Tag: Immoinvest

From the depot to a climate-resilient urban district

The starting point for the development is the withdrawal of the CKW depot in the context of the large-scale transformation around Seetalplatz. Based on a two-stage study commissioned by CKW and the city of Lucerne, the “Habitat – Quartier im Hain” project was selected in 2022. The careful handling of existing buildings was decisive. In particular, the Shedhalle and the consistent integration of open spaces and rainwater management.

The ideas of the winning project were then applied to the entire perimeter of the development plan and enshrined in planning law. The result is a coordinated overall figure that combines private properties and the former factory yard area into an urban development whole.

Urban development, mixed use and sponge city
For reasons of noise and urban space, the north-eastern part of the area is characterized by larger, mixed-use buildings in closed construction. Living, working, services and first floor uses are concentrated here along streets and squares. The western part focuses on open residential buildings, connected green spaces and paths that link the adjacent neighborhoods.

The central element is a topographical depression in the west, a former floodplain. It serves as a retention area for rainwater and forms the basis of the “urban grove”, which characterizes the district with trees, infiltration areas and a cooling microclimate. Rainwater management, climate-adapted open space design and the sponge city principle thus become key components of the district’s identity.

Social mix and diversity
When completed, around 700 to 800 additional apartments are planned for Reussbühl West, at least 20 percent of which will be non-profit. They will be supplemented by multi-purpose rooms and around 15,000 to 18,000 square meters of work space for businesses and services. Short-term rentals will be limited to the areas already available today and are only permitted in construction site C9. This is a deliberate signal in favor of long-term residential and neighborhood structures.

The existing shed hall will be opened up for public-oriented uses and will function as an address for culture, leisure or small-scale businesses. Together with the first floor uses of the new buildings, a mixed-use, all-day lively environment will be created that closely interlinks living, working and public facilities.

Legal planning basis and timeline
The “Reussbühl West” development plan sets out the main elements of the urban design and the distribution of uses in a way that is binding on the landowner and allows for staggered implementation. It is open to the public from November 24 to December 23, 2025. Objections and negotiations will be incorporated into further processing before the plan is submitted to the City Council.

Together with the “Reussbühl Ost” development plan, which is already legally binding, this will create a legal planning framework for an upgraded, mixed-use district with a total of around 1,000 additional apartments and 15 to 20 percent commercial space. The densification will take place gradually. The first non-profit apartments and new commercial space are already under construction in Reussbühl Ost, marking the transition from an industrial area to the urban city building block of the next generation.

November 2025
Earth architecture as a model for the building of tomorrow

The pit and cave dwellings in the Chinese Loess Plateau date back to Neolithic settlements and are considered a living fossil of the history of residential construction. Despite the limited lifespan of individual buildings, the principle of the dug-in courtyard house has been preserved for thousands of years and shaped the lives of millions of people.

Historically, the underground courtyard complexes were mainly used by the rural population, but later political figures such as Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping also lived in such cave houses for a time. The settlement structures range from individual courtyards to almost invisible, interconnected underground village networks.

Loess as a building material and building physics carrier
Load-bearing, yet easily workable loess soil forms the basis of this architecture. Living and ancillary rooms are cut directly into the natural soil, usually without elaborate supporting structures or industrially produced building materials. The construction costs are significantly lower than those of conventional houses.

The central pit courtyard, up to ten meters deep and eight to twelve meters on a side, provides access, light and ventilation at the same time. The courtyard level is reached via ramps or stairs, while drainage pits collect rainwater and prevent flooding.

Thermal inertia as a climate machine
The strength of the Dikengyuan lies in the consistent use of the thermal inertia of the earth mass. In summer, the earth cover keeps the heat out and stabilizes the interior temperature at around 14 degrees Celsius, while in winter the stored geothermal energy acts as a buffer against low outside temperatures.

In this way, the houses function as largely passive climate systems that do not require heating or air conditioning. The construction method is therefore not a folkloristic relic, but an early, highly effective model for energy-efficient construction adapted to the local climate.

Inspiration for energy-efficient architecture today
The Dikengyuan opens up important approaches for managers and experts in planning and the real estate industry. Local materials, reduced technology, robust building physics and the integration of buildings into the ground as a climate envelope. In the face of net-zero targets and resource scarcity, they show what resilient, cost-effective forms of housing can look like beyond highly complex building technology.

The challenge is to translate these principles into contemporary typologies, standards and construction processes, from partially buried buildings to hybrid solutions in dense urban contexts. In this way, millennia-old earth architecture becomes a laboratory for future-oriented, climate-resilient construction.

November 2025
Digital twin makes the invisible visible

At the heart of the project is a digital co-pilot that acts as an intelligent assistant and supports restoration decisions. Laser scans and photogrammetric images are used to create a precise 3D twin of the cathedral, supplemented by detailed data on each stone. Age, material composition and condition are scientifically documented

At the same time, the mechanical loads in the building are simulated using methods such as Thrust Network Analysis. Damage is not only visible, but also localized in space and its development can be traced. The XR technologies show restorers, engineers and architects interactive holograms directly on the original building

Climate as a challenge
The ETH Zurich team correlates local weather extremes such as wind-driven rain with the real damage patterns on the sandstones. Sensors measure humidity and microclimate; the data obtained flows into models that predict future developments in the event of increasing climate change. This results in strategies for the long-term preservation of the building fabric, adapted to the individual climatic stresses at the location

New standards for buildings worldwide
The “Heritage ” project is a role model for digitalization in heritage conservation. The combination of digital twin, XR and AI is transferable to bridges, castles and other historic buildings. The public app for the anniversary of the cathedral communicates restoration work to visitors in a transparent and participatory way. Monument conservation not only becomes more efficient, but can be experienced by everyone.

November 2025
New urban quarter at Winterthur railroad station

The Stellwerk 2 project is being built on a site of just 2,000 square meters right next to the train station, combining living, working and mobility in a small space. The new building comprises 66 city apartments and around 2,000 square meters of space for offices, education and healthcare. On the first floor, a spacious retail zone of 700 square meters will provide for public-oriented uses. The aim is to make optimum use of existing railroad land without additional sealing.

Compact units with one to three and a half rooms will be created on the upper floors. Guest rooms and communal areas promote flexible forms of living and social interaction. An approach that responds to changing urban lifestyles. The project was developed by Zurich-based Esch Sintzel Architekten, which won the 2021 SBB competition in close cooperation with the city.

Hub for two-wheelers and everyday life
Stellwerk 2 is being built not only to live and work in, but also to facilitate movement. In the basement, 360 new bicycle parking spaces are being created with charging facilities for e-bikes, cargo bike zones and lockers. Together with 150 recently created spaces in the existing building, the capacity of the neighboring bike station will increase to around 510 units. The new building will be connected to the existing facility under Signal Box 1 via a new passageway.

For city councillor Christa Meier, the project is emblematic of the transformation to a mobility city: the signal box will become Winterthur’s actual bicycle hub and strengthen the station’s role as a multimodal center.

Realization in stages
With Stellwerk 2, SBB Immobilien and the city of Winterthur are demonstrating how urban densification and the traffic turnaround can go hand in hand. A place where living, working and sustainable mobility merge into a new urban entity.

November 2025
Smart access solutions

Salto was founded in 2000 in the Basque Country with the vision of developing flexible and wireless access systems. The company quickly grew into an international group of companies with over 1,850 employees and more than 100,000 installations at 10 million access points. Today, the industry leaders Gantner and Vintia are also part of the “Salto Wecosystem”

Pioneering technologies and continuous milestones
The Salto Virtual Network, a virtual, highly secure locking system, revolutionized the industry back in 2002. The introduction of Salto Wireless in 2008 laid the foundation for wireless, real-time networked access control. A milestone for large-scale projects and flexible building structures. With JustIN Mobile, Salto launched mobile access solutions back in 2015 and further developed access management with cloud platforms

New solutions for the future
2025 With XS4 Face, Salto is focusing on biometric access control via facial recognition and combining this with mobile user registration. The new ID management system Salto IDM expands the portfolio with comprehensive identity management functions. Continuous product series and functional enhancements ensure that the company keeps its finger on the pulse

User-centered design and global partnership
Salto remains a driver of innovation, driven by user-centered design, reliability and social responsibility. The solutions provide secure and convenient access to over 40 million people every day, from educational campuses to healthcare and large companies. The anniversary underlines the company’s ambition to continue offering open, secure and smart access experiences for the connected world.

November 2025
New ground-breaking ceremony in Bergdietikon

The ground-breaking ceremony for the Hintermatt retirement and care centre, the Oase, took place on 5 November, as reported by the municipality of Bergdietikon in a press release. On completion in summer 2028, the retirement centre in Bergdietikon will be able to provide 66 flats for senior citizens and 44 care places.

The project was approved by the municipal assembly back in 2012 and the sale of the land was also authorised. However, this was followed by 13 years of planning and legal disputes. The ground-breaking ceremony is a “decisive moment” in the realisation of the project, which is now “finally being implemented after a long phase of objections and legal disputes”, according to the municipality of Bergdietikon.

The project is particularly important for the municipality in that it not only meets the needs of the elderly population. The local infrastructure is also to be enriched by publicly accessible facilities.

November 2025
Bellinzona transformiert

The historic SBB workshops, the centrepiece of Ticino’s industrial history, are making way for a district that serves as a model for sustainable urban development, an innovative mix of uses and high-quality living spaces. The political, economic and urban development significance of the project extends far beyond the borders of Bellinzona.

Historical continuity
The SBB offices have shaped the city centre for more than a century, providing thousands of jobs and an independent industrial identity. The relocation and replacement construction of the SBB industrial facilities in Arbedo-Castione by 2028 will create a rare development opportunity in the centre of Bellinzona. Over 100,000 square metres will be freed up for a comprehensive urban redevelopment, with a balance between tradition, innovation and strategic urban development.

Participatory guiding process
The redesign of the site is based entirely on participatory processes. The development process began with an international urban planning competition. Five European planning teams competed against each other, with the “Porta del Ticino – Urban Living Lab” project ultimately coming out on top thanks to its bold use of green space, multifunctionality and attractive density. Public consultations and a broad-based residents’ dialogue ensured broad acceptance and political backing. A representative survey showed that 65 per cent of the population supported the winning concept. Younger generations in particular have high expectations of innovation and quality of life.

Urban structure, mix and development phases
The masterplan concept envisages a clear linear tripartite structure for the site. Two peripheral zones combine flats, cooperatives, administrative and research uses, universities, commercial and hotel facilities. In the centre, the spacious Almenda will be a public green and meeting space that will serve as a social, cultural and ecological focus. The implementation period for the realisation of the district extends over several years in order to gradually create lively, resilient living, working and research landscapes. This guarantees flexible management of market dynamics and avoids vacancies or excessive property yield orientation.

The striking “cathedral”, a listed building dating from 1919, will remain as a cultural magnet and will be transformed into a meeting and event venue. A worthy perspective for a landmark of industrial labour culture.

A real laboratory of urban change
The development plan commits to the highest sustainability standards, with the aim of achieving the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS). Fossil fuels are excluded, and comprehensive photovoltaics and greenery, rainwater utilisation in the spirit of the “sponge city”, energy-efficient district heating and active promotion of electromobility are integral components. An energy plan supports the objective of covering a large part of the neighbourhood’s electricity requirements locally. Wide green spaces, biodiversity, urban gardening, resource-saving construction methods and low-emission mobility round off the ecological profile.

Special attention is paid to intergenerational housing models, educational and research facilities, start-up promotion and the new innovation park, which will give Bellinzona a model character and regional appeal

Model character and regional appeal
The project combines socio-cultural values, sustainable infrastructure, entrepreneurial innovation and ambitious living and quality of life to create a new urban “engine” for the region. With its combination of participatory governance, versatile utilisation options and resilient open spaces, Bellinzona is setting exemplary standards for Swiss and European urban development in the coming decades.

November 2025
Tenero Swimming Centre

The days of the old swimming facilities at the CST youth and competitive sports centre are over. The needs of young and elite aquatics athletes are constantly increasing. With the CHF 91.8 million investment approved by the Federal Assembly in 2021, Switzerland is setting an example for top-level promotion and sustainable development. The new replacement building will raise the CST to a new level as a central centre of excellence for swimming, artistic swimming, water polo, water jumping and ski freestyle.

Modern concept
Simply renovating the outdated facilities proved to be uneconomical and not future-proof. The planning therefore favours a complete new build in two construction phases. Firstly, a multifunctional indoor swimming pool will be built, which will define new training standards with an Olympic pool including a lifting floor, whirlpools, ice bath and comprehensive diagnostics area. This will be followed by the renovation of the outdoor facilities, including a modern training pool and landing area for freestyle skiing. Completion is scheduled for 2029, until then operations for athletes will be secured.

Focus on sustainable and versatile infrastructure
The Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics attaches great importance to sustainability in construction. The swimming centre is being built in accordance with SNBS and MINERGIE-ECO guidelines, optimised for life cycle costs and energy efficiency. The architecture by Studio Burkhardt and Stücheli Pestalozzi Schiratzki is characterised by its transparency, spaciousness and integration into the park landscape. Art and material aesthetics are also part of the new building, as a sensitive art-in-building concept creates identity for the location.

A milestone for Swiss sport and the region
With the laying of the foundation stone and prominent guests such as Olympic medallist Noè Ponti, the project promises not only international training standards, but also innovative event and training opportunities in water sports. The CST remains a pioneer in the promotion of young talent and will become a hub for cross-generational sports development in Switzerland.

November 2025
Reorganisation of location promotion in Schlieren

Christina Doll will take over as head of location promotion in the city of Schlieren from 1 December. According to a city press release, the 44-year-old will take over the position from Albert Schweizer, who is retiring after 27 years with the city.

The change of position is linked to an intensification of location promotion. Christina Doll will perform the function in an 80 per cent position. Her predecessor Schweizer filled the position with 30 per cent in addition to his work as property manager. The city council believes that the increase in working hours is necessary “to successfully develop Schlieren as a business location”. In future, companies should have a direct contact person for their concerns.

The economic geographer with a degree from the University of Hanover is considered to be well connected thanks to her many years of experience in location promotion. Most recently, she made a name for herself as deputy managing director in the development of the Zurich airport region as an economic network and location development organisation. As a part-time guest lecturer at various universities, the 44-year-old has taught how organisations can better exploit their development potential through participatory methods and the use of collective intelligence. She is the winner of the scholarship for the EMBA Digital Leadership at the Zurich School of Business 2022.

November 2025
New headquarters strengthens the future of the hydropower company in Kriens

ANDRITZ Hydro is moving to a new headquarters, but will remain based in Kriens. According to a press release, research and development, sales, project management and administration with around 130 employees will move to the Schappe Centre near the reconstructed premises of the former Bell Maschinenfabrik. A new neighbourhood will be built on the site of the predecessor company.

By moving to the modern company centre, ANDRITZ Hydro wants to secure its options for further growth, according to the press release. The relocation of the company management to the Schappe Centre should be completed by the end of 2026. The company already announced in spring that it plans to relocate its service workshop from the centre in Kriens to the industrial area of Buchrain in the north of Lucerne, around 10 kilometres away, by 2028. The company offers services such as electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower plants worldwide for new and existing hydropower plants, from small hydropower plants to large-scale plants.

“This is a good solution for us,” says site manager Claudio Nold. “We can continue to work and grow under optimal conditions.” Logis Suisse, the landowner of the Bell site, also sees the relocation of the ANDRITZ Hydro headquarters as a benefit in terms of developing the former industrial site into a new urban neighbourhood, according to the press release.

November 2025
Modernisation of the drinking water supply in Kopfholz

The Schlieren-based construction company STRABAG has begun dismantling and rebuilding the Kopfholz reservoir on behalf of the municipalities of Horgen, Thalwil, Rüschlikon and Kilchberg. According to a statement from STRABAG, the modernisation project is intended to secure the local drinking water supply until 2050. In order to ensure a continuous supply of water, three construction phases are planned for the planned replacement construction. The first construction phase is to be completed by February 2026, with the project scheduled for completion in March 2027.

According to the press release, the municipalities have been operating a joint water supply since 1905. The connection will be continued with the project, which the municipalities believe sends a “strong signal for a sustainable, safe and future-oriented water supply”. Rüschlikon’s storage capacity is expected to increase from 1000 to 1600 cubic metres, and Kilchberg’s from 1500 to 2800 cubic metres.

The press release emphasises the particular challenge faced by the construction teams from the four clients in building the reservoir during ongoing operations. “The reservoir supplies more than 6,000 households with drinking water and the supply must be guaranteed at all times,” Beat Spörndli, Construction Manager, Civil Engineering and Road Construction North-East, is quoted as saying. He also emphasised the “high demands on coordination and hygiene on the construction site”. In addition to compliance with SIA standards (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects), the use of a special drinking water concrete is a prerequisite. As the construction is subject to the Foodstuffs Act, germ-free water storage must be ensured. The close cooperation between the municipalities enables coordinated planning, minimises interference with the forest area and triggers synergies in tenders and construction processes.

November 2025
Electrical installations in the historic railway station combined with modern technology

Ernst Selmoni AG is responsible for the entire electrical system in the new Migros shop in the historic Badischer Bahnhof railway station. The rooms in the former theatre of the Förnbacher Compagnie in the southern part of the station building are, like the entire building, a listed building. Badischer Bahnhof, one of six railway stations in Basel and today the second largest, was opened in its current form in 1913.

The contract included the complete electrical installation, from the power supply and modern lighting to the technical systems that enable smooth operation. “The work in the listed building was particularly exciting,” said Selmoni in a company press release. The historical substance demanded creative solutions, careful planning and close coordination with the authorities to ensure that tradition and modern technology were in harmony”.

Christophe Hassler, Business Unit Manager at Selmoni Installation AG, describes this project as “an exciting challenge: realising modern electrical installations in a listed building without compromising its historical substance. With great care and innovative solutions, my team proved that technology and history can harmonise perfectly.”

Selmoni was founded in 1934. The approximately 600 employees serve global corporations as well as private individuals. The company focuses on innovative solutions and digitalisation in construction. New technologies such as prefabrication, drilling robots, building information modelling and Hololens are already part of Selmoni’s everyday work to make construction projects faster, safer and more sustainable.

Selmoni is one of five finalists for the Prix SVC Nordschweiz. This prize from the SME network Swiss Venture Club(SVC) will be awarded on 13 November in front of around 1,000 guests at the Congress Center Basel.

November 2025
Domestic property remains attractive for institutional investors

According to a press release, the IFZ study Mortgage and Real Estate Investments 2025 by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts examined the investment behaviour of 228 institutional Swiss investors, including pension funds, insurance companies, investment foundations and funds. The Institute of Financial Services Zug (IFZ) at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is based in Rotkreuz ZG. According to the study, domestic property in particular remains an attractive investment.

Pension funds (PFs) are maintaining their average real estate ratio of 24.3 per cent and largely intend to expand it further: 47 per cent want to strengthen their Swiss real estate portfolio, 49 per cent want to keep it stable and only 3 per cent want to reduce it. According to the study, a “home bias” is noticeable in all pension funds: the Swiss allocation of real estate assets is between 85 per cent (large pension funds) and 92 per cent (medium-sized pension funds).

“On the one hand, the fact that prices have been rising for over 25 years seems to confirm the stability of the market. On the other hand, investments abroad appear less attractive due to currency hedging costs and higher volatility,” said co-head of the study John Davidson on the preference for Swiss portfolios in the press release.

However, only 9 per cent of the investors surveyed believe that the upward trend will continue. The biggest concern for investors in the Swiss property market is increasing regulation. According to 82 per cent of institutional investors, this will soon lead to an end to the property upturn. Particularly complex building regulations (92 per cent), objections (90 per cent) and stricter tenant protection (88 per cent) are hindering further growth.

Risks such as a slump in economic growth (45 per cent), higher interest rates over a longer period of time (37 per cent) or weaker population growth (35 per cent) take a back seat to political and regulatory pressure.

The study is based on surveys of Swiss property funds, investment foundations and insurance companies as well as 135 pension funds. With an investment volume of CHF 568 billion, the pension funds surveyed cover around 50 per cent of the funds’ total assets.

November 2025
Progress in CO2 reduction through modern cement production

Holcim AG, based in Zug, has initiated a carbon capture plant for cement production in Câmpulung, Romania. According to a press release, the internationally active building materials manufacturer was able to secure EU funding for the project. The plant in Câmpulung is Holcim’s eighth EU-funded carbon capture project.

The Carbon Hub CPT 01 plant in Romania is the first onshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Eastern Europe. Carbon dioxide is eliminated from the flue gases on site and permanently stored underground in compressed form. The geographical and geological conditions in Câmpulung offer good conditions for this, according to the press release. Holcim and its partners, including Carmeuse from Louvain-la-Neuve in Belgium, aim to produce around 2 million tonnes of low-emission cement in Romania every year by 2032.

“The CCS project in Romania thus supports Holcim’s efforts to turn sustainable growth into profitable growth – a key strategic driver of our NextGen Growth 2030 strategy,” said Simon Kronenberg, Regional Head of Central and Eastern Europe at Holcim, in the press release. “The support from the EU Innovation Fund underlines the capabilities of our engineering teams, the maturity of our technologies and our advanced partnerships along the entire value chain.”

November 2025
Circular construction as the new standard in the canton of Zurich

The Canton of Zurich ‘s Real Estate Office and Building Construction Office is systematically integrating the principles of circular construction into its processes with the help of the Circular Hub as a platform for the circular economy. This initiative goes back to the circular economy strategy published in 2024. According to a Circular Hub press release, the Community of Practice format entitled “KreislaufLAB – Planning and Building for Zurich’s Future” was established for this purpose. The aim is to sustainably anchor the necessary knowledge in the existing roles of cantonal property management. According to the project description, Circular Hub has taken on the conception, moderation and impact measurement of the format in close collaboration with cantonal managers. Internal anchoring is also supported by a communication strategy.

Expertise and practical examples should make it easier to plan and implement circular construction. Specifically, topics such as deconstruction, material selection and life cycle thinking play a central role. “This creates a lively network in which knowledge is shared and anchored in concrete application aids. This is how impact can become visible,” is how Circular Hub describes its approach.

Specifically, there will be five interactive workshops combining expert input, panel discussions and practical group work. As a result, practical tools and application aids will be developed. Internally, the process will be flanked by bulletins and a closing event, among other things. Ultimately, an impact assessment will provide information on how competences have been developed and the principles of the cycle have been anchored.

November 2025
New competence centre strengthens logistics and flooring solutions in Oberhasli

SHARKGROUP AG, a specialist in flooring solutions from Oberhasli, is moving into its new centre of excellence in Oberhasli together with Dietiker Planzer Transport AG. As Planzer reports in a LinkedIn post, the two companies will now be pooling their expertise under one roof. While Planzer will take over SHARKGROUP’s logistics on the 4000 square metres of warehouse space, SHARKGROUP will be able to use the new location to drive its growth and further expand its range of services.

The competence centre covers an area of 10,000 square metres and has a 3,000 square metre solar installation on its roof. It also enables companies to travel short distances and reduce CO2 emissions during transport, which is a step towards sustainable logistics.

As SHARKGROUP explains in a press release, the new site will enable the company to further strengthen its presence in the Zurich region and improve the availability of its product range. In addition, the expanded capacity and exhibition space will create more room for personalised support and services. “We are proud of the growth of our group and of being able to offer our customers even greater proximity and service in future,” says Managing Director Moritz Mühlebach, CEO of SHARKGROUP. “This project is an expression of our entrepreneurial vision and our ambition to play an active role in shaping the industry.”

November 2025
Transformation of a military airfield into a civilian innovation centre

The civilian conversion of the St. Stephan military airfield in the upper Simmental is making progress. According to a press release, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation(FOCA) has authorised the conversion into a civilian airfield. This means that buildings and facilities that are no longer required can be demolished and the infrastructure for civil flight operations can be built. The FOCA has also granted Prospective Concepts Aeronautics AG(PCA) an unlimited operating licence and approved the operating regulations.

The Cantonal Office for Municipalities and Spatial Planning is expected to approve the development plan for the site at the beginning of 2026, which was adopted by the municipal assembly in 2024. Armasuisse Immobilien will then transfer the site from federal ownership to the municipality of St. Stephan. PCA will use the airfield under building rights.

In future, the airfield will be used for both civil aviation and commercial purposes. Flights are likely to be triggered primarily by development, manufacturing and maintenance companies.

Occasional tourist and business flights are also planned. Flight operations are regulated in the Sectoral Transport Plan, Infrastructure Section (SIL), which was adopted by the Federal Council on 30 August 2023.

The airfield was established during the Second World War in 1941. It is located close to the Gstaad-Zweisimmen-St. Stephan and Adelboden-Lenk ski resorts.

November 2025

Opening ceremony: Innovations in the finishing trade – Globus Basel flagship project

Switzerland is being transformed in order to achieve the goals of energy, climate, circular economy and densification. The finishing and building envelope industry and its professions are crucial to this and are making the building stock fit. With a turnover of 36 billion, it is the strongest sector in the construction industry. Bauenschweiz’s core group for the finishing trade and building envelope would like to focus on this at the opening. This is exemplified by the completely renovated Globus Basel property, which will open at the end of 2025. In addition to a look at the project, guests will discuss the importance of the finishing trade, the further development of skilled workers and the needs of entrepreneurs and young professionals in the market.

Program (as of 23.10.2025)

10.15 a.m.	Introduction with short clip on GAG at Globus Basel
10.17 a.m.	Welcome by moderator Sonja Hasler
10.20 a.m.	Discussion with Bauenschweiz President Hans Wicki, Member of the Council of States, and Home Group President Peter Meier
10.30 a.m.	Message of welcome from Cantonal Councillor Esther Keller, Head of the Building and Transport Department of the Canton of Basel-Stadt
10.40 a.m.	Moderated discussion with project managers “Globus Basel – from urban planning challenges to lighthouse project” Andrin Sennhauser, Confirm Jean-Luc von Aarburg, Miller & Maranta
10.55 a.m.	Panel discussion with Beat Hanselmann, President of Gebäudehüllenplaner, National Councillor Sandra Sollberger, entrepreneur and SMGV board member and sister duo Ladina and Alisa Oppliger, Gold and Silver Swisskills 2025 in façade construction
11:30 a.m.	Apéro riche

Further information can be found here:
LINK

November 2025

Geneva’s housing policy under pressure

Since 1983, the law on the demolition, conversion and renovation of residential buildings in Geneva has rigorously controlled the housing market. The aim is to protect tenants, safeguard quality of life and curb speculation. Rents after conversions and renovations are capped by decree, and projects requiring approval are strictly regulated

The study by Ters (FHNW) and Kholodilin (DIW Berlin) is the first to dynamically analyze the effects of these interventions. The results show that housing rationing and rent controls significantly slow down new construction. Private and institutional investors are increasingly shifting capital into renovations. In the short term, expenditure on modernization is rising, while there is no real increase in living space. At the same time, vacancy rates are continuing to fall, occupancy rates are rising and the market is becoming even tighter. Entry costs are rising, especially for new tenants, while existing tenants benefit from stable, often low rents and long rental periods

New dynamics in the portfolio
Institutional investors are particularly hard hit. Project delays, falling residual values and complex approval procedures make new construction unattractive. The study shows that a regulatory shock reduces the volume of new investments by up to CHF 600 million. This corresponds to around 1% of Geneva’s total GDP. For the city’s housing stock, this primarily means that investments will primarily be made in short-term, compliance-driven upgrades instead of in-depth renovations or new units

Rent control works primarily through the price channel. It protects existing tenants from increases, but depresses returns for owners and puts a damper on new projects. Renovations become more attractive than new builds, which promotes modernization but hardly creates any new apartments

Lock-in effect and inequality of opportunity
An unexpected side effect of regulation is the so-called lock-in effect. Tenants stay in their homes for much longer for cost reasons, which restricts mobility and increases the maldistribution of housing. At the same time, rent differentials in the market are increasing. Newcomers pay high market rents, while long-term tenants benefit. The quality and condition of apartments often remain at a low level, as extensive renovations are difficult to carry out economically

Balance sought between protection and supply
The study shows that Geneva’s regulations protect tenants from price rises, but place a burden on new construction and thus exacerbate the housing shortage in the medium term. Investors are turning to the preservation of existing properties and selective modernization, while growth stimuli from new construction are failing to materialize. For politicians, this means that a sustainable balance between protection and market renewal is essential. New densification permits and differentiated rent regulation could provide a remedy.

November 2025
Easier to build?

The motion by Councillor of States Benedikt Würth (center/SG) demands that the federal government should in future only be responsible for objects of national importance. While the protection of sites will be transferred entirely to the cantons. This would remove the national inventory of sites worthy of protection as a common basis for assessment. The result would be different cantonal regulations, lengthy conversions and more legal disputes.

The National Council’s Committee for Science, Education and Culture considers the path taken by the Federal Council to be more expedient. The measures agreed at the ISOS Round Table strengthen efficiency and clarity without abandoning proven standards.

Reform instead of rupture
Specific simplifications have already been agreed. Such as a more precise application of ISOS to federal tasks, clearer discretionary powers for cantons and municipalities and simplifications for projects with photovoltaics. These steps shorten procedures without sacrificing quality and are supported by the cantons, cities and municipalities.

The central problem is not the ISOS itself, but the lack of coordination and the fact that interests are weighed up too late. If this is done at an early stage, conflicts can be avoided and projects accelerated.

Proven examples from practice
Successful models already exist. In Geneva, the “Patrimoine-Paysage-Territoire” platform significantly reduces the number of objections through joint project development. Neuchâtel shows how densification can be reconciled with ISOS through clear zoning and high-quality planning. These approaches strengthen transparency, acceptance and building culture.

Accelerate with substance
Instead of creating legal uncertainty, the ongoing ISOS development should be implemented consistently. Quality and planning security are the key to faster, sustainable construction, not federal patchwork. Only those who combine the two will achieve the goal of building simply without endangering our established building culture.

November 2025
Power-to-X tracker shows momentum in Switzerland

With the new Power-to-X Tracker, the Swiss Power-to-X Collaborative Innovation Network (SPIN) and the Coalition for Green Energy & Storage (CGES) are presenting a nationwide overview of Power-to-X activities. The interactive platform maps all known projects, from pilot plants to commercial applications. This shows the rapid growth of a technology that could become the centerpiece of the energy transition.

The aim is clear: to pool knowledge, promote synergies and facilitate investment. “The tracker creates a common data basis that accelerates collaboration and decision-making processes,” emphasize CGES Co-Directors Christoph Sutter and Antonello Nesci.

The key to defossilization
Power-to-X processes make it possible to convert renewable electricity into chemical energy carriers. This makes renewable energy storable and versatile, for example in industry, mobility or heat supply. For SPIN Co-President Martin Bäumle, these technologies are crucial for the transition to a climate-friendly economy. “Transparent data and networked players are the basis for turning ideas into scalable solutions,” explains Bäumle.

Networking research, business and politics
The tracker will be presented at the CGES annual event at Swissgrid in Aarau. The initiative is backed by a broad alliance of business, science and the public sector – supported by the ETH Domain. The systematic survey and visualization of the projects will provide an overview of the Swiss power-to-X landscape for the first time, offering guidance to researchers, politicians and investors alike.

November 2025
Zurich reintroduces hardship clause for imputed rental value

The cantonal council approved the reintroduction of the hardship clause at second reading by 136 votes to 29. The aim is to prevent situations in which homeowners have to sell their home due to rising imputed rental values and tax burdens. This was triggered by a Federal Supreme Court ruling that overturned the previous legal basis.

Finance Director Ernst Stocker subsequently deleted the old clause, but applied for a new transitional regulation until the imputed rental value is completely abolished. Following the referendum in September to abolish the imputed rental value, the regulation will only be in place for a few more years.

Political controversy
While there was broad support, the Greens, AL and EVP rejected the model. They criticized the fact that tax relief does not have to be repaid in the event of inheritance and saw this as unequal treatment compared to tenants. However, the corresponding repayment proposal was clearly defeated.

The government council still has to decide on Stocker’s transitional regulation. Both measures, the hardship clause and the transitional regulation, only apply until the anticipated abolition of the imputed rental value in 2027 or 2028. Zurich is thus sending a clear signal for a socially responsible property policy during the transitional phase of the tax reform.

November 2025
Digital twins are shaping the industry of tomorrow

At the NVIDIA GTC in Washington, Siemens and NVIDIA presented a new type of AI-based system architecture that links the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio with the NVIDIA Omniverse platform. This “industrial tech stack” enables digital twins that visualize, simulate and optimize factories in real time. This creates a foundation for the industrial metaverse. A networked ecosystem that seamlessly brings together design, operation and energy supply.

The new solution dramatically accelerates planning and engineering processes. Factory layouts can be simulated and adapted in just a few hours instead of weeks. AI-driven workflows make data-based decisions and increase precision, efficiency and sustainability.

Chip-to-grid end-to-end industrial value creation
At the heart of the approach is the “chip-to-grid” value chain, which integrates semiconductor design, factory operation, energy supply and building technology. It ensures that power, cooling and computing power function as a unified system, whether for new buildings or existing modernizations. With the help of AI-based simulation, operators can optimize production facilities in months rather than years.

This integrated approach corresponds with the blueprint for “AI Factories” with gigawatt capacity. Together, the two companies are setting new standards for efficiency, scalability and energy intelligence in AI data centers and production facilities.

Industrial AI as a driver of innovation
With this cooperation, the two companies are underlining the global upheaval in manufacturing. Digital twins, AI automation and real-time simulation are becoming the basis for new industrial intelligence.

By merging planning, engineering, energy and building management into one platform, companies have a tool that streamlines complex processes, conserves resources and accelerates innovation. A clear step towards self-optimizing industrial environments.

November 2025
Strong wood presence at the ‘Swiss Arc Award’ 2025

On October 30, the jury honored the best buildings of the year from over 400 submissions. The award, presented at Trafo Baden in front of over 500 guests from architecture and the construction industry, underlines the creative diversity and technical maturity of Swiss planning culture. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kaschka Knapkiewicz and Axel Fickert, whose work has had a decisive influence on local architecture for decades.

Sustainability and functionality
The Hortus office building in Allschwil by Herzog & de Meuron won in the “Work, Production & Infrastructure” category thanks to its systematic climate protection and material intelligence. The new University Children’s Hospital Zurich, the winning project in the “Education & Health” category, was also designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Its horizontal structure creates bright, open pathways and a new typology of hospital building that combines functionality with humanity.

Wood as a design leitmotif
The Guggach residential and commercial development in Zurich by Donet Schäfer Reimer Architekten won in the “Residential” category. Climate-optimized concrete and timber construction elements demonstrate how sustainable building materials can interact constructively and aesthetically. Andreas Fuhrimann and Gabrielle Hächler were awarded the first prize for interior design for their sensitive conversion of a terraced house in Gockhausen. Wood permeates surfaces, furniture and construction as a connecting element and emotional carrier of spatial quality.

Audience award for multi-purpose building in Lavaux
The multi-purpose building in Forel by Samir Alaoui Architectes won the audience award. The stacking of industrial and residential use creates an architectural unit with a high degree of spatial intelligence. Here too, the timber construction underlines the fact that sustainable construction and architectural expressiveness are not mutually exclusive.

The Swiss Arc Award 2025 confirms that wood is not just a building material, but an expression of a new culture of responsibility in the Swiss construction industry.

November 2025
Real estate management in transition

We experience it every day: real estate management is changing rapidly, noticeably and sometimes surprisingly. What used to be primarily administration is now a complex interplay of strategy, technology and relationship management.

The demands of all those involved have increased enormously in recent years. Owners expect transparent reports, comprehensive reporting and support with sustainability issues. Tenants want digital services that work at all times, fast responses and a high degree of flexibility.

At the same time, everything should become more efficient, more sustainable and more data-based. Modern tools make many things easier. They help to optimize processes and make better decisions. But they do not replace what is at the heart of our work: human contact. Especially when it comes to communication, conflicts or complex issues, experience, empathy and intuition cannot simply be replaced by AI.

What is also striking is that the shortage of skilled workers is hitting our industry harder than people often want to admit. People with expertise in digital transformation or sustainability are rare. And those who do find them are struggling to keep them. All too often, there is a lack of development opportunities or real incentives. Yet motivated and well-trained employees would be the key to really shaping change instead of just chasing after it.

Although many people talk about digitalization, in practice there are still far too many manual processes, Excel spreadsheets and interfaces that do not communicate with each other. The will is there, but implementation takes time, money and sometimes courage. After all, not every digital solution immediately brings the desired benefits and not every process can be easily automated.

Despite everything, change offers great opportunities. If we manage to use technology in a targeted manner, promote talent and understand the human factor as a strength, then real estate management can still gain a lot in terms of efficiency, quality and attractiveness as a professional field.

One thing is certain: those who combine innovation and empathy will remain fit for the future. Because in the end, it is not systems or tools that create value, it is the people who bring them to life.

November 2025
New service facility strengthens the Weinfelden railway location

SBB and its Thurgau subsidiary Thurbo AG, based in Kreuzlingen, are to open the new service facility in Weinfelden on 1 November, according to a press release. The existing Thurbo fleet will be serviced here and the new fleet of 329 Flirt Evo trains will be put into operation and serviced. The first new trains are due to be introduced in 2026 and will also be used by SBB and its subsidiary RegionAlps, based in Martigny VS. The proximity to the Bussnang and Erlen sites of the train manufacturer Stadler enables efficient maintenance, training and introduction.

Thurbo has invested CHF 18.4 million in the facility. It was built in timber construction and extended by 30 to 100 metres. It also houses a photovoltaic system whose 866 modules will generate almost 400 megawatt hours of electricity per year. Up to 30 employees will work here in future.

The facility will be opened on 1 November with an open day. The first train of the new Flirt Evo fleet will also be christened at the event.

November 2025
A milestone in the Ticino SBB Arbedo-Castione plant

Commissioning is scheduled for mid-2028, with SBB, the canton of Ticino, the city of Bellinzona and the federal government investing a total of around CHF 755 million in the ultra-modern site. In doing so, SBB is not only securing its maintenance of new multiple-unit trains, but also sending a strong signal for the economic development of the region.

Investment in Ticino as a centre of industry
In future, the NSIF will offer 360 full-time jobs and 80 apprenticeships, a clear commitment to the future of Ticino as a centre of industry. The new facility represents a milestone in the maintenance and repair of the modern Giruno, ETR and Flirt TILO multiple-unit trains. Compared to the existing Bellinzona plant, the level of digitalisation will be significantly increased. One focus is on electromechanical work, with digitalisation and automation making processes more efficient, flexible and sustainable. The green roof with solar panels and the renunciation of fossil fuels emphasise the ecological focus of the project.

Sustainability and infrastructure
With a total area of 150,000 square metres, the plant also sets new standards in terms of sustainability and infrastructure. The main building measures 40,000 square metres, as much as eight football pitches. In addition to the factory building, a modern train washing facility, rooms for apprentice training and common areas for staff are being built. The building integrates a comprehensive sustainability concept that minimises the ecological footprint with solar panels and green spaces.

Progress with the construction work
Initial work began in June 2025 with site installation, excavation and the design of the foundations. Construction will be accompanied by extensive adjustments to the railway infrastructure. New tracks, points and technical buildings will ensure optimal connections and logistics. In December 2024, the new track group 600 was put into operation in order to efficiently control operating processes and better connect the Coop distribution centre. The extensive railway construction work will run in parallel until the plant is completed.

Agriculture and compensation
A total of around 150,000 square metres are required for the NSIF, including 8.4 hectares of crop rotation areas. Together with the Ticino Farmers’ Association, SBB has found alternative agricultural land in Camorino, Bellinzona, Preonzo, Iragna and Biasca in order to fulfil the legal compensation obligations in full.

Significance for the region
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by prominent representatives from politics and business. SBB is thus emphasising the importance and significance of the canton of Ticino and the long-term safeguarding of jobs. In a region that is particularly affected by industrial change, this project symbolises the future, stability and innovation.

The new SBB Arbedo-Castione plant will bring innovation and sustainability to the Swiss railway sector, consolidate Ticino as an industrial centre and offer prospects for future generations. A ground-breaking ceremony with symbolic power and a project that accelerates the pulse of the region.

November 2025
From a retreat to a strategic residence

The mixture of Mediterranean joie de vivre and Swiss order is unique. Sunny days, Italian cuisine, lakes and mountains offer a quality of life that goes far beyond lifestyle. Families, those seeking peace and quiet and retirees are discovering a second home in Ticino, with a stable infrastructure and safe environment.

Digitalisation is changing housing decisions
The wave of working from home since the pandemic has revolutionised the choice of location. People who no longer have to commute every day are increasingly opting for quality of life. Ticino, with its good digital connections and attractive properties, is the clear winner.

Property prices in comparison
While living space is hardly affordable in Zurich, Zug or Geneva, Ticino offers more space at more favourable conditions. Particularly outside of Lugano or Locarno, dream homes can be realised that remain out of reach in other regions.

Expats discover the south
More and more international professionals, entrepreneurs and wealthy families are looking southwards. Zurich remains a financial centre, Geneva a hub of diplomacy, but Ticino impresses with efficiency, accessibility and a strong balance of cost, quality and lifestyle. Lugano is also developing into a hotspot for private banking, fintech and crypto initiatives.

Tax clarity and human access
A decisive advantage lies in cantonal practice. Lump-sum taxation in Ticino is not only attractive, but is also handled transparently and efficiently. The dialogue with the authorities is personal and solution-oriented. A decisive difference to the often more complex procedures in Zurich or Geneva.

Integration through openness
Italian cordiality meets Swiss structure, a combination that facilitates integration. Language skills remain important, but the open culture and short decision-making channels create closeness. For many expats and returnees, Ticino is not just their place of residence, but their home.

Opportunities and challenges
The boom also brings challenges, such as increasing demand for housing, schools and infrastructure. Municipalities are faced with the challenge of managing growth sustainably without losing their identity. But it is precisely the interplay of tradition, innovation and quality of life that makes Ticino a model of a region that wants to shape the future.

November 2025
New shares to finance construction projects and acquisitions

Zurich Invest Ltd is increasing the resources for the ZIF Real Estate Direct Switzerland fund. The fund management company, which belongs to Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, announced in a press release that around 100 million Swiss francs will be raised between 10 and 21 November. It intends to use the funds to finance ongoing construction projects and for selective acquisitions.

Shareholders have the right to acquire one new share for every ten existing shares. A maximum of 960,411 new shares are to be issued at an issue price of 112.16 Swiss francs. The new units are scheduled to be paid out on 28 November 2025.

The ZIF Real Estate Direct Switzerland fund currently comprises 60 properties with a total market value of CHF 1.5 billion. Residential properties, mainly in the Zurich and Lake Geneva regions, account for 86 per cent. Launched at the end of 2018, the fund was listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in 2023.

November 2025
Energy supplier plans move to former bank premises

AEW will not be relocating its new headquarters to the Obere Vorstadt site as previously planned. According to the energy supplier, the test planning launched in May 2024 showed that the possible site development was not sufficiently in line with AEW’s development goals.

The search for a new location had become necessary because the current headquarters at Industriestrasse 20 in the Aeschbachquartier in Aarau does not fulfil AEW’s short to medium-term capacity and space requirements. For this reason, the rental contract, which expires in mid-2027, will not be extended.

AEW has now found a suitable neighbourhood at Bahnhofstrasse 49: the premises of the former Credit Suisse. According to the information provided, they offer the space that AEW needs in the long term.

As the Canton of Aargau is currently renting “significant space” in the Obere Vorstadt area for the High Court and judicial management, AEW intends to “initially” enter into negotiations with the canton regarding the sale of the entire Obere Vorstadt area. The move to Bahnhofstrasse is planned for 2027.

November 2025