Tag: nachhaltige Infrastruktur

  • Lift technology strengthens the development of the destination Andermatt

    Lift technology strengthens the development of the destination Andermatt

    As a partner of Andermatt Swiss Alps, the Finnish lift and escalator manufacturer KONE has realised one hundred installations since 2011, according to a press release. As part of Samih Sawiri’s development project for the destination, 1.7 billion Swiss francs are being invested, with a focus on long-term partnerships. KONE passenger and goods lifts are now in operation in luxury hotels, villas and flat blocks in the area. The company, which has its Swiss headquarters in Brüttisellen, is also responsible for new escalators and a moving walkway at Andermatt railway station.

    According to the press release, most of the passenger lifts installed are the KONE MonoSpace 500 DX and KONE MonoSpace 700 DX models, while the goods lifts are TranSys DX models. In addition, customised lifts have been manufactured for the five-star Chedi Andermatt hotel, for example.

    Sustainability in terms of energy efficiency, energy recovery and service life played an important role in all projects, according to the company. This is not only in line with the Andermatt Responsible initiative, but also with KONE’s principles. It is noted that KONE was voted one of the 20 most sustainable companies in Europe by the trade magazine “Corporate Knights” in 2025.

    According to Jan-Eric Mahnkopf from Andermatt Swiss Alps, a project of this size and duration can only be successfully realised with strong, long-term partnerships. “With KONE, we have a technologically leading and flexible partner at our side who has reliably fulfilled our high demands on quality, design and efficiency for years,” Mahnkopf is quoted as saying as the construction project manager.

    According to KONE, this long-term approach has the advantage of optimising planning and logistics and always having sufficient materials and personnel on site. “The collaborating teams are perfectly attuned, they know the needs and requirements of the partner,” says Lukas Lehmann, the responsible KONE sales manager.

  • New tower approved for Zurich Airport

    New tower approved for Zurich Airport

    The current tower was put into operation together with Dock A in 1985 and has reached the end of its service life after almost 40 years. The new tower is being built to the north of the existing site and will provide air traffic controllers with an optimized overview of ground and air traffic. Functionality, sustainability and workplace quality will be raised to a new level.

    Part of a major project
    The construction of the new tower is closely linked to the replacement construction of Dock A. Both projects were submitted by Flughafen Zürich AG 2023 and examined in a joint procedure. While the tower has now been approved in a partial decision, the process for the new Dock A is still ongoing. Until its completion, the tower will initially be operated as an independent building.

    Focus on sustainability
    The project is being led by architects Bjarke Ingels Group and is based on a construction method using wood as the main material. The roof of the new dock will be fully equipped with photovoltaics and is expected to cover up to two thirds of the electricity requirements. With an investment volume of around 700 million Swiss francs, the new Dock A replacement building is one of the most important infrastructure projects of the coming years.

    Objections and outlook
    Several objections to the project have been received, including from affected municipalities. According to DETEC, however, the construction itself will not lead to additional aircraft noise. On the contrary, emissions in the surrounding area could even decrease. Construction of the tower is scheduled to start in 2027 and the new Dock A is not expected to open before 2030. A third of all passengers at Zurich Airport use Dock A, so its renewal is seen as central to airport operations in the future.

    With the new tower and Dock A, Zurich Airport is focusing on a sustainable and functional infrastructure that meets the increasing demands of air traffic and environmental protection. The project combines high-tech air traffic control with modern building culture, a strong signal for the future of Swiss air traffic.

  • New standard at JVA Bostadel

    New standard at JVA Bostadel

    The Bostadel prison, built between 1972 and 1977, is showing clear signs of wear and tear after decades. Structural modifications to increase earthquake safety, fire protection and energy efficiency are urgently needed to ensure the safety of inmates and staff. The comprehensive renovation project includes both the modernisation of the building technology and the construction of a new special department, which will serve as a temporary facility during the construction phase.

    Refurbishment during operation
    A central aspect of this project is the refurbishment during ongoing operations. The new building provides a temporary alternative solution during the renovation and is particularly geared towards the needs of older and long-term prisoners. This approach was developed in close cooperation with the Prison Concordat of Northwest and Central Switzerland and the Federal Office of Justice to ensure the smooth operation of the prison.

    Architectural innovation
    The winning project by Eggenspieler Architekten AG and architecture aménagement s.a. impresses with its well thought-out planning and architectural innovation. The extension creates additional outdoor areas and ensures a pleasant environment by optimising the lighting of the interior spaces. The result is the realisation of a modern and sustainable prison infrastructure.

    Efficient and sustainable project
    According to a rough cost estimate, the total costs amount to CHF 66.6 million, or CHF 50.35 million net after deduction of federal contributions, making the project efficient and sustainable. The involvement of the cantonal governments of Zug and Basel-Stadt guarantees the fulfilment of modern standards and requirements.

    Setting the course for the future
    Following approval by the cantonal governments and the forthcoming procedure in the cantonal parliaments, the project will be realised in stages. The extension is scheduled for completion by 2028 and the full refurbishment by 2031, preparing Bostadel Prison for the requirements of the coming decades.

  • District heating project in Bern utilises the River Aare as an energy source

    District heating project in Bern utilises the River Aare as an energy source

    Energie Wasser Bern wants to supply the north-east of Bern with climate-friendly heat. To this end, the Bernese energy supplier is planning to build a corresponding heat production infrastructure, ewb announced in a press release. One of the sources of heat will be the water from the River Aare.

    Specifically, ewb wants to draw water from the Aare on the western bank at Engehalde and channel it into an existing cavern. Heat is to be extracted from the water here, which will then be transported to a new Aare Wyler energy centre to be built on the eastern side of the river. Properties in neighbourhoods adjacent to the energy centre could then be heated with district heating from the energy centre’s heat pumps. Ewb is also considering setting up a second, smaller Aare Engehalde energy centre on the west side of the river. It could supply the Tiefenau area with district heating.

    The company has already submitted a licence application to the Office for Water and Waste of the Canton of Bern for the construction of a catchment structure and the extraction and return of water from the Aare, explains ewb. The company expects a decision in spring 2026. In the meantime, a precise location for the planned Aare Wyler energy centre is to be found.

  • Sustainable stadium construction with reusable system components

    Sustainable stadium construction with reusable system components

    Hüttwilen-based event and construction services provider Nüssli has been awarded the contract to build an interim stadium by Spanish second-division football club Real Zaragoza. According to a press release, the sports facility will be able to accommodate 20,000 spectators. Its operation is planned for the next two seasons and should therefore maintain the club’s uninterrupted match operations. The actual home ground, Romareda, will be renovated.

    The stadium will consist of three uncovered spectator areas and a covered stand and will enclose a pitch measuring 120 by 80 meters. The planned construction period is six months, with completion scheduled for Real Zaragoza’s first home game in August 2025. As with other buildings by the specialist company, the construction method involves the use of reusable system components that can be dismantled after use.

    The facilities will also include ticket sales points, a merchandising store, a catering area and booths for radio and television commentators. There will also be an adjoining building with changing rooms, a first-aid room, doping control room, VIP lounges and rest areas.

    “The temporary stadium shows that the highest standards and fan experiences are possible even in transitional times,” said Lluis Herrero, Managing Director of Nüssli Iberia, in the press release. “The project also sets standards for other clubs facing similar challenges.”