of the new building are thus halved compared to conventional buildings. In addition, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof and façade, which will produce more electricity than is consumed in the building. Thus, after seven years, the building should produce more electricity than is needed for construction and operation.

    The canton provided all participants in the planning competition with a catalogue of reusable building materials obtained from demolitions. In future, buildings in the canton are to be constructed in such a way that they can be dismantled at the end of their use and their parts reused. In addition, the canton has commissioned a study from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne on how load-bearing components from reinforced concrete buildings can be reused.

  • Zurich City Archives and Wache West move into the high-rise building

    Zurich City Archives and Wache West move into the high-rise building

    The architectural competition announced by the City of Zurich for the new building on the former Centravo site near the Schlachthof has been completed. According to a media release, the winning project combines the new West Guard and the City Archives in one high-rise building. The team of Adrian Streich Architekten AG, Schnetzer Puskas Ingenieure AG and Ganz Landschaftsarchitekt*innen GmbH from Zurich won the competition.

    The planned high-rise building of around 60 metres on the former Centravo site near the abattoir stands on a generous plinth and stacks the new premises for the Wache West and the city archive on top of each other, according to a statement from the city of Zurich. Trees will be planted around the new building and along the streets to help reduce heat and promote biodiversity in the neighbourhood.

    “The carefully designed high-rise fits in this location. The urban uses are compactly united under one roof and attractive green outdoor areas are created for the neighbourhood residents,” councillor André Odermatt is quoted as saying. The energy centre in the basement also supplies surrounding properties with heat. Photovoltaic elements on the façade supply the building with electricity from renewable energy.

    The construction costs of the winning project, adjusted for inflation, are estimated at around 112 million Swiss francs. In addition, there are expenses of 5.8 million Swiss francs for the transfer of the property from the financial to the administrative assets, the report continues. After approval of the project credit by the city and municipal councils and the Zurich electorate, construction work can begin in 2028. Completion is then planned for 2031.

  • Castlewood Hotels & Resorts takes over Hotel Royal in Lucerne

    Castlewood Hotels & Resorts takes over Hotel Royal in Lucerne

    Castlewood Hotels & Resorts takes over the Hotel Royal in Lucerne. The Beckenried-based company has so far managed castle and country hotels exclusively in Germany. With the Hotel Royal, built in 1910 in Art Nouveau style, Castlewood is expanding into Switzerland for the first time. The Hotel Royal has 46 rooms and a terrace.

    For Castlewood Hotels & Resorts, the house on Lake Lucerne represents “an impressive addition to its collection of exclusive country houses and historic buildings”, according to a media release. “Switzerland is an important pillar in our expansion strategy,” Castlewood CEO Kateryna Smura is quoted as saying. It also stands for “hospitality, timeless elegance and tradition – values that perfectly fit our brand”.

    The Hotel Royal is a new member of the Swiss Hospitality Collection, an association for the individual hotel industry. This membership offers a strong partnership as well as more visibility, Castlewood said.

    After a strong period of growth from its inception in 2017 to 2019, the company already counted 13 properties among its portfolio. Earlier this year, there were seven, and with the addition of Hotel Royal, there are now nine. “In 2023, we want to grow to 11 hotels. And by 2024, we would like to have 20 hotels,” Smura outlines the ambitious plans to the Zurich hospitality trade portal Hotelinside.

  • CSL Immobilien appoints Piffaretti and Walter as co-CEOs

    CSL Immobilien appoints Piffaretti and Walter as co-CEOs

    Renato Piffaretti will take office on 1 October as one of two future CEOs at Zurich-based CSL Immobilien. According to a media release, his focus will be on product development and product marketing. He was most recently Head of Real Estate Switzerland at Swiss Life Asset Management AG.

    The company, led by Chairman of the Board Markus Schawalder, has decided on a co-CEO structure to succeed Yonas Mulugeta, who will leave at the end of September. Piffaretti’s competencies will complement those of Thomas Walter. The latter will take up his post as Co-CEO on 1 March 2024 at the latest and will then be responsible for the areas of business and digitalisation.

    “The appointment of Renato Piffaretti and Thomas Walter is the right step to strengthen and expand CSL’s services,” Schawalder is quoted as saying in the statement. “They will successfully shape the future of CSL Immobilien based on the cornerstones of innovation, quality and responsibility.”

  • Megatrends strengthen demand for office real estate

    Megatrends strengthen demand for office real estate

    Demand for office locations in central locations remains strong. According to the analysis of the 2023 summer survey conducted by CSL Immobilien among more than 200 real estate players, demand in the office property market is unimpressed by the “uncertain economic outlook”.

    The main interested parties are companies from the medical, biotech, pharmaceutical, education and information and communication technology sectors, which are closely linked to the megatrends of health, knowledge and connectivity. The picture is different in decentralised locations: with the exception of the canton of Zug, these have not recovered since the coronavirus pandemic. Tax advantages led companies to locate there in the canton of Zug, while space and location optimisation as well as growing companies played a role in Zurich.

    The summer survey also analysed the housing market. This is influenced by the unfavourable economic situation and shows an increase in the price of residential property due to general price increases and higher interest rates. According to market players, more will have to be paid for condominiums and single-family homes, especially in urban locations and metropolitan areas, while price declines are expected in rural regions.

  • Demand for energy-efficient refurbishment programme continues to rise

    Demand for energy-efficient refurbishment programme continues to rise

    With 425 million francs, the cantons have disbursed the highest amount since the building programme was established for renovation and new construction projects. in 2021, the amount of funding disbursed had still been 361 million francs, according to a media release.

    Accordingly, the largest share of the amounts, 130 million francs, fell to building services projects. This corresponds to an increase of 31 percent over the previous year. In addition, 17,000 oil, gas and electric heating systems were replaced with the help of the subsidy programme, 86 per cent of which were replaced with heat pumps. in 2021, 12,500 had been replaced.

    Thermal insulation projects were subsidised at a similar level as in 2021, with 128 million francs. 89.2 million francs were made available for system renovations, compared to 81.4 million in the previous year.

    In 2022, more than twice as much as in 2021 was spent on central heating supply projects. Here, the subsidies increased from 11.9 to 25.9 million francs. Indirect measures in the areas of information and communication, education and quality assurance accounted for 17.6 million francs in 2022. in 2021, 15.9 million francs had been paid out for these.

    At 592 million Swiss francs, the commitments of subsidies for energy-related measures that will be implemented and paid out over the next five years have also reached an all-time high. “This is a clear sign that more and more building owners want to renovate or build their properties in an energy-efficient and climate-effective way,” the media release states.

    The Buildings Programme was launched in 2010 as an important pillar of Swiss energy and climate policy. Buildings account for around 44 percent of energy consumption in Switzerland and are responsible for one third of CO2 emissions.

  • Spreitenbach presents result on the conversion of the community centre

    Spreitenbach presents result on the conversion of the community centre

    The municipality of Spreitenbach has completed the competition for the conversion of the old community hall into a school and presented the winning company. According to the latest edition of the Gemeindeachrichten, the jury of experts was convinced by the project of Birchmeier Baumanagement AG from Döttingen AG. The qualities lie both in the site planning setting and in the architectural expression, it says. The allocation of the required room programme, with minor adjustments, promises a high utility value and flexibility for the school.

    Before the municipal council submits the building loan of about 22 million Swiss francs to the municipal assembly for approval, all projects will be presented to the population in an exhibition. There will be an opportunity to ask the planners, architects and community representatives present questions about the project and the tendering process, according to the community news.

    The exhibition will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, 20 October, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, 21 October. The project exhibitions will take place in the old community hall on Poststrasse. The winning project will also be presented in detail at the Politapéros on 27 October.

    After the move to the new municipal building, the municipal administration will be open at the new location at Bahnhofstrasse 2 from Tuesday, 5 September.

  • Price increases support growth at dormakaba

    Price increases support growth at dormakaba

    According to a statement from dormakaba, the globally active locking technology company from Glattal generated sales totalling CHF 2.85 billion in the 2022/23 financial year that ended on 30 June 2023. This corresponds to year-on-year growth of 3.3 percent. Organic growth is put at 8.4 per cent in the press release. It was mainly generated by price increases, explains dormakaba.

    The adjusted operating result at EBITDA level was 3.4 percent higher than in the previous year at CHF 384.8 million. The corresponding margin was kept constant at 13.5 percent. At CHF 88.5 million, net profit was almost CHF 50 million higher than in the previous year. The profit in the reporting year was burdened by goodwill amortisation of 59.5 million francs. The background to this is a changeover to the revised standard of the Swiss Accounting and Reporting Recommendations for Consolidated Financial Statements (Swiss GAAP FER 30).

    “This good result demonstrates how the effective implementation of our strategy and transformation enables us to sequentially improve our performance,” dormakaba CEO Jim-Heng Lee is quoted as saying in the release. “We exceeded our growth targets and our increased profitability in the second half of FY2022/23 was in line with our expectations.” For the current financial year, dormakaba expects revenue growth between 3 and 5 per cent and sequential improvements in profitability.

  • Coop and Energie 360° jointly expand charging network

    Coop and Energie 360° jointly expand charging network

    The Basel-based Coop Cooperative and Zurich-based Energie 360° AG are continuing their cooperation in the construction of charging stations for electrically powered vehicles at Coop locations. According to a media release, they have equipped 120 Coop locations with 250 charging points since their cooperation began three years ago. By the end of 2026, the number is to increase to 200 locations.

    Furthermore, more than 150 fast charging stations with capacities between 50 and 200 kilowatts are to be built. According to the information, the first one can already be found at a Coop branch in Dietlikon. Two more are planned in Winterthur Grüze and Rickenbach TG. There, too, customers will soon be able to charge their e-cars while they shop.

    While the charging capacity can vary between 50 and 200 kilowatts due to different technical possibilities, the kilowatt hour at fast charging stations always costs 0.55 Swiss francs. At AC charging stations with 22 kilowatts of power, the price for a kilowatt hour is 0.29 Swiss francs, as before.

    The existing 250 charging points are already very popular. “Following our successful experience, we are expanding our partnership with Energie 360°, increasing the density of the charging network, increasing the charging capacity and thus driving the switch to electromobility,” Martin Meister, energy expert at Coop, is quoted as saying in the media release.

    The expansion is intended to advance electromobility and improve the charging experience for drivers of e-vehicles. “We are significantly increasing the number and density of charging stations,” Marcel Kobald, project manager at Energie 360°, is quoted as saying. “Drivers of electric cars throughout Switzerland will benefit from this

  • ZHAW weiht Laborgebäude für Lebensmittelforschung ein

    ZHAW weiht Laborgebäude für Lebensmittelforschung ein

    Die ZHAW zieht ihre Lebensmittelforschung an einem Ort zusammen. Dafür hat die Hochschule mit Hauptsitz in Winterthur ein neues Laborgebäude auf dem Campus Reidbach in Wädenswil eingerichtet, informieren Bau- und Bildungsdirektion des Kantons Zürich in einer gemeinsamen Mitteilung. Das von der Tuwag Immobilien AG errichtete Gebäude wurde am 23. August von Baudirektor Martin Neukom, Bildungsdirektorin Silvia Steiner sowie ZHAW-Rektor Jean-Marc Piveteau und Heiner Treichler, CEO der Tuwag Immobilien AG, eingeweiht.

    In das neue Gebäude wird vor allem das Institut für Lebensmittel- und Getränkeinnovationen der ZHAW einziehen. Seine Mitarbeitenden und Studierenden können künftig unter einem Dach die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette von Lebensmitteln erforschen. Dabei soll in Wädenswil „nicht nur geforscht und gelehrt, sondern auch produziert, analysiert, degustiert und verpackt“ werden, heisst es in der Mitteilung.

    Namensgeberin des Laborgebäudes ist die 1842 geborene und 1906 gestorbene Wädenswiler Geschäftsfrau im Biergewerbe Elisabeth Weber-Hauser. Der Kanton Zürich hat die Räumlichkeiten von der Tuwag Immobilien AG für 20 Jahre gemietet. In Mieterausbau und Ausstattung hat der Kanton zudem rund 48 Millionen Franken investiert.

  • Duravit strengthens top management: Jutta Langer becomes “President Europe Plus

    Duravit strengthens top management: Jutta Langer becomes “President Europe Plus

    Duravit AG is strengthening its top management: Jutta Langer will start as “President Europe Plus” on 01.09.2023. In this role, she will report directly to CEO Stephan Tahy and assume strategic, organisational and P&L responsibility for the markets in Europe and Africa. Jutta Langer has more than 20 years of leadership experience in companies such as Procter & Gamble and L’Oréal and was Managing Director in the Werhahn Group. Most recently, as Global Vice President Consulting, she built up the strategic consulting division for GfK, a leading global consumer intelligence company.

    As part of the new appointment, the Europe Plus region with its core market Germany will be structurally strengthened: in future, a separate marketing organisation will focus even more intensively on the special requirements and needs of the German trade and customers in Europe. In addition to design, the key competitive advantages include functionality and sustainability. The e-commerce activities will also be bundled within the new structure.

    “With Jutta Langer, we are gaining an internationally experienced and successful executive for the central sales region Europe Plus with our home market Germany,” comments Stephan Tahy, CEO of Duravit AG. “With her broad B2B and B2C background and her experience in the strategic development of business models and organisations, she will continue Duravit’s successful course.”

    “I am very much looking forward to bringing my experience to Duravit and, together with the team, to further

    Duravit’s market position,” says Jutta Langer. “The brand’s charisma is excellent and appreciated worldwide. In line with the Duravit mission ‘Upgrade your everyday’, I will work intensively with my team to make our customers’ lives a little bit better every day.”

    Duravit AG, based in Hornberg, Germany, is one of the leading international manufacturers of designer bathrooms and is active in over 130 countries worldwide. The product portfolio of the complete bathroom supplier includes sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, shower trays and bathtubs, wellness systems, shower toilets, fittings and accessories as well as installation systems of the highest quality. In addition to its in-house design expertise, Duravit AG cooperates closely in product development with an international network of designers such as Cecilie Manz, Philippe Starck, Christian Werner or Sebastian Herkner and Bertrand Lejoly as well as talented newcomers. Through the interplay of pioneering designs, uncompromising product excellence, a keen sense of human needs and responsible entrepreneurship, Duravit AG works ambitiously to make the lives of its stakeholders a little better every day. A key measure in this is the overarching mission to act in a climate-neutral manner without exception by 2045.