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  • Promoting ownership instead of preventing it

    Promoting ownership instead of preventing it

    Switzerland is and remains the land of tenants. For many, the dream of owning their own home is receding further and further into the distance. Rising prices, higher interest rates and stricter mortgage regulations have made home ownership unattainable for broad sections of the population. Young families and people on middle incomes in particular are increasingly failing to overcome the hurdles of the system. Yet home ownership is much more than a status symbol. It is a form of retirement provision, a contribution to personal responsibility and stability in an increasingly uncertain time. Living in your own four walls saves costs in the long term and reduces the burden on the pension system.

    The abolition of the imputed rental value is therefore not a dam break, but a necessary door opener. It puts an end to an injustice in which fictitious income is taxed that does not actually exist. The criticism that this would create “tax loopholes” falls short of the mark. It is crucial that the reform is implemented with clear and fair rules.

    Will this turn Switzerland into a country of privileged owners? No, on the contrary. Only by reducing the imputed rental value will we create the conditions for more people to take the step into property ownership in the first place. The goal must be: property for the many instead of privileges for the few.

    Support yes, nationalization no
    The primary goal of a sensible housing policy must be the creation of suitable and affordable living space. However, the state cannot achieve this alone. Public building authorities are often cumbersome, inflexible and expensive. In cities such as Zurich, it can be seen that increasing nationalization of the housing market is leading to bottlenecks and an artificial shortage.

    We need private developers who can react quickly and efficiently to the needs of the population. The task of the state is not to build itself, but to create the right framework conditions: faster approval procedures, flexible conversions and planning that allows rather than prevents innovation.

    A modern instrument would be a change in the system of state housing subsidies. Away from subsidies for buildings and towards housing vouchers for people who actually need support. In this way, help can be targeted to where it is needed without distorting the market.

    How much government does the real estate world still need and how much market can it tolerate? The answer is simple: the state should set frameworks, but not build walls. It should create incentives, not block them.

    Looking ahead
    The abolition of the imputed rental value is not an isolated step, but part of a larger development: towards more personal responsibility, fair opportunities for tenants seeking ownership and a functioning housing market based on trust and innovation, not bureaucracy.

    Whether this becomes the first domino for further tax relief depends on political will. But one thing is certain: those who want to strengthen people in their own four walls are strengthening the foundations of our country.

  • Future-oriented and more agile

    Future-oriented and more agile

    The Board of Directors has decided to reduce the Executive Board from six to five members. This is intended not only to increase agility, but also to optimize operational interfaces in order to drive forward the preservation and increase in value of the real estate portfolio more consistently. The Executive Board will now comprise the Real Estate, Development, Acquisitions, Finance and Corporate Center divisions.

    Management with clear responsibilities and comprehensive expertise
    Nadia Mastacchi is taking over the Real Estate division, which now includes portfolio and transaction management as well as property management. This creates a uniform interface that strengthens the portfolio as a whole.

    Marco Tondel remains Head of Development and is also responsible for realization. Bundling these tasks increases cost efficiency and strengthens the value chain.

    Vinzenz Manser, with over 20 years of experience at Mobimo, is now in charge of acquisitions. The merger increases the market impact and promotes the necessary agility in the face of intense competition.

    Christoph Egli is leaving the Executive Board after the independent property management division was dissolved. His many years of commitment and formative role in the property management business are highly valued by the Board of Directors.

    Sustainable management organization
    This reorganization is intended to bundle the entire value chain more strongly and position it more effectively in the market. The move underscores the strategy of continuing to respond successfully and agilely to the challenges of a changing real estate market.

  • Study shows enormous densification potential

    Study shows enormous densification potential

    Overall, there is sensible development potential in 30% of the existing settlement areas, which could provide space for 2 million new residents and 1.1 million jobs if a realization rate of 70% is achieved.

    The study, carried out by Sotomo on behalf of Urbanistica, suggests that sustainable inner-city development can only succeed if density and settlement quality are combined. Pure densification in locations with good traffic and infrastructure is not enough. Rather, improved local amenities, more green spaces, suitable quiet areas and a differentiated mix of uses must ensure quality of life and social acceptance.

    Agglomerations as focal points and areas of opportunity
    Although cities such as Bern and Zurich have the highest potential per area, the greatest absolute potential lies in the agglomerations. Up to 870,000 people could find new living space there through internal development alone. Municipalities such as Schwerzenbach, Opfikon and Vernier lead the ranking in terms of their development potential.

    Challenges in terms of settlement quality
    At the same time, the study reveals considerable quality deficits, particularly in agglomerations and cities. Problems include an unbalanced mix of uses, noise and insufficient greenery in urban areas as well as a lack of local amenities and access to recreational areas in peripheral zones. There are structural and social deficits, particularly in monofunctional commercial areas and parts of western Switzerland.

    Practical application and new business areas
    For investors and planners, the study offers a precise “treasure map” for identifying clearly usable properties and areas down to zone level. This facilitates strategic decisions and minimizes investment risks. In addition, the data supports the argumentation towards authorities and the population, which can accelerate the process of planning and approval procedures.

    The upgrading of existing sites opens up major opportunities for the construction and real estate industry. The transformation of monofunctional commercial areas into lively, mixed neighborhoods is considered a model for success and an important response to the housing shortage and rising construction costs.

    Internal development as the key to sustainable growth
    The study focuses on the fact that internal development is not just a question of space, but above all a question of quality. By concentrating on already developed areas, infrastructure costs can be reduced and urban sprawl curbed. The challenge remains to create social acceptance for redensification and to remove structural barriers. This is a prerequisite for sustainable and liveable urban development in Switzerland.

    This study therefore provides a promising, data-based foundation for future urban and regional development in line with the Swiss Spatial Planning Act.

  • “Zug Mar-a-Lago”

    “Zug Mar-a-Lago”

    At 5,500 square meters, the property is the largest private lakeside property and a one-off in Zug. The luxury villa with an asking price of around 50 million francs has been on the market since the end of June. Due to its splendor and location, it is already being referred to as the “Zug Mar-a-Lago”, alluding to Donald Trump’s famous estate in Florida. According to estate agent Robert Ferfecki, the buyer of this villa is considered the “King of Zug”.

    City with strategic interest
    The deadline for bids has now expired and the city of Zug is officially one of the contenders. City councillor and finance director Urs Raschle confirmed that the owner family had already contacted the city in the spring. The promise of an offer by the end of September was kept, although details of the amount remain secret.

    Personal approach as a trump card
    Raschle has gone one step further than just making a bid. He has written a personal letter to the owner family. Although contact is generally made via the estate agents, this letter is intended to emphasize the importance of the purchase project. Raschle emphasizes that even the Zug parliament has instructed the city council to examine the purchase. An emphatic message intended to convey credibility and negotiating strength.

    Future prospects for Zug
    A property acquisition of this magnitude could give new impetus to the public space. There are plans to expand the Seebad and Theater Casino. Projects that would bring added social and cultural value to the city. The decision on the purchase will be groundbreaking for the future development of Lake Zug and offers Zug the opportunity to make a statement as a modern and innovative location.

  • Conserving resources and extending building life cycles

    Conserving resources and extending building life cycles

    ETH professors Catherine De Wolf and Maria Conen are advocating a radical change in the construction industry. Instead of sacrificing old, energy-inefficient buildings, they advocate their preservation, renovation and expansion. In addition to ecological aspects, the focus is on social and cultural factors. Buildings harbor identities and histories, the preservation of which is essential for city life. Sustainability thus becomes a link between the environment, society and architecture.

    Reuse of building materials
    A good example is the reuse of glass elements from the external escalators of the Centre Pompidou in Paris as office partitions. The time-consuming dismantling, sorting and reintegration is cost-intensive, but offers enormous ecological benefits through significant CO₂ savings and the avoidance of waste.

    Building materials such as wood and concrete have great, previously untapped potential for reuse. While wood is often simply burned, concrete slabs could be cut out and used as wall elements. Although steel beams are recycled, they are usually melted down in an energy-intensive process instead of being reused in a stable form. The challenges lie in technical feasibility, costs and complex planning.

    Digitalization and material passports for optimization
    Digital tools such as material passports should make it easier to gain an overview of the origin, composition and useful life of components in the future. This will make reuse and dismantling more efficient and transparent. The harmonization of such standards is the subject of research in order to create binding solutions in the industry.

    Legal and standardization barriers
    Another stumbling block is today’s prevailing standards, which are primarily designed for new buildings and take insufficient account of conversions and the context of existing buildings. This makes renovations and work on existing buildings more difficult from an energy perspective. Laws and regulations must be made more flexible in future in order to promote circular construction methods.

    Circular economy as a pioneer for CO₂ reduction
    The construction industry is responsible for around 50 percent of resource depletion and considerable amounts of CO₂ emissions. The circular economy significantly reduces these by cutting material costs, waste and energy consumption through reuse and modular construction. Deconstructability through bolted or plugged rather than glued connections is key here.

    Challenges and future prospects
    The biggest challenge lies in the effort involved in dismantling and reusing materials and finding buyers for reused materials. The lack of comprehensive market structures makes widespread implementation difficult. This is where initiatives such as digital marketplaces and the involvement of specialized engineering expertise come in.

    Modular construction and flexible usage concepts, such as the use of less well-insulated buildings as museums, show viable prospects for the future. The young generation of students and researchers at ETH and other institutes in particular are driving innovation, which gives hope for a more sustainable construction industry.

  • The big living showdown

    The big living showdown

    The housing protection initiative aims to prevent rents from rising disproportionately after conversions or demolitions. Investors should have future rents approved with the building permit, and yields should also be capped. A majority in the Cantonal Council (including the SVP, FDP and GLP) rejects this as too much interference in property rights and warns of barriers to investment. Instead, the majority of the committee is proposing a counter-proposal that would protect tenants in particular from abusive terminations. With information and support periods of 12 months in the event of restructuring. Critics see this as a placebo that does little to protect tenants and leaves the interests of yields untouched.

    HEV start-up aid initiative
    This initiative aims to facilitate access to home ownership. The homeowners’ association is calling for the canton to guarantee up to 15 percent of the purchase price for owner-occupiers by reducing the equity from 20 to 5 percent. The government supports the proposal as it could make it easier for middle-income families to buy. However, left-wing parties are warning of rising demand and higher land prices without a sustainable increase in housing supply. A close decision is looming in the cantonal council.

    Home ownership initiative of the HEV
    This initiative demands that at least an equal number of owner-occupied homes be built alongside affordable rental apartments in state-subsidized housing projects. It has not yet found a majority, as critics do not consider the one-sided promotion of rental apartments to be in line with the constitution. A counter-proposal aimed at addressing problems with the calculation of the imputed rental value also has little chance of success.

    Housing initiative of the Greens
    The Greens are calling for the establishment of a public housing agency with start-up capital of at least CHF 500 million in order to create affordable, non-profit housing and promote non-profit developers. The majority in the cantonal council rejects this and instead proposes a framework for accelerated housing construction. The initiators want to force a referendum if the proposal is rejected.

    Outlook and political tensions
    The debate in the cantonal council opens a politically hot autumn. Another point of contention will be the SP’s right of first refusal initiative, which aims to give municipalities more scope to intervene in land purchases in order to limit speculation. Its counter-proposal has mainly economic and legal opponents.

    The positions of the stakeholders show the dilemma between protecting housing, promoting property ownership and concerns about investment incentives. The outcome of the votes will have a decisive influence on future housing policy in the canton of Zurich and is also likely to send a signal to other Swiss cantons.

  • Five mobility trends are driving the real estate industry

    Five mobility trends are driving the real estate industry

    Parking was a marginal topic for a long time. Today, it is seen as the key to optimizing the value of properties. This is because outdoor spaces, once pure infrastructure, are becoming strategic earnings factors thanks to digital technology. “Parking space is no longer a necessary evil, but an integral part of the value chain,” says Jakob Bodenmüller, CEO of Wemolo. His company operates over 3,500 locations across Europe with 2.5 million parking transactions every day and sees an industry that is reinventing itself.

    1.Free-flow technology, the farewell to the barrier
    Cameras instead of barriers with license plate recognition enable parking management without physical barriers, ticket loss or maintenance costs. User vehicles are digitally identified and authorized users park automatically. This reduces operating costs by up to 60 percent while improving the customer experience.

    Mixed-use districts benefit in particular. Retailers, service providers and residents can manage spaces as required, for example on a time-limited or quota-based basis. Third-party parkers are automatically recognized and sanctioned. According to Wemolo, their share drops by up to 85 percent within the first few months.

    2.Shared parking – new sources of revenue through cooperation
    What is a supermarket during the day can become a residential area at night. Shared parking uses free time slots in private spaces and opens them up to third parties in a controlled manner. Supermarkets, office buildings or retail parks can generate additional revenue of up to 80 euros per parking space per month without any structural investment.

    The model is a liberating blow for cities. Around a third of inner-city traffic is caused by the search for a parking space. If private parking space can be managed digitally, traffic volumes can be reduced and space efficiency increased. “We orchestrate instead of opening up and control always remains with the operator,” emphasizes Dominic Winkler

    3.E-mobility as a business model
    Charging points are not only a regulatory obligation, but also a revenue driver. Those who charge stay longer, a measurable advantage for retailers. Studies show that every additional minute of charging extends the length of stay and increases sales by over one percent.

    By linking e-mobility and smart parking, charging infrastructure can be dynamically controlled, priced or offered as a premium service. Integration into the parking management system significantly reduces costs and at the same time boosts the ESG performance of a property.

    4.Parking Intelligence uses data as a management tool
    Parking data becomes corporate intelligence. Automatically recorded key figures provide information on occupancy, dwell time, customer frequency and seasonal patterns. Facility and asset managers can use this information to adapt rental models, optimize personnel planning or develop targeted marketing strategies.

    For the first time, Parking Intelligence creates a data-based foundation for location decisions. This turns parking space into a mirror of actual asset performance, making it measurable, comparable and controllable.

    5.AI space monitoring, from parking space to portfolio sensor
    The next stage of digitalization lies above the asphalt. 360-degree cameras and AI analytics monitor outdoor areas in real time, detect garbage, vandalism or snow and automatically report service tickets to facility managers.

    This drastically reduces monitoring costs, maintenance contracts are evaluated objectively and standards can be managed centrally. This is a particular advantage for portfolios with hundreds of locations. The first operators are already testing how monitoring data can also be used to optimize locations.

    Parking space as a new asset
    The future of the real estate industry no longer lies just in buildings, but in front of them. Expo Real 2025 showed that thinking digitally about parking space changes the business model of a property.

    “The challenge is not to be aware of trends, but to implement them,” says Bodenmüller. Parking management is becoming the interface between mobility, ESG and value creation. A dynamic market in which standing still is finally a thing of the past.

  • Property consultancy with vision: Expertise for the entire life cycle

    Property consultancy with vision: Expertise for the entire life cycle

    Anyone who owns or plans to own property is familiar with many of the challenges of the market, such as preventing vacancies and setting rents in line with the market without ignoring supply and demand. This is precisely where Migros Bank comes in with its unique advisory approach, which combines economic foresight, market data and individual solutions – for owners who want more than just mortgages, but customised advice tailored to their property. The advisory approach consists of various modules that can be worked on independently of each other with the customer, depending on the situation.

    Together with CSL Immobilien AG, a partner of Migros Bank, a comprehensive range of services is offered that covers the entire property life cycle. Customers benefit from property development services and professional property management. This offering is rounded off by in-depth research and market analyses of the Swiss property market, enabling owners to make informed decisions together with Migros Bank.

    Comprehensive analysis tools for customised and well-founded decisions
    The property dialogue allows market values, purchase prices, net rental income, yields and vacancy rates to be compared with CSL Immobilien AG’s market data. This makes it possible to assess the positioning of the customer portfolio. It is suitable for office, commercial and residential property. Analysing residential properties at the residential unit level helps to check and manage the performance of the property. The residential units are compared with the market data and analysed for size, price and opportunities. This means that the positioning of projects can be determined with customers at an early stage, existing properties can be checked for market requirements and standards and reasons for vacancies can be identified.

    Analysing interest rate trends: outlook for future mortgage costs
    Anyone buying a house or a condominium must also take a look into the future. Mortgage interest rates are comparatively favourable today – but what will they be in ten years’ time? Will the property still be affordable with the expected income? With the interest rate development analysis, the mortgage portfolio can be simulated 10 years into the future with various defined interest rate scenarios. These estimated interest costs can be used to directly compare possible hedging strategies, such as redeeming a mortgage or taking out a follow-up product. This enables owners to restructure their portfolio and adapt it to market expectations.

    Sustainability as the key to increasing property value
    For owners of older properties in particular, sustainability is an important issue that has a direct impact on the value of the property. The sustainability analysis shows the advantages of renovating properties on a sustainable basis. The CO2 emissions, energy costs and energy requirements of a property are determined and a modernisation plan is drawn up to show which refurbishment measures have a positive impact on these values. Correctly timed refurbishments are crucial to maintaining or even increasing the value of a property over its entire life cycle. It is advisable to seek expert advice before starting a refurbishment project in order to find the best and most cost-effective solutions. Refurbishment issues are challenging – especially when it comes to alternative energies. In the case of particularly old properties, it is also necessary to decide whether refurbishment is worthwhile or whether it would be better to build a new building. This decision depends on various factors, including the condition of the building, financial resources and personal preferences. In any case, it is important to have a long-term refurbishment strategy that helps to reduce costs and extend the life of the building.

    A strong partnership with synergies
    Migros Bank works closely with CSL-Immobilien. Both companies are operationally independent. Through this strategic partnership, CSL Real Estate benefits from nationwide expansion and access to new markets, while Migros Bank can expand its property offering in a targeted manner. Together, they cover the entire property life cycle with an extended range of services – from financing to client advice and marketing. The collaboration also creates significant synergies, particularly in the areas of consulting and financing. One concrete result is the joint development of the digital estate agent service Nextkey, which makes property sales efficient and customer-friendly. This creates a holistic offering that supports customers in all phases of the home ownership process.

    Comprehensive support for property owners
    Anyone who owns or is planning a property today needs more than just a financing solution. What is needed is a partner who has the entire life cycle of a property in mind. With its advisory approach, Migros Bank is positioning itself precisely in this field – as a holistic partner, not just a mortgage lender. In collaboration with CSL-Immobilien, it offers customised solutions for owners who want to develop their properties sustainably, profitably and with a view to the future. Whether market value analyses, sustainability, returns or interest rate trends: individual issues are addressed competently and with foresight using modular tools and sound market data from practice. This not only improves the quality of customers’ decisions, but also the value and future viability of their property. Migros Bank thus stands for a new kind of property advice – networked, collaborative and far-sighted.

    “Anyone who owns or is planning a property today needs more than just a financing solution. What you need is a partner who has the entire life cycle of a property in mind.”

    “Anyone buying a house or a condominium must also look to the future. Mortgage interest rates are comparatively favourable today – but what will they be in ten years’ time?”

    Further information at: migrosbank.ch/potential

  • State-of-the-art logistics project strengthens Lucerne as a business location

    State-of-the-art logistics project strengthens Lucerne as a business location

    Imbach Logistik AG from Schachen, a subsidiary of Galliker Transport AG from Altishofen LU, has opened a new logistics centre in Lucerne-Littau, according to a press release. The centre, which was designed to meet modern Industry 4.0 requirements, is “a strong sign for Lucerne as a business location” with its fully automated high-bay warehouse and a highly flexible small parts warehouse, according to the company. Imbach Logistik will create a total of 60 new jobs with the new centre following its completion in two construction phases.

    A special feature of the new centre is the spatial arrangement of the warehouses: in contrast to the horizontal positioning that is customary in the industry, the small parts warehouse is positioned vertically above the high-bay warehouse in order to maximise the use of space. Warehouse automation is made possible by the use of state-of-the-art shuttle technologies and an integrated warehouse management and material flow system developed by partners SSI Schäfer AG and EPG. Together with EPG’s LFS software, the Schäfer Flexi-Shuttle system coordinates storage and retrieval as well as upstream pick-and-pack processes with a high level of efficiency.

    Sustainability is also a focus at the site: the building, which has a volume of 215,000 cubic metres, is fully powered by a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 1,000 kilowatt peak, which produces around 1,150,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The heating and cooling supply is environmentally friendly thanks to a groundwater heat pump in combination with a freecooling system. “With the new Lucerne logistics centre, we are creating the basis for even more efficient and sustainable services for our customers. Industrial companies in the region in particular will benefit from state-of-the-art technology and customised logistics concepts,” says Christian Kempter-Imbach, Managing Director of Imbach Logistik AG, in the press release.

  • New alliance for international location marketing

    New alliance for international location marketing

    The canton of Aargau is preparing to rejoin the Greater Zurich Area. The canton first joined the location marketing organisation between 2007 and 2010, the cantonal administration explains in a press release. At that time, however, the canton of Aargau was hardly able to achieve any success in attracting new business, partly due to different focal points. Today, however, the strategic orientation of GZA and the business location of Aargau “fit together very well”, the press release explains. At the beginning of the year, the canton therefore applied for renewed membership of the GZA.

    Specifically, location promotion is currently focussing on innovative sectors that are also important for the canton of Aargau. The press release cites life sciences, automation and digital tech as examples. According to the press release, the canton of Aargau, which has hardly been active in foreign marketing to date, has decided to join the GZA as it is “more cost-efficient and less risky than setting up its own foreign marketing”.

    Funds totalling CHF 8.5 million are required for the first period of new membership in the GZA from 2027 to 2032. This will cover the membership fee and the costs of two additional positions required at the GZA. The canton also plans to invest a further CHF 4.5 million in the years 2028 to 2032 to promote the location of so-called potential areas. The aim here is to support associations of groups of municipalities with economic potential with joint professional location promotion.

  • Parliament wants to speed up construction of large power plants for renewables

    Parliament wants to speed up construction of large power plants for renewables

    The federal parliament has clearly approved the so-called acceleration decree in the final vote. According to a statement, 185 members of the National Council voted in favour, two against and nine abstained. In the Council of States, 44 members voted in favour of the decree, with no votes against or abstentions.

    The decree was proposed by the Federal Council in 2023. It is intended to speed up the construction of large power plants for renewable energies. The appeal process is to be shortened, thus limiting the possibilities for objections and appeals. The cantons are to concentrate the planning approval process for the construction of solar and wind power plants of national interest at cantonal level. The planning process for the expansion of electricity grids is to be shortened.

    The Association of Swiss Electricity Companies(VSE) welcomes the adoption of the acceleration decree. “The focussed cantonal procedure and the reduced number of instances are important levers on the path to a renewable energy supply,” said VSE Director Michael Frank in a press release. “For electricity producers, the compromise means more planning security and speed – exactly what we need now.”

    swisscleantech regrets that the debate had focussed for too long on the attempt to abolish the right of appeal for associations. According to the energy transition association, the abolition of the right of appeal for 16 hydropower projects has led to a great deal of uncertainty. The bottom line, however, is that more speed in the expansion of renewables is what counts, it wrote in a press release.

  • New findings on the stability of steel under the influence of hydrogen

    New findings on the stability of steel under the influence of hydrogen

    Researchers from the Joining Technology and Corrosion Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) are investigating the mechanisms that lead to the hydrogen embrittlement of steel. The team led by Chiara Menegus and Claudia Cancellieri is focussing in particular on the effect of hydrogen at the boundary layer between a passivation layer and the metal, according to a press release.

    The passivation layer is an oxide layer around 5 nanometres thick that is formed during the oxidation of chromium contained in the steel. The passivation layer protects the steel from further corrosion. However, tests have shown that individual hydrogen atoms can react at the interface between the passivation layer and the metal and break down the protective oxide layer. This ultimately leads to embrittlement of the steel and can cause material fractures, as observed in buildings such as the Carola Bridge in Dresden, the London skyscraper 122 Leadenhall Street or parts of the Bay Bridge in San Francisco.

    However, detecting the hydrogen atoms in the interface is complicated. “It is difficult to investigate a hidden interface inside the material without destroying the sample,” research leader Claudia Cancellieri is quoted as saying in the press release.

    The researchers used hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) for their investigations. This method showed that the hydrogen degraded the passivation layer.

    In a further step, in collaboration with the Ion Beam Physics Lab at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), various iron-chromium alloys are to be analysed and resistant oxide layers found. According to the press release, findings from this research could lead to the construction of more durable bridges and better infrastructure for the storage and transport of hydrogen.

  • Wooden computer mouse

    Wooden computer mouse

    Printed circuit boards are the invisible backbone of electronics. Until now, they have mostly been based on fossil plastics. Their conventional production uses glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin. A petroleum-based material that is almost impossible to recycle at the end of its life cycle and requires costly disposal. This recycling problem is becoming increasingly urgent in view of the growing quantities of electronic waste.

    Empa’s “Cellulose and Wood Materials” laboratory has therefore developed a carrier material based on wood that can be completely biodegraded. Under the leadership of Thomas Geiger, the team in the EU project HyPELignum developed a technology in which lignocellulose – a previously underutilized by-product of wood processing – is transformed into a robust, functional board.

    Closing the loop between function and cycle
    At its core, the new material consists of a mixture of cellulose fibrils and lignin. Finely tuned mechanical processes create a stable mesh that hardens in a “hornified” board. The printed circuit boards made from this material can be printed with conductor tracks and fitted with electronic components.

    Moisture resistance remains the key challenge. This is because it is precisely the material’s openness to water that makes it biodegradable at the end of its life. A conflict of objectives that the Empa team wants to resolve even better in future. In their first experiment, they have already succeeded in building a fully functional computer mouse and other devices. After use, these could be composted under suitable conditions and valuable metals and components simply recovered.

    From research to practice
    The developers at the Empa laboratory are working closely with companies such as Profactor to transform the new circuit boards into products ready for series production. The potential for industry is huge. Especially in the case of short-lived electronic items, this creates a solution that conserves resources, reduces disposal costs and minimizes the ecological footprint.

    The HyPELignum project also emphasizes sustainable overall strategies. The focus is not only on raw materials and production, but also on life cycle analyses and industrial partnerships. With demonstration devices and planned industrial scaling, the aim is to make the leap from laboratory solution to market-ready product by 2026.

  • Examination of geothermal potential in the Burgdorf area started

    Examination of geothermal potential in the Burgdorf area started

    According to a press release, Localnet AG and CKW want to examine the potential for utilising geothermal energy in the Burgdorf area. The local energy supplier will contribute its knowledge of Burgdorf, while the Lucerne-based Axpo subsidiary will contribute its experience from ongoing geothermal projects.

    If the review is positive, the two companies want to inform the population about the next steps before the end of the year. “It is very important to me that the population is informed transparently about this project right from the start,” said Mayor Stefan Berger in the press release. “In any case, it makes sense to carefully examine the geothermal potential in our region. This is also in line with the objectives of our ownership strategy of a sustainable energy supply and long-term security of supply.”

    Localnet supplies 11,500 customers in the region with electricity, 2,500 with gas and a further 350 with heat.

  • New innovation boost for sustainable heating systems

    New innovation boost for sustainable heating systems

    EBP Schweiz AG has acquired a stake in Nullpunkt AG via its venture capital investor EBP Ventures. The start-up from Oberengstringen has developed an innovative ice storage heat pump system and launched it on the market this August following a trial run with a prototype last year. “With this investment, EBP Switzerland is not only strengthening its own innovation network, but also making a concrete contribution to the energy transition in the building sector,” Simon Hess, Partner and Head of Energy Technology at EBP Switzerland, is quoted as saying in a corresponding post by the Zurich-based consulting and engineering company on LinkedIn.

    The system from Nullpunkt AG consists of an external heat exchanger, an ice storage tank and a heat pump. The outdoor heat exchanger extracts energy from the ambient air during the day. This is used to melt the ice in the ice storage tank. When this water freezes again, thermal energy is released. This is extracted from the storage tank by the heat pump and used to heat the house. Compared to other ice storage systems, the system from Nullpunkt has a more compact design, “high energy efficiency and an attractive price-performance ratio”, writes EBP.

    Nullpunkt’s current programme includes further development to include more powerful systems and additional regeneration sources. “A competent partner such as EBP will also provide us with the right technical impetus to establish Nullpunkt on the market in the long term,” Nullpunkt CEO Thomas Degelo is quoted as saying in the article.

  • Lift partner for Asia’s hotel boom

    Lift partner for Asia’s hotel boom

    The Schindler Group and Accor have signed a service agreement in Asia, Schindler announced in a press release. The globally active group of companies from Ebikon will supply lifts, escalators and moving walks for Accor properties in Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to the hotel group, which is also based in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. The agreement also includes modernisation, maintenance and service of the systems. “We see great potential in this collaboration and look forward to working closely with Schindler to fulfil the needs of our guests in our hotels,” said Sébastien Brunel, Senior Vice President Procurement, Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific at Accor, in the press release.

    Schindler will tailor the lifts, escalators and moving walks destined for Accor to the specific requirements of the hotel group. The two partner companies intend to work closely together and coordinate their efforts at an early stage. “This agreement provides a solid foundation for expanding our collaboration with Accor in the region,” said Calynn Tan, Chief Executive Officer of the Jardine Schindler Group(JSG), in the press release. “JSG aims to be a trusted partner of Accor, delivering state-of-the-art transport equipment and comprehensive maintenance services.” The Hong Kong-based Jardine Schindler Group was founded in 1974 as a joint venture between Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong and Schindler in Ebikon.

  • Development site at Zofingen railway station gains a new perspective

    Development site at Zofingen railway station gains a new perspective

    Pensimo has acquired the western part of the former Swissprinter site near Zofingen railway station through its Turidomus real estate investment foundation. The 27,636 square metres of land was owned by Ringier Areal AG. Together with the town of Zofingen and the Basel-based architectural firm Christ & Gantenbein, Ringier Areal AG had developed a strategy for converting the site into a mixed residential and working neighbourhood and was looking for an investor.

    According to a press release issued by Pensimo, a study contract will be launched next year to clarify the urban planning ideas and sharpen up the housing offer. At present, over 300 flats are planned, which will be built from 2028 and could be ready for occupancy from 2030.

    Alexander Büchel, the portfolio manager responsible at Pensimo, describes the acquisition of this “unique and strategically ideal development site” as a special opportunity. “Zofingen has an attractive location quality, is a cantonal development centre and the micro-location of the site is excellent.”

    The five building plots of the Areal-West site are to have a diverse range of flats and be certified in accordance with the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard. “We want to build on the industrial past,” says Büchel, adding that the aim is to develop a “sustainable offering”.

    The Swissprinters printing plant, like Ringier Areal a joint subsidiary of Ringier and NZZ, was closed in September 2024. The entire site covers around 55,000 square metres in a central location. According to Ringier Areal AG, it is currently pressing ahead with a development project for the eastern part of the site with the historic main building.

  • Lucerne is voted the most beautiful old town in Switzerland

    Lucerne is voted the most beautiful old town in Switzerland

    Lucerne has won the TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025 for the most beautiful old town in Switzerland. According to the press release, the award ceremony on 23 September in Berlin was the fourth time that trend destinations in various categories were honoured. The award is organised by TRAVELBOOK, the largest online travel magazine, which is part of the BOOK Family of the Berlin-based Axel Springer publishing house. For the first time in 2025, it was mainly TRAVELBOOK readers who determined the winning destinations. In an online vote, 150,000 votes were cast across all categories.

    The accompanying text on Lucerne emphasises that the city centre with its sights and impressive mountain panorama is easy to explore on foot. The highlight of a visit is not just the world-famous Chapel Bridge, which connects the old and new town centres. Visitors can discover several spacious squares such as the wine market with its fountain or historic paintings on the facades of houses.

    Bad Wimpfen in Baden-Württemberg was chosen as the most beautiful old town in Germany, while Salzburg can claim the title for Austria. According to the 2025 poll, Greece is the most hospitable country in the world. Other prizes went to Auvergne in France as the best camping region in Europe and to the Okavango Delta in Botswana as the best destination for a sustainable safari. This year’s insider tip region in Europe is the High Tatras in the Polish-Slovakian border region.

    “The results not only reflect the knowledge and desires of our readers, but also provide interesting impulses for the industry,” says BOOK Family Editor-in-Chief Nuno Alves. TRAVELBOOK has been inspiring millions of people to discover new places for years.

  • Partnership for future-oriented engineering training

    Partnership for future-oriented engineering training

    The Zurich School of Business(HWZ) has agreed partnerships with the Swiss Association of Industrial Engineers(VWI Switzerland) and the Swiss Chamber of Experts (STV). The collaboration is intended to bring science and practice closer together and open up new topics at the interface between business and technology, according to a press release.

    The collaboration with the national platform for industrial engineering and the competence centre for expert opinions in technology, construction and business is to be reflected above all in the continuing education sector. As a first step, a CAS Future Engineering continuing education programme will be launched at the HWZ from spring 2026. The programme is aimed at industrial engineers, technology managers, executives and consultants who want to strategically implement technological innovations, apply agile methods in practice and actively shape change in companies, according to the press release.

    “With the CAS Future Engineering HWZ, we are creating a continuing education programme that not only responds to today’s requirements in the technical environment, but also actively develops skills for tomorrow,” said Linard Barth, Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Academy at the HWZ, in the press release. “The partnership with the VWI and the STV Chamber of Experts allows us to intelligently combine expertise from science, business and technology.”

  • Solar power plant above Klosters commences partial operation

    Solar power plant above Klosters commences partial operation

    The first 15 per cent of Madrisa Solar feeds electricity into the grid. According to a press release, the first 500 solar tables are fitted with 3,000 bifacial solar modules. The electricity will be used to power the neighbouring Klosters-Madrisa mountain railways.

    The solar power plant at 2,000 metres above Klosters Dorf is set to achieve an output of 11 megawatt peak when fully built on an area of 150,000 square metres with around 20,000 solar modules. Of the 17 gigawatt hours of electricity, 40 per cent will be generated in the winter months between October and March. Commissioning of the entire plant is scheduled for autumn 2027. By autumn 2026, 50 to 60 percent of the output should already be available.

    Madrisa Solar AG is a joint venture between Repower, EKZ and the municipality of Klosters, each of which holds a one-third stake. Madrisa Solar is the first solar power plant of the national solar express to feed electricity into the grid.

  • Alte Mühle residential project reaches important milestone

    Alte Mühle residential project reaches important milestone

    Swica Health Organisation Ltd. is building a new neighbourhood with a total of 136 flats on the former Huggler site in Suhr. SWICA has entrusted Halter AG from Schlieren with the realisation of the Alte Mühle residential park project as total contractor. Around a year after the foundation stone was laid, the topping-out ceremony has now been celebrated on the building site, Halter announced in a post on LinkedIn.

    In the Alte Mühle residential park project, ten apartment blocks will be grouped around the Alte Mühle in a loose building structure. Halter explains in the project description that the mill itself can be renovated without the need for heritage protection. The three to five-storey buildings should be completed by the end of 2026. Around half of the rental flats and a large proportion of the owner-occupied flats have already been reserved.

  • New Head of Sales and Partnerships at SwissCaution

    New Head of Sales and Partnerships at SwissCaution

    In his new role, Massimo Paoletti will intensify the dialog with existing partner companies and establish new collaborations. The aim is to work even more closely with the real estate sector and thus further strengthen SwissCaution’s market position in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino.

    SwissCaution has been present on the Swiss market since 1991 and was the first company to introduce a rental guarantee without a bank deposit. Today, over 400,000 customers place their trust in the company’s solutions. More than 2,500 real estate partners, including administrations and institutional players, work with SwissCaution throughout Switzerland. As a subsidiary of Mobiliar, the company is part of a strong insurance association that stands for stability and security.

    “I look forward to achieving sustainable success together with our partners and expanding our cooperation in a targeted manner,” explains Massimo Paoletti.

    For him, a particular focus is on maintaining long-term and trusting relationships. The aim is to offer partners tangible added value, while SwissCaution consolidates its role as a reliable partner to the real estate industry. Through the combination of many years of sales experience, innovative solutions and close cooperation with partners, the company intends to continue to make an active contribution to the further development of the real estate market.

  • Political roadmap to climate neutrality in Switzerland

    Political roadmap to climate neutrality in Switzerland

    POLIZERO’s final report takes an unusually clear look at Swiss climate policy. The next ten years are crucial for the economy, energy supply and society. The research team modeled numerous paths. The phase-out of fossil fuel technologies, a massive expansion of district heating and solar capacity and the rapid introduction of electromobility form the foundation for the net-zero target.

    A look at Europe shows that, especially in uncertain times, targeted harmonization with EU standards will become a success factor. In particular, integration into a common energy market and harmonized regulations strengthen security of supply and accelerate innovation.

    From strategy to scaling
    The window for far-reaching decisions is closing. From 2035, the focus will shift to scaling up climate-friendly technologies. Model calculations show that wind and bioenergy, synthetic fuels and CO₂ capture from industry and waste will take center stage. Switzerland can reduce its dependence on energy imports in winter and at the same time facilitate industrial change through investments and mandatory requirements, for example for the replacement of old heating systems.

    Support measures and innovation incentives act as start-up aid, but will be supplemented in a targeted manner by stricter regulatory instruments and the expansion of emissions trading. Steady but adaptable policies remain necessary to absorb geopolitical uncertainties and technological surprises.

    Flexible implementation, clear perspective
    The study recommends a balanced approach instead of radical individual steps. If Switzerland succeeds in combining its own credible initiatives with consistent EU coordination, the chances of achieving the net zero target are intact. It remains crucial that any strategy remains flexible. The faster world markets and research change, the more important adaptability becomes.

    Achieving climate neutrality does not require a perfect recipe, but rather a clearly defined direction and political perseverance. The decisive steps must be taken now. For a Switzerland that will help shape Europe in terms of climate protection and innovation.

  • Old technology rethought

    Old technology rethought

    When you think of modern construction today, you see glass, concrete and steel. But a building material that has existed for thousands of years is making a powerful comeback: rammed earth. Entire cities, castles and temples were built from it in the past and many of these structures are still standing today.

    Rammed earth combines regional raw materials, circular use and a healthy indoor climate. It stores heat, balances out moisture and requires hardly any energy to produce. The building material thus responds to key requirements of the building revolution, resource conservation, climate protection and healthy living.

    Joschua Gosslar from the Institute for Structural Design at TU Braunschweig speaks of a “renaissance of clay” that combines traditional craftsmanship with technical precision.

    How rammed earth works
    Rammed earth is made from clay, sand, gravel and water. This mixture is placed in layers in a formwork and compacted. This used to be done by hand, but is now often done by machine. The result is solid, layered walls with a high heat storage capacity.

    Thanks to its diffusion-open behavior, the building material contributes to a balanced indoor climate. Without structural weather protection, however, clay loses its strength. Large roof overhangs, water-repellent plaster or structural separations are therefore essential.

    Research projects such as HyRaEarth are working on permanent solutions to combat susceptibility to moisture, for example through environmentally friendly hydrophobic coatings.

    Robotics on the construction site
    The processing of rammed earth is complex with many work steps, high manual labor intensity and long construction times. Researchers at TU Braunschweig are therefore developing a robotic production unit that applies rammed earth walls additively. Layer by layer, precisely and without conventional formwork.

    The system combines a moving formwork with a compaction unit that automatically moves upwards. The aim is a mobile production unit that works on site with excavated material. “Clay is completely reversible,” explains Gosslar. “It can be reused after a hundred years as a building material for a new house.”

    The research thus transfers the principles of 3D printing to clay and earth construction, creating the basis for industrial yet handcrafted construction methods.

    International pioneering projects
    Architectural firms around the world are demonstrating what can be created from earth. Casa Franca in Paris was compacted with 550 tons of excavated earth to create load-bearing walls that make air conditioning systems superfluous. The Bayalpata Hospital in Nepal used local clay, reducing construction costs by 40 percent and strengthening the regional building culture. The Ricola Herbal Center in Laufen by Herzog & de Meuron used prefabricated rammed earth panels, combined with photovoltaics and modern building technology. A residential building in Desert Wash Home, USA, is topographically integrated into the natural watercourse.
    These projects prove that earth is no longer a niche material, but has arrived in contemporary building construction worldwide.

    Technical values and standards
    The material performance of rammed earth is now well documented. Its bulk density is between 1,700 and 2,400 kg/m³ and its compressive strength is between 1.5 and 2.5 N/mm² – individual tests reach up to 10 N/mm². These values make it structurally stable, but require new calculation methods, as the modulus of elasticity is significantly lower than that of concrete.

    Earthen buildings are legally regulated by the DIN 18940 to 18948 series of standards and the earth building rules of the Dachverband Lehm. They ensure product quality, but also restrict application.

  • Real estate sector cautiously optimistic

    Real estate sector cautiously optimistic

    The latest EXPO REAL Trend Index, a survey of 579 exhibitors and visitors to the international trade fair in Munich, reveals a predominantly positive mood. 44 percent of participants describe the situation on the international real estate market as optimistic, 35 percent as neutral and only 22 percent as cautious.

    “We have bottomed out and confidence is slowly returning,” says Stefan Rummel, Managing Director of Messe München. Although the interest rate environment, the weak economy and increasing regulation remain key issues, the balanced result shows that the industry is gradually returning to normality.

    With approval rates of over 89 percent, the respondents make it clear that the major influencing factors remain interest rate policy, political conditions, the economy and the availability of capital.

    Reducing bureaucracy as an appeal to the industry
    Market participants see the greatest need for action in reducing administrative hurdles. 79% of those surveyed would like to see less bureaucracy. In second place with 64% is the desire for better capital availability, while harmonized building laws and the transformation of the real estate portfolio are mentioned much less frequently.

    These results reflect the widespread frustration with approval processes and regulations, which paralyze new construction projects and energy-efficient renovations in particular. The call for more efficient procedures is thus becoming a key political concern for the real estate industry.

    Residential remains the most important asset class
    The trend of recent years is confirmed when it comes to the importance of asset classes. Residential leads with 75 percent approval, followed by care properties with 66 percent and data centers with 63 percent. Logistics remains in mid-table with 47%, while office, hotel and retail continue to lose attractiveness with around 10% each.

    In the investor landscape, 87% of respondents believe that capital management companies and 83% of institutional investors will play a leading role. Crowdfunding and other innovative forms of financing, on the other hand, remain marginal phenomena.

    Europe dominates, USA loses confidence
    A look at the international markets reveals a clear shift. Europe remains the clear leader with 80% of mentions, while the USA has fallen from 66% in the previous year to just 45%. The Asia-Pacific region continues to gain in importance with 64%. Within Europe, Western Europe, the D-A-CH region and Northern Europe are the most attractive regions.

    Respondents see the greatest growth potential in A locations in B cities. Where high demand meets moderate prices.

    Lack of living space remains the central challenge
    The issue of lack of living space remains the dominant problem area. 95% of respondents see improved financing conditions as the key lever for creating more living space, closely followed by lower construction costs at 94%.

    Other key approaches are building in existing buildings (91%), the reduction of costly building standards (87%) and serial or modular construction (86%). In contrast, there is skepticism about the construction turbo announced by the federal government. Only 13 percent rate the measures as satisfactory.

    Europe in dialog about affordable housing
    At this year’s EXPO REAL, decision-makers and experts from politics and business will be discussing concrete solutions for affordable housing. Among the prominent guests are Mona Keijzer, Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands, and Eamon Ryan from the EU Commission’s Housing Advisory Board. The new German Federal Minister for Housing, Verena Hubertz, will also be attending.

    The trade fair thus remains the central meeting point and mood barometer for the international real estate industry and presents a cautiously optimistic picture of an industry that is regaining its prospects in 2025.

  • Energie 360° and EKZ hold takeover talks

    Energie 360° and EKZ hold takeover talks

    The City of Zurich announced back in 2024 that it was looking for new partnerships for Energie 360°. After withdrawing from the municipal heat supply, the company is increasingly focusing on projects outside the city area. In order to secure its long-term future, the city conducted market research with external support and spoke to several interested parties.

    It is now clear that Zurich and EKZ are conducting exclusive negotiations regarding a possible takeover. According to the press release, the talks are intended to clarify whether the merger of the two energy companies can create added value for the canton and the city.

    Synergies for the canton’s energy future
    EKZ has extensive experience in the construction and operation of complex energy infrastructures and already supplies 100 percent renewable energy in the electricity sector. A merger with Energie 360° would enable the canton of Zurich to manage large parts of its energy supply from a single source in future.

    For Energie 360°, integration into EKZ would mean the consistent continuation of its transformation. Away from fossil gas and towards renewable energy networks, biogas and charging infrastructure for electromobility. This would see the canton of Zurich take a significant step towards net zero in a national comparison.

    Observers see this bundling as an opportunity to better coordinate regional energy production, grid infrastructure and security of supply. At the same time, the planned takeover offers the opportunity to deploy resources and expertise more efficiently in an increasingly fragmented market.

    Decision expected by the end of 2026
    Two bodies will decide whether the merger actually goes ahead. The municipal council on the city side and the Board of Directors on the EKZ side. The negotiations should be completed by the end of 2026.

    The sale would be a significant strategic step for Zurich. It would involve the disposal of an important energy company, but also the opportunity to unite behind the goal of decarbonization in the canton. If the takeover is successful, an energy player would emerge in the Zurich area that consistently relies on renewable sources for electricity, heat and mobility, thus setting the course for a climate-neutral future.

  • New momentum for real estate funds

    New momentum for real estate funds

    For real estate funds, the reform seems unspectacular at first glance. Their properties are rented out, the rental income generated from them is still taxable and imputed rental value has never played a role here. Institutional investors therefore continue to pay tax on real income and not on fictitious income.

    The situation is completely different for owners of owner-occupied residential property. They benefit directly, provided their mortgage burden is low. This shift increases the attractiveness of home ownership and could further fuel demand for owner-occupied apartments and single-family homes.

    Price increases in a weak yield environment
    The move away from the imputed rental value comes at a time when yields on real estate investments have already fallen back to a low level. Rising demand for owner-occupied residential property is likely to push up prices. A scenario that puts additional pressure on project developers. Their calculations are becoming tighter, while investors and funds are simultaneously confronted with stagnating rental yields.

    An increase in prices also has an impact on the valuation of real estate portfolios. Funds with high market values could see lower initial yields as a result. This is a development that institutional investors will be watching closely.

    Tax policy countermeasures conceivable
    According to estimates, the abolition of the imputed rental value will lead to annual tax losses of around CHF 1.8 billion. One third of this will affect the federal government and two thirds the cantons. Experts such as Emanuel von Graffenried from BN Conseils warn that the cantons could partially compensate for this loss with new taxes.

    In particular, the introduction of a cantonal property tax is being discussed. Should such a tax become a reality, not only private owners would be affected, but also institutional investors and real estate funds. The reform would therefore indirectly impose an additional burden on the professional real estate sector, albeit with a time lag.

    Long-term market consequences for funds
    Even if the abolition of the imputed rental value is not a direct tax issue for funds, it will affect the environment in which they operate. Rising residential property prices, higher land values and a tightening rental market are changing the valuation basis for real estate investments.

    Experts expect that residential real estate funds in particular will have to make adjustments to their portfolio structure in the medium term. At the same time, tax policy steps by the cantons will change the attractiveness of individual locations. This is an aspect that is also likely to be important for the investment decisions of institutional investors in the future.

  • City of Zurich honors best construction projects 2025

    City of Zurich honors best construction projects 2025

    The award-winning projects, which were realized between 2021 and 2024, contribute to the identity and quality of life of the city of Zurich with their architectural quality, responsible use of resources and strong social connection. From Friday, October 3, to November 9, 2025, the award-winning buildings will be on display in the themed exhibition at the Zentrum Architektur Zürich.

    One hundred projects, ten awards
    “The quality and diversity of the hundred or so projects submitted was impressive,” explained Mayor Corine Mauch. The works submitted create lively urban spaces with a high quality of stay, promote social interaction and shape the identity of the neighborhoods. An interdisciplinary jury of experts chaired by City Councillor André Odermatt selected the ten outstanding buildings from this broad spectrum.

    Socio-spatial and ecological responsibility
    The assessment went beyond pure architecture. Socio-spatial aspects such as inclusion, meeting opportunities and the responsible use of natural resources were also included in the decision-making process. “What all these projects have in common is that they take responsibility for people, nature and the identity of the city. They shape how we perceive Zurich and create lasting memories,” says André Odermatt.

    Open space as the key to urban quality of life
    City Councillor Simone Brander particularly emphasized the importance of even small and inconspicuous open spaces: “These in-between spaces significantly determine how a city and its districts function and how we experience them.”

    Audience award goes to the new building of the University Children’s Hospital
    The audience award was determined by an online vote and went to the new building project of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich with around 300 votes. With its modern wood and concrete architecture, the building creates a warm atmosphere and sets new architectural and functional standards in healthcare construction.

    Award-winning projects
    Office and commercial building Binzstrasse
    Client: Swiss Life Asset Management AG
    Architecture: EM2N Architekten AG
    Landscape architecture: Balliana Schubert Landschaftsarchitekten AG

    Complete refurbishment of the “Im Birkenhof” housing estate
    Client: City of Zurich
    Architecture: Romero Schaefle Partner Architekten AG
    Landscape architecture: Westpol Landschaftsarchitektur GmbH

    Complete refurbishment of Zurich main station south wing
    Client: SBB AG, Immobilien Development
    Architecture: Aebi & Vincent Architekten SIA AG

    Complete renovation of Building Q, Werkstadt Areal
    Client: SBB Immobilien AG
    Architecture: Baubüro in situ ag
    Transformation of use: denkstatt sàrl

    House in the garden
    Client: Irma Peter
    Architecture: Loeliger Strub Architecture
    Landscape architecture: Permatur

    High-rise ensemble WolkenWerk and Messeturm
    Client: Leutschenbach AG, Nyffenegger Immobilien AG
    Architecture: Staufer & Hasler Architekten AG, von Ballmoos Partner Architekten AG
    Landscape architecture: Mavo GmbH

    Kongresshaus and Tonhalle Zurich – renovation
    Client: Kongresshaus-Stiftung Zürich
    Architecture: ARGE Boesch Diener
    Landscape architecture: Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten AG

    New University Children’s Hospital Zurich (Audience Award)
    Client: Children’s Hospital Zurich – Eleonorenstiftung
    Architecture: Herzog & de Meuron
    Landscape architecture: August Margrith Künzel Landschaftsarchitekten AG

    Provisional sports buildings
    Client: Canton of Zurich, Department of Structural Engineering
    Architecture: pool architects
    Landscape architecture: Balliana Schubert Landschaftsarchitekten AG

    Allmend school complex
    Client: City of Zurich
    Architecture: Studio Burkhardt – Studio for Architecture ETH SIA
    Landscape architecture: Ganz Landscape Architects

    Temporary sports buildings and school buildings were also recognized for their use of wood and sustainable design.

    Exhibition and podium
    The exhibition at ZAZ Bellerive offers the opportunity to get to know all the award-winning building projects in detail. On November 5, 2025, there will also be a panel discussion on the topic of “Weiterbauen: Strategies for the existing building stock”. Leading experts from the fields of architecture, planning and real estate development will discuss perspectives for urban redensification and the sustainable use of existing buildings.

    A prize with tradition and a sense of the future
    The City of Zurich’s award for good buildings is only presented every five years and is the city’s most prestigious architecture prize. By consciously taking sustainable and social criteria into account, it promotes a building culture that not only shapes Zurich today, but also makes it worth living in for future generations.

  • Learning and support passarelle for apprentices KV-Immobilien

    Learning and support passarelle for apprentices KV-Immobilien

    Since then, a diverse range of support services has been established, which is constantly being developed and adapted to current requirements – most recently also to the new CT education reform, which has been in force since the 2023/2024 apprenticeship year. At the heart of this reform is the focus on skills rather than subjects in order to best prepare learners for a digital, networked and agile working world. The previous B and E profiles have been replaced by a flexible structure with compulsory elective areas and specialization options. The first final examinations under the new model will take place in spring 2026.

    In response, SVIT Young Zurich has developed an attractive learning and support package that is highly appreciated by apprentices, vocational trainers and our members.

    Kick-off real estate apprenticeship
    Finally out of school and into working life! For many, an apprenticeship is the first real step towards their future. But what can you expect – and what is expected of you? We’ll give you an overview. One thing is clear: you are no longer a student, but a learner. This means that you will continue to learn a lot of new things – but not just in the classroom, but directly in everyday working life. Reliability, interest and initiative are expected of you. Punctuality, thinking for yourself and taking responsibility are the basics.

    Further information: https://www.svit.ch/de/svit-zuerich/event/kick-immobilien-lehre-2026

    Learning during the apprenticeship
    Preparing for practical work and the final exams involves much more than just specialist knowledge. It is also important to us to promote your mental strength and resilience. Because what if an oral exam doesn’t go as planned? How do you stay calm, focused and confident? This includes topics such as presentation techniques, dealing with exam anxiety and strategies to combat concentration difficulties. We also address modern challenges such as the constant distraction of smartphones and tablets – because they can put a strain on the nervous system and make learning more difficult. With targeted exercises, such as supportive eye training, we promote your ability to absorb information and help you to retain knowledge in the long term.

    Further information: https://www.svit.ch/de/svit-zuerich/svit-young/lernen-waehrend-der-lehre

    QV-Campus 2026
    At the four-day QV-Campus at the Höhenhotel Emmetten (NW), apprentices in their 3rd year are optimally prepared for the company qualification procedure (the industry part of the final apprenticeship examination). The focus is on real estate and fiduciary theory, technical discussions, business situations, presentation techniques, presentation skills and dealing confidently with exam nerves. If desired, school subjects (except foreign languages) can also be covered in greater depth. All participants receive individual support until the final exam. And the results speak for themselves: QV-Campus participants have regularly achieved above-average grades in recent years.

    Further information: https://www.svit.ch/de/svit-zuerich/qv-campus-2026

  • Paradigm shift in property planning

    Paradigm shift in property planning

    AFC AG, which is active in the fields of fire protection, sustainable construction and building simulation, is presenting its specially developed LessTech concept, which analyses buildings in terms of their functional requirements. According to a press release, the spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), based in Technopark Zurich, aims to achieve a paradigm shift in property development: away from oversized technical solutions and towards robust, economical and sustainable buildings. The aim is to increase controllability in construction, improve planning and investment security and reduce operating costs.

    The LessTech method works with digital tools such as thermal building simulation and CFD air flow analyses to check the impact of construction measures at an early stage. LessTech also brings innovation to the core area of fire protection: with early simulations and interdisciplinary collaboration, AFC creates solutions that are designed for maximum safety, according to the company. “With LessTech, we are creating a paradigm shift in building planning: less technology, less complexity – but more impact, stability and return on investment. Simplicity is the key to the properties of the future,” Daniel Gubler, CO-CEO of AFC AG, is quoted as saying about the benefits of the concept.

    The LessTech precision tool also improves the ESG (environmental, social and governance) compliance of buildings: “The most sustainable building component is the one that doesn’t have to be built in the first place,” explains AFC AG. With the label pre-check, AFC also supports building owners and investors in choosing the right sustainability label (e.g. SNBS, Minergie, LEED or BREEAM).

    Founded in 1995, AFC AG develops future-oriented and holistic solutions for sustainability, energy efficiency and safety concepts for safe, energy-efficient and climate-friendly buildings. Clients include Flughafen Zürich AG and SBB.