immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: immobilien

  • Helvetia real estate fund shows good results

    Helvetia real estate fund shows good results

    The Helvetia (CH) Swiss Property Fund posted an overall profit of CHF 24.2 million in the first regular financial year, which ended on September 30, informs Helvetia Asset Management AG in a message . The overall success consisted of net income of CHF 12.8 million and an appreciation of the portfolio. The return on investment was 5.5 percent.

    The fund, which is mainly made up of residential properties, was "largely spared the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic", explains the Helvetia Group's investment manager. The rent default rate was reduced to 2.5 percent in the course of the year. The report puts the rental income at CHF 22.2 million.

    In the course of the financial year, the fund gained 18.9 percent in over-the-counter trading, the press release explains. This means that the SXI Real Estate Funds Broad TR, which is relevant for listed Swiss real estate funds, was exceeded with its performance of 15.3 percent. The market value of the properties rose by 2.3 percent or around 12.2 million francs year-on-year.

    Helvetia Asset Management intends to further expand its real estate portfolio in the current financial year. To this end, a capital increase of around CHF 200 million is planned for the end of March. The fund should also be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in three years at the latest.

  • Sika opens technology center in India

    Sika opens technology center in India

    Sika AG , headquartered in Baar, has opened a new facility in India. In the industrial city of Pune in the state of Maharashtra, the specialty chemicals manufacturer is developing and producing adhesives and sealants for the Indian market in a new technology center and production facility, according to a media release .

    The 8-million city of Pune is a leading industrial center, in particular due to its established automobile manufacturers and suppliers. The new Sika location with laboratories for development and a factory for production is conveniently located in terms of traffic in order to be able to supply customers quickly, according to the press release.

    “The expansion of our own production facilities as well as our on-site research and development facilities promotes the development of our local know-how and brings enormous advantages to our customers. Customer-specific solutions can be developed, produced and delivered within a very short time. In this way we are laying the basis for Sika's long-term growth and further development in this important market, "said Morten Muschak, Corporate Target Market Manager Industry at Sika, in the press release.

    Sika AG wants to benefit from economic growth, increasing urbanization and a favorable investment policy in India. The country is currently home to the fifth largest automobile market in the world. According to forecasts, the construction industry will grow by an average of 6.5 percent per year by 2030. The vehicle industry is expected to grow by more than 10 percent per year, according to the press release.

  • Holcim buys American company

    Holcim buys American company

    Holcim is buying the American company Marshall Concrete Products , according to a media release . This specializes in concrete products for residential buildings and small businesses. It was founded in 1936 and is based in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

    With the acquisition, Holcim wants to expand its position in the USA. "The acquisition strengthens our presence in this strong growth market and contributes to Holcim's overall strategy of expanding our range of low-carbon products and solutions," Jan Jenisch, CEO of Holcim, is quoted as saying.

    According to the announcement, all Marshall Concrete Products employees will continue to be employed and integrated into Holcim's national subsidiary in the USA. No information is given about the purchase price.

  • Steel profiles from demolished objects should live on

    Steel profiles from demolished objects should live on

    Representatives of the Swiss steel and construction industry have formed an alliance for the recycling of used steel profiles in construction. According to a press release, representatives of the Swiss Steel Construction Center , the Christoph Merian Foundation , the Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute ( Empa ), the Empa research and innovation building NEST and the Eawag water research institute met in situ at a round table in November , ZPF Ingenieure , Madaster and Sumami and decided to jointly promote the recyclability of steel profiles in Switzerland. The project team Purchasing Compass Recycling Management and the Metal suisse industry association were invited to the round table. The aim is to better understand the potential of steel profiles in the circular economy and to make it practicable.

    A car park in Basel belonging to the Christoph Merian Foundation that is being demolished is to serve as a prototype project. According to the announcement, the construction office in situ, which has already implemented projects in this context, is supporting this. It is now being investigated how the dismantling of the steel profiles in the parking garage can succeed, where the steel profiles are reinserted and where they can be stored in the meantime. Steel profiles are considered to be particularly recyclable because they can be expanded in their existing form and usually integrated directly into new buildings. There is no loss of material or quality and no energy is required for melting or reshaping.

    Through this energy saving, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced directly during construction. The direct reuse of building materials without recycling represents the greatest lever in reducing emissions in the construction industry. In addition to steel profiles, concrete, facade elements, windows or doors can also be reused.

  • Swiss Casino moves to Lokstadt

    Swiss Casino moves to Lokstadt

    On November 24th, the foundation stone "for a casino the likes of which Switzerland has never seen" was laid in the listed Rapide Hall in Winterthur 's Lokstadt , writes Swiss Casinos in a press release . According to her, the company based in Zurich is planning a building integrated into the hall. In the industrial atmosphere of this “Loki”, casino operations are to begin in 2025.

    A corresponding lease has already been signed, informs Ina Invest , the owner of the Lockstadt halls. This means that the Lokstadt halls with a total floor space of 8,200 square meters have been fully occupied, explains the real estate company from Opfikon in a separate communication . "Where locomotive history was once written, there will soon be overnight stays, entertainment, celebrations and games in a unique industrial setting", Ina Invest CEO Marc Baumann is quoted in the press release.

    Swiss Casino plans to close its casino in Schaffhausen, just under 30 kilometers from Winterthur, at the same time as the opening of the new casino in Winterthur. The Swiss Casino in Schaffhausen has posted a total of 18 million francs in loss over the past 18 years, according to the operating company's announcement. The around 70 employees in Schaffhausen are to be offered a position in Winterthur or within the Swiss Casinos Group.

  • Municipalities exchange experiences on indoor air

    Municipalities exchange experiences on indoor air

    The corona pandemic also has consequences for the management of public real estate. The property area of the city of Schlieren has been intensively concerned with the quality of indoor air in recent months. As she reports, she has now formed an indoor air experience group together with other communities. Aarau, Baden, Lindau ZH, Lucerne, Volketswil ZH and Zurich also participate in the group. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences supports the working group. Schlieren is represented in the group by Philipp Ganz, head of maintenance in the property division.

    The experience group wants to minimize the risk of coronavirus spreading, particularly in schools and kindergartens. Various studies have found that an increase in the CO2 content of the room air also facilitates the transmission of viruses through aerosols.

    The city of Schlieren also wants to use the experience gained together with its partners in its own commercial premises. The city runs the innovation and young entrepreneur center .

  • Samih Sawiris' son is to take over at Orascom

    Samih Sawiris' son is to take over at Orascom

    Orascom Development Holding ( Orascom DH ) announces a change in leadership. Samih Sawiris will step down from his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the next Annual General Meeting in spring 2022 after more than 30 years. The Egyptian investor does not stand for re-election.

    His son Naguib will propose Samih Sawiris as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2016 and its Vice Chairman since 2020. As part of the planned succession plan, Naguib Samih Sawiris is to become the new majority shareholder in Orascom DH. Samih Sawiris will transfer control to his son for this.

    Samih Sawiris wants to continue to be available to the holding company as a consultant. He also remains Chairman of the Board of Directors of Andermatt Swiss Alps AG . Orascom DH holds a 49 percent stake in Andermatt Swiss Alps AG. The majority is and remains privately owned by Samih Sawiris.

    In total, the Orascom DH portfolio includes destinations in seven countries. In addition to Switzerland, these include Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Morocco, Montenegro and Great Britain. The holding's shares are listed on the SIX.

  • FHNW gets professor for circular building

    FHNW gets professor for circular building

    For the Institute of Sustainability and Energy in the building of the University of Architecture, Building and Geomatics of the FHNW , circular economy is an important part of environmentally and resource-saving construction. In order to further develop research and education in the areas of energy-efficient and climate-neutral building, integral building technology, sustainable building and operation, resource-efficient and circular building as well as health aspects in buildings, the institute is establishing the professorship of circular building. The architect Andrea Klinge is to take over the corresponding chair.

    Klinge studied architecture at the Technical University of Berlin, the FHNW informs in a message about the new professorship. After further training in sustainable building at the London Metropolitan University, the designated professor worked in various architecture offices in London, Rome and Berlin. Klinge is currently active at ZRS Architekten Ingenieure Berlin. The architect and trained carpenter have established a research department here, according to the announcement.

    In her new position, Klinge wants to tackle “the current challenges in the construction sector”. "This is one of the most resource-intensive economic sectors in the world and contributes significantly to climate change," the professor-designate is quoted in the press release. “In order to meet the Paris climate goals, we urgently need consistent approaches that implement the necessary building turnaround in the construction sector.” According to Barbara Sintzel, Head of the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Construction, Klinge “has specialist expertise in the use of ReUse components and renewable building materials to help achieve a breakthrough in practice with applied research and thus make the building turnaround possible ”.

  • Construction of housing estate in Zurich's Guggach area begins

    Construction of housing estate in Zurich's Guggach area begins

    Representatives of the city of Zurich broke ground for the construction of the Guggach III residential and commercial estate. At the intersection of Hofwiesenstrasse and Wehntalerstrasse, 111 non-profit apartments for around 300 people will be built in the coming years, according to a media release . The first tenants are expected to be able to move in in the second quarter of 2024.

    The City of Zurich is developing the Guggach area in Zurich-Unterstrass together with the Simple Living Foundation. For this purpose, the city has given part of its land reserve to the public foundation under building law, according to the media release.

    Two residential buildings with commercial units on the ground floor and a building for a kindergarten are being built on the 8,500 square meter property. A school with a gym and a park are to be built in another part of the area.

  • Hälg buys Malpur

    Hälg buys Malpur

    The building technology company Hälg , based in the St.GallenBodenseeArea, announces the purchase of the Zürcher Malpur Gebäudetechnik AG in a press release. Malpur moves the company headquarters and the workforce to the headquarters of Hälg in Winterthur and cedes the proper name. Both companies will operate on the market as Hälg & Co. AG in the future.

    With the merger, two industry giants in the building technology division are pooling their competencies: Boris Bischoff, branch manager of Hälg & Co. AG Winterthur, in the communication quoted. Malpur has many years of industry experience in the professional maintenance and repair of building technology systems.

    Hälg announces that the takeover took place retrospectively as of January 1, 2021 and that it aims to be the "leading Swiss service company for building technology in the fields of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and sanitation over the entire life cycle of a system".

  • Holcim is building a 3D-printed settlement

    Holcim is building a 3D-printed settlement

    With its joint venture 14Trees and the British development finance institute CDC Group , Holcim wants to realize the largest 3D-printed house complex in Africa. In Kilifi, Kenya, the Mvule Gardens development is to create affordable living space in 52 buildings. The building material manufacturer has now announced this. The project is part of the regenerative ecosystem Green Heart of Kenya , a model for inclusive and climate-resilient cities. Construction will start in early 2022.

    The project builds on Holcim's first 3D printed school in Malawi. It is intended to close an acute infrastructure gap. "14Trees is pioneering the use of cutting-edge technology to address one of Africa's most pressing development needs – affordable housing – and create life-changing infrastructure for entire communities," said Tenbite Ermias, CEO of CDC Africa, as quoted in the press release.

    14Trees has set itself the goal of addressing the lack of affordable housing in Africa with 3D printing and intelligent design, while creating skilled local jobs at the same time. As demonstrated in Malawi, the technology can reduce a house's ecological footprint by more than 50 percent compared to conventional methods, according to Holcim. Accordingly, they have the EDGE certificate for resource- efficient buildings.

    The MASS Design Group , an architecture firm based in the USA and Africa, designed the Mvule Gardens. They are designed to create affordable, sustainable and reproducible housing units that are adapted to the Kenyan environment.

  • Empa concrete project receives funding

    Empa concrete project receives funding

    The Ernst Göhner Foundation , based in Zug, is funding a research project for high-performance concrete at the Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute ( Empa ). She has now made an unspecified amount available to the Empa Future Fund as start- up funding, according to a media release .

    This supports a research project for more environmentally friendly concrete. This has a lower CO2 footprint than conventional reinforced concrete because it is more durable and stable. In addition, the self-tensioning concrete can be used more sparingly.

    The project is a so-called high-risk-high-gain project. "The risk of failure is high, but there is also a lot to be won," Masoud Motavalli, head of the research department for engineering structures at Empa in Dübendorf, is quoted in the media release. Since 2008 he had approached potential sponsors with the idea of prestressed high-performance concrete.

  • Office space market is holding up better than expected

    Office space market is holding up better than expected

    The supply in the office space market rose from 5.5 to 5.8 percent year-on-year at the end of the second quarter of 2021. Thus, the coronavirus pandemic did not lead to the feared high values, writes Credit Suisse in a report on the study “ Office space market Switzerland 2022 ” by the Zurich-based bank. However, the authors of the study anticipate that the trend towards home office “will still bring some difficult quarters to the office market”.

    Credit Suisse analysts explain that many inquirers were reluctant to rent new office space during the pandemic. They also expect that more and more companies will at least partially enable their employees to work from home in the long term. On the other hand, the analysts expect an increasing share of office work in the course of the digitization of the economy. In the medium term, this will result in stagnating demand for office space, according to the announcement.

    The analysts currently see a connection between higher supply rates and construction activity across Switzerland. However, they have seen counterexamples in Lausanne and Geneva. While Lausanne “benefits from relatively robust demand despite higher construction activity”, weak demand in Geneva has led to an increase in the supply of space to 12.3 percent.

    In the short term, the analysts expect a further increase in the supply of space, also because companies could implement existing plans to give up larger spaces. In the long term, however, they expect the average office rate to rise sharply. Over time, this will probably "overlay the trend towards home office space reducing and generate significant additional demand for office space in the long term".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Steiner sells the "Widacher" project to Fortimo

    Steiner sells the "Widacher" project to Fortimo

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Apartment rents and prices rise towards the end of the year

    Apartment rents and prices rise towards the end of the year

    A stiff breeze was blowing against those looking for accommodation in November. With an increase of 1.5 percent, the rents advertised have increased significantly across Switzerland. This difference is put into perspective, however, by looking at the longer-term development: over the past twelve months, the change is much more moderate at 1.0 percent. This is shown by the Swiss Real Estate Offer Index, which is collected by ImmoScout24 in cooperation with the real estate consultancy IAZI AG.

    The drivers of the rent increase in November are the Greater Zurich Region and the Central Plateau, each with an increase of 0.6 percent. Due to their market size, they have a disproportionately large impact on the Switzerland-wide rent index. Rents have also risen in Central Switzerland (0.6 percent) and in Eastern Switzerland (0.4 percent). Virtually no changes can be observed in northwestern Switzerland (0.2 percent) and in the Lake Geneva region (0.0 percent), while rents in Ticino have fallen (−0.4 percent).

    More expensive condominiums, stable house prices
    Those who want to buy a condominium were faced with 0.6 percent higher prices in November than in the previous month. This means that the national average price per square meter is currently around 8030 francs. For a typical apartment with 110 m² of living space, 880,000 francs are required. The asking prices for single-family houses (0.1 percent) hardly changed in November, which corresponds to a square meter price of around 7130 francs. A typical house with 160 m² of living space is advertised for 1,140,000 francs.

    «The new corona wave should temporarily support the trend of rising property prices, since in the fragile economic environment hardly any rate hikes on the part of the central banks are to be expected. The duration of this policy, however, depends heavily on the further development of consumer prices, which have recently risen significantly, ”says Martin Waeber, Managing Director Real Estate, Swiss Marketplace Group.

  • Swiss Casino moves to Lokstadt

    Swiss Casino moves to Lokstadt

    On November 24th, the foundation stone “for a casino the likes of which Switzerland has never seen” was laid in the listed Rapide Hall in Winterthur ‘s Lokstadt , writes Swiss Casinos in a press release . According to her, the company based in Zurich is planning a building integrated into the hall. In the industrial atmosphere of this “Loki”, casino operations are to start from 2025.

    A corresponding rental agreement has already been signed, informs Ina Invest , the owner of the Lockstadt halls. This means that the Lokstadt halls with a total usable area of 8,200 square meters have been fully occupied, explains the real estate company from Opfikon in a separate press release . “Where locomotive history was once written, there will soon be overnight stays, entertainment, celebrations and games in a unique industrial setting”, Ina Invest CEO Marc Baumann is quoted in the press release.

    Swiss Casino is planning to close its casino in Schaffhausen, just under 30 kilometers from Winterthur, at the same time as the opening of the new casino in Winterthur. The Swiss Casino in Schaffhausen has posted a total of 18 million francs in loss over the past 18 years, according to the operating company’s announcement. The around 70 employees in Schaffhausen are to be offered a position in Winterthur or within the Swiss Casinos Group.

  • Asking rents continue to rise

    Asking rents continue to rise

    The monthly rent index compiled by the digital real estate marketplace homegate.ch from TX Group in cooperation with Zürcher Kantonalbank rose by 0.17 points to 116.1 points across Switzerland in November compared to October, explains homegate.ch in a corresponding message . The analysts write that the index has already exceeded its high in October. Over the past twelve months they have observed an increase in asking rents of 0.96 percent.

    In the month under review, rents rose in most of the cantons, the press release explains. The analysts observed the strongest growth of 2.33 percent in the canton of Graubünden. In Zug and Schwyz, too, asking rents rose at an above-average rate of 2.04 and 0.59 percent. In the cantons of Nidwalden and Neuchâtel, on the other hand, asking rents in November were 0.49 and 0.81 percent lower than in October.

    In terms of cities, the analysts point to striking declines in asking rents in Zurich (-0.82 percent) and Geneva (-0.79 percent). The asking rents in Lausanne and Lucerne rose the most in comparison to October, at 0.30 percent each.

    When recording the rental price changes for the rental index, the rental prices are corrected for different quality, location and size of the apartments, is explained in the communication. This makes it possible to record the actual rental price development.

  • The Circle receives certification for sustainability

    The Circle receives certification for sustainability

    The Circle is expected to receive LEED Platinum certification in the spring of next year, HRS informs in an interview on the portal of the real estate company from Frauenfeld. HRS realized the area at Zurich Airport as a general contractor in collaboration with Amstein + Walthert , the main building technology planner responsible. For the highest standard of the green building classification developed by the US Green Building Council , a project must achieve 80 or more points.

    The LEED classification tries to “map all aspects of sustainable building”, explains Christian Appert from Amstein + Walthert in an interview. According to the CEO of the engineering service provider based in Zurich, The Circle was able to score points in a number of categories. As examples, Appert cites, among other things, drinking water savings through rainwater tanks, a combination of photovoltaics and greenery on the roofs as well as generous infrastructure for bicycles. The Circle has shown that “even large projects can be very sustainable,” says Appert.

    With the certification, The Circle will be “the largest LEED Platinum project in Europe and one of the ten to twenty largest in the world,” explains Rebecca Kull in an interview. According to the COO of HRS, this is “a superlative with great charisma” for Switzerland. Talking about sustainability is easy, says Kull. The decisive factor, however, is “lived sustainability”.

  • Homeownership is becoming unaffordable

    Homeownership is becoming unaffordable

    In the years since 1990, the home ownership rate has risen steadily. Now it is going back for the first time, writes Raiffeisen Switzerland in a report on the study ” The dream of having one’s own four walls ” by Raiffeisen Economic Research. “Real estate prices are still rising, but in the completely dry market, the extremely high prices and the high regulatory hurdles of the vast majority of Swiss are blocking the dream of their own four walls”, Martin Neff, chief economist at Raiffeisen Switzerland, is quoted there. “Only prices are booming on the home market today.”

    According to the authors of the study, the rising prices are due, among other things, to the highly expansive monetary policy of the central banks. At the same time, they reject the speculation that the real estate bubble will soon burst. “The prevailing price level and the strong upward momentum can still be justified fundamentally and are not driven by speculation,” says Neff. “Even if the home market has now expanded significantly, this bubble will not burst.”

    The authors of the study do not expect any relaxation in the home market in the near future. Neff therefore calls for “an open, unbiased public discussion about the future of Swiss home ownership”. According to the chief economist of Raiffeisen Switzerland, the increasing exclusion of large groups of the population from home ownership “without strong political will and the acceptance of certain systemic risks and societal costs” cannot be broken.

  • Schindler optimizes transport times in buildings

    Schindler optimizes transport times in buildings

    Schindler has launched a new generation of building transit management called Schindler Port 4D. A smartphone app developed in-house is integrated into this latest version of its existing transit management solution.

    According to a media release from the Ebikon company, Schindler Port 4D reduces the energy consumption of an elevator group by up to 40 percent. In addition, functions such as face recognition, robotics and digital entertainment can be integrated. For example, architects and planners can use hardware and software interfaces to regulate who has access to a building, when and where, or who is transported, and when digital entertainment is played.

    “Buildings are built for people,” said Florian Troesch, who is responsible for transit management solutions. “With Schindler Port 4D, we are making buildings even more attractive, environmentally friendly and more easily accessible.”

  • The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rietbach Center has taken place

    The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rietbach Center has taken place

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

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

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

  • CondenZero wins Swiss Innovation Challenge

    CondenZero wins Swiss Innovation Challenge

    The Swiss Innovation Challenge has been decided, the three winners come from Zurich: on Thursday the main prize of CHF 20,000 was awarded to condenZero . The spin-off of the University of Zurich ( UZH ) received this award virtually when the award ceremony was broadcast from the Haus der Wirtschaft in Pratteln. According to a press release , a message from Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin was leaked.

    The physicists at condenZero develop and produce scientific sample holders that work at low temperatures of around minus 270 degrees. The innovative cooling principle was originally developed at the Swiss free-electron laser at the Paul Scherrer Institute . In the start-up phase, the team will concentrate on introducing the new technology to the cryo-electron microscopy market. The condenZero technology can hold cryogenic temperatures for up to 24 hours. With the current cryo-microscopy solutions, this is only possible for 15 minutes. CondenZero is also in the final round of the start-up CERN BIC incubator .

    Second place and the special life sciences prize of CHF 5,000 went to MyLeg . This is a “unique” device that recovers sensory information about the touch and movement of a prosthetic leg. It does this through non-invasive electrical stimulation. The device does not have to be used surgically and can be added to any existing prosthesis.

    Third place and the special construction prize were awarded to Oxara . The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich converts construction waste into sustainable and affordable building materials with self-developed and patented mineral additives, thus promoting the circular economy. The company’s goal is to significantly reduce “the immense footprint” of conventional building materials.

  • Holcim launches concrete innovation

    Holcim launches concrete innovation

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

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

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

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

  • Steiner sells Immo-Projekt to Fortimo

    Steiner sells Immo-Projekt to Fortimo

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

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

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

  • Implenia is building five buildings for SBB

    Implenia is building five buildings for SBB

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

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

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

  • ETH robots build hanging gardens for Zug

    ETH robots build hanging gardens for Zug

    The Tech Cluster Zug will have hanging gardens based on ancient models. The planted architectural sculpture intended for this purpose bears the name Semiramis. It is 22.5 meters high and consists of five differently sized and geometrically complex wooden bowls that are placed one on top of the other. A video presented in a media release from ETH shows how these are supported by eight slender steel supports.

    Researchers from the group of ETH architecture professors Fabio Gramazio and Matthias Kohler design and create Semiramis together with Müller Illien landscape architects , the timber construction engineers from Timbatec and other partners from industry and research. The design options come from a machine learning algorithm that was developed in collaboration with the Swiss Data Science Center .

    “The computer model enables us to reverse the conventional design process and to explore the entire scope for designing a project,” Matthias Kohler, Professor of Architecture and Fabrication at ETH Zurich, is quoted as saying. In the Immersive Design Lab , an ETH laboratory for augmented reality, the researchers were able to explore the designs in three dimensions. A software developed jointly with the Computational Robotics Lab at ETH allowed the designs to be modified. According to Kohler, this lighthouse project in architectural research is driving “key research topics such as interactive architectural design and digital fabrication”.

    The Semiramis sculpture is currently being built by four cooperating robotic arms in the robotic production laboratory at ETH Zurich. An algorithm prevents collisions if you each lift one of the wooden panels and place them in the room at the same time. The robots relieve humans of the heavy lifting and precise positioning. They also make complex scaffolding unnecessary.

    The individual shell segments each consist of 51 to 88 wooden panels. When one of them is ready, it is transported to Zug by truck. Semiramis is to be erected and planted in spring 2022.

  • French-speaking Swiss live louder

    French-speaking Swiss live louder

    At every third residential address in Geneva, people have to endure a noise level of more than 60 decibels. It is as loud as a lawnmower ten meters away, according to a press release . This noise can still be heard even with the windows closed.

    On the other hand, people in German-speaking Switzerland live the most quietly, namely in the cities of Bern, Winterthur and Aarau, as the real estate research of Zürcher Kantonalbank lists. For its analysis, the financial institute examined every residential building in Switzerland for its exposure to road noise.

    It also came out that the street noise leads to rent discounts of 320 million francs annually. Geneva has the highest rent reduction with CHF 40 million, Zurich follows in second place with a financial loss of CHF 28 million.

    Because even if Zurich is in the middle in terms of noise pollution, thousands of apartments along the main traffic arteries are still affected by a high noise level, according to the press release. “So street noise will remain a burning issue in housing policy in the canton of Zurich.”

    According to real estate research by Zürcher Kantonalbank, prices for private homes will also rise this year. Prospective buyers can expect 6 percent more, and in the canton of Zurich even an increase of 7.5 percent. The demand for one’s own four walls in the corona pandemic is driving.

    Searchers find fewer and fewer advertisements in the relevant property search portals on the Internet. According to a press release, the number of sales advertisements in the canton of Zurich on the Homegate brokerage platform has fallen by more than 30 percent since 2019. Reason: Brokers can find buyers with less effort through their own channels.

    The demand for property is currently so high that “some of the apartments have already been sold before construction begins”. Often all it takes is just setting up a construction board. Prospective buyers should therefore be put on the lists of broker companies, advises Ursina Kubli, Head of Real Estate Research at Zürcher Kantonalbank, according to a media release.

  • Holcim realizes a new concrete structure

    Holcim realizes a new concrete structure

    Holcim built the cantilever bridge called Bridge to the Future at its Hüntwangen plant. The company describes the filigree concrete platform for the acceptance of excavated material in a press release as “one of the most climate-friendly structures in the world”. This bridge was created in close cooperation with CPC AG from Andelfingen and the fiber composite materials ( FRP ) specialist group at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ( ZHAW ).

    For this bridge, the concrete slab technology from CPC was used and further optimized. The company, founded in 2013, produces particularly filigree, stable and durable concrete slabs and components that are reinforced with pre-stressed carbon fibers (carbon prestressed concrete, CPC) instead of corrosive steel. This can save up to 75 percent of material and thus also CO2. This technology was developed and patented in a research collaboration between the ZHAW and the Silidur company from 2010. As stated in the press release, Holcim has since acquired a stake in CPC AG “as proof of its trust in CPC technology”.

    According to the information, Holcim used its clinker-free cement Locarbo for the Bridge to the Future. Compared to conventional cement, this has 63 percent fewer CO2 emissions. From this, Holcim has developed a high-strength recycled concrete. Its carbon footprint has been reduced from 210 to 138 kilograms of CO2 per cubic meter.

    FVK supported Holcim with feasibility and load-bearing tests as well as statics calculations. “This project is a highlight for us,” says FVK manager Josef Kurath. The individual material properties are “reflected in a unique way and optimally used”.

  • Learn faster than change

    Learn faster than change

    In contrast to earlier, more linear revolutions, digital change is advancing exponentially. That means, you don’t notice anything for a long time, and suddenly the change is there. In contrast to the film, music or car industries, which were surprised by Netflix, Spotify or Tesla, this development should not be overslept. “And that is exactly why it is particularly worthwhile to invest in innovations and stay on the ball,” said Mario Facchinetti in his presentation at this year’s Swiss ImmoTable in the building arena in Volketswil, Switzerland. The name of his company PropTechMarket stands for technology-driven, new innovations (property technology), which are becoming increasingly important for the real estate industry.

    Technologies should be used where they are superior to humans. Often enough, the change is creeping: “Ten years ago no taxi driver would have expected that a tech company from San Francisco called Uber could ever compete with him. Or to put it quite simply: Nothing remarkable happens for a long time, with many new companies putting themselves in a starting position, collecting data and experience, ”says Facchinetti. So far, no company has succeeded in turning the real estate industry upside down. However, many companies were working on this vision. Now it’s about building experiences faster than digital change advances.

    New technologies are revolutionizing the market: “One can imagine that we will need different skills in the future than we do today,” says Facchinetti. “Many courses are hopelessly out of date. And soon the question arises as to whether it would be better to hire a graduate with a master’s degree or a lateral thinker with a lot of practical know-how. ” Investing in innovation gives you the time to react to new market conditions. There are currently around 7,000 new companies at work around the world who want to win part of the real estate pie. And in contrast to five years ago, these young savages are increasingly receiving risk capital from investors in order to gain a foothold in the industry with competitive prices.