immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Natur

  • Cycle and protection of wood as a natural building material

    Cycle and protection of wood as a natural building material

    Wood, people and nature in the cycle
    The natural cycle knows no waste. Dead trees are decomposed by fungi, microorganisms and insects. Heat and a wood moisture content of over 20% accelerate this process. If these factors are missing, decomposition can take centuries. Egyptian burial objects made of wood have survived for 3500 years, as have many wooden houses in Switzerland that are hundreds of years old. One example of an old wooden building in Europe is the 800-year-old Nideröst House from Schwyz, the core of which dates back to 1176.
    Preventive wood preservation
    To protect wood from pests and fungi, it is crucial to keep the wood moisture content below 20% and keep it dry. Constructive wood preservation allows wood to be used in humid environments by allowing it to dry quickly after it has become wet. Protection starts at the planning stage by taking measures against the effects of moisture. Canopies and well-executed plinth areas effectively protect against moisture, and precise details on windows and balconies are essential for long-term durability.

    Natural resistance vs. chemical protection
    In the event of increased stress, you can opt for a type of wood with natural resistance. The heartwood, which is preserved with natural substances, is more durable than the sapwood, which is enriched with sugar and nutrients. There are transparent to opaque protective coatings, which are particularly necessary for exterior components such as windows. In protected areas and interiors with a wood moisture content of less than 20%, chemical wood protection is not necessary. However, if the moisture load exceeds the natural resistance and no constructive solutions are available, the use of chemical wood preservatives remains as a last resort. Nowadays, coloured pressure impregnations without chromium are an environmentally friendly solution for chemical wood protection.

    Changing the molecular structure
    The aim of processing wood is to change the molecular structure of the material in such a way that it becomes more difficult for microorganisms and insects to break down the wood. Water absorption is also reduced. Thermowood is produced by intensive heating at temperatures between 170°C and 250°C over a period of 24 to 48 hours. Acetylated wood is produced by pressure impregnation with acetic anhydride, while furfurylated wood is produced by furfuryl alcohol. Thermowood has a smoky odour after production, whereas acetylated wood smells of acetic acid. Modified wood has altered static, optical and hygroscopic properties.

    Façades as a protective shield
    The outer shell of a building, also known as a façade, is not only used for decoration, but above all for protection. Depending on the location and orientation of the building, the façade is exposed to various weather influences. A professionally installed façade protects the building structure from damage caused by mechanical influences and moisture, drains water and thus ensures that the wooden parts dry quickly. Ventilated façades also promote the drying of the façade cladding and the load-bearing structure.

    Pre-greying process
    UV radiation and free radicals decompose lignin and cellulose in the wood, resulting in lignin being washed out and light-coloured cellulose remaining visible. A microscopic film of grey fungi forms on weathered façades, leading to uneven grey colouring. For this reason, façades are often pre-greyed to ensure a uniform grey colour.

    Treatments for wooden façades
    Pre-greying treatments have proven to be an effective method of matching directly weathered façades to the aged colour from the outset. This bridges the large colour differences during the ageing process of untreated surfaces. There are different variants of pre-greying treatments with different properties. In particularly protected and highly exposed areas, pre-greying treatments tend to turn brown again over time.

    Natural wood façade ageing
    In natural pre-greying, the façade parts are placed horizontally in the sun and exposed to rain. Specialised manufacturers accelerate this process with the help of additional enzymes. This process takes around six months.

    From glazes to Swedish colours
    The use of glazes is one of the semi-transparent wood treatments. If they do not form a closed layer, they are considered non-film-forming. Paints belong to the opaque treatments. Varnishes are particularly closed to diffusion, while Swedish colours are considered to be particularly open to diffusion. To ensure a good bond between the surface treatment and the wood surface, the application should be carried out mechanically in the factory. Façade formwork with a rough-sawn or textured surface is therefore particularly suitable. Pressure impregnation with added colour is also a semi-transparent treatment and does not form a film. Colourless technical treatments such as additional hydrophobisation as a finish, impregnation or UV protection treatment can further extend the maintenance periods and serviceability.

    Long-term protection
    It is important to maintain painted wooden façades regularly to ensure their longevity. Maintenance instructions from a specialist are extremely helpful. The intervals for maintenance depend on various factors such as the product used, the wood protection, the location and the environment.

    Variety of timber house façades
    Not every timber house reveals from the outside whether it is actually made of wood or not. All architectural design forms are conceivable in the field of timber construction. In addition to wood, the façades of timber buildings can also be clad with glass, metal, plastered cement panels or plastered thermal insulation composite systems. Combinations of materials can have a particularly aesthetic effect in timber construction.

  • Kengo Kuma in Vals more than architectural innovation

    Kengo Kuma in Vals more than architectural innovation

    Kengo Kuma, an architect known for the artistic fusion of buildings with their surroundings, has realised a building in Vals that can be interpreted as a homage to nature. The building rises organically out of the landscape and almost appears to be interwoven with the mountains. This approach of fusion is a constant theme in Kuma’s work and reaches its peak here.

    The architectural style is based on the traditional timber construction of the region, but with a modern twist. The façade combines stone, wood and glass in a way that captures light and shadow. As a result, the building changes its appearance depending on the time of day and weather, creating a dynamic atmosphere.

    Another notable element of the project is the close collaboration with the local community. This participatory approach has resulted not only in an aesthetically pleasing building, but also one that meets the needs and sense of identity of the locals. In Vals, the building stands not only as an architectural landmark, but also as a place that represents the community and its identity.

    Inside, the building fascinates with its careful use of natural materials such as wood and stone, which create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The design is conceived in such a way that the boundaries between indoor and outdoor space almost disappear. Large windows provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape, while at the same time promoting an inner calm and harmony.

    Functionally, the building significantly expands the village’s social and cultural offerings. It not only houses public meeting rooms and exhibition spaces, but also provides space for local art and gastronomy. In this way, regional culture is effectively integrated into the design and the building becomes a lively centre for the community.

    Finally, Kuma’s new building in Vals is not only an architectural achievement, but also a testament to the possibility of a profound connection between people, nature and the built environment. Through this seamless integration and the strong involvement of the local community, Kuma has created a monument that is significant not only locally, but far beyond its borders. It reminds us that architecture can be emotionally resonant as well as functional, and emphasises the need to take a holistic approach to modern design.

  • Axpo plans another alpine solar plant in Graubünden

    Axpo plans another alpine solar plant in Graubünden

    Axpo Holding AG is planning to build another alpine solar plant in the municipality of Ilanz in the canton of Graubünden. According to a media release, the project, called Ovra Solara Camplauns, will also become a prime example of how nature, leisure activities and energy production can be combined. Thus, the area will continue to be usable as pasture land after completion. There will continue to be a corridor for the Abahrtspiste from the Crap Masegn mountain station to Ladir. And hiking and biking routes should also be able to be used without restrictions.

    On an area of about 200,000 square metres, the plant with a peak output of 15 megawatt peak is to produce about 22 gigawatt hours of sustainable electricity per year. This corresponds to the average electricity consumption of more than 4,700 households.

    “The partnership with the municipality of Ilanz/Glion for the Ovra Solara Camplauns’project marks another important step in our solar offensive,” Oliver Hugi, Head Solar Switzerland at Axpo, is quoted as saying. Axpo plans to implement around 4,200 solar projects in the mountains and on the Swiss Plateau by 2030. Other Axpo Alpine solar projects include Alpin Solar Ybrig in the canton of Schwyz and the two Graubünden projects Ovra Solara Magriel at the Disentis ski resort and NalpSolar at the Nalps reservoir.

    According to the statement, commune president Marcus Beer sees the realisation of the project as a unique opportunity to generate long-term income for the commune’s coffers and to contribute to sustainable electricity security in Switzerland. The population of Ilanz has been informed about the project at an information event and will vote on the project in the coming months. If the vote is in favour, Axpo will be able to start construction of the plant in spring 2025 and partially commission it at the end of 2025.

  • Binding Prize for Biodiversity 2023 awarded to eco-neighbourhood in Lausanne

    Binding Prize for Biodiversity 2023 awarded to eco-neighbourhood in Lausanne

    The “Pra Roman” site development by the Codha cooperative and the “Sur le Pra” association won the Binding Prize for Biodiversity 2023 because the development takes on the ecological and social networking functions for the neighbourhood and the city in an extremely exemplary manner and the project was approached in a participatory manner from the very beginning. The 2023 prize was announced as part of the annual theme “groundbreaking site developments”.

    Ecologically networked living spaces
    The “Pra Roman” housing estate with twelve apartment buildings on an area of 22,000 square metres is located on the outskirts of Lausanne. The surrounding area was integrated into the planning and construction of the 2020 development in an exemplary manner. For example, the award-winner created alternating humid wildlife corridors with integrated small structures for amphibians and small mammals and to promote wild plants. This awareness of taking responsibility for ecological connectivity in a larger system is central to the promotion of biodiversity in the settlement area.

    Involving residents in planning
    Raising residents’ awareness of biodiversity promotion was an important part of the “Pra Roman” project from the very beginning. Codha, the developer and cooperative for non-profit housing, initiated the association “Sur le Pra” at the beginning of the planning phase and developed a participatory process. Future residents met early on for site tours or nature observations and, with a high degree of design freedom, designed their near-natural outdoor spaces in workshops, which they later realised independently. The building owner supported them financially.

    Vegetable garden enables encounter and sensitisation
    One of these green spaces is the community vegetable garden. Here people exchange ideas and get to know nature as a basis for life. The culture of sustainable living and land use runs like a thread through the entire “Pra Roman” project. The surrounding ecosystems are observed, imitated in their diversity and connected with the settlement area.

    “We are convinced that this excellent example will encourage other real estate developers to think about biodiversity at an early stage and involve many people,” says Peter Lehmann, vice president of the jury for the award.

    Recognition prize goes to the Areal Bach project in St. Gallen
    In addition to the main prize, the Foundation also awards a recognition prize of 25,000 Swiss francs for smaller sites. The Areal Bach, an interim use near the St.Fiden railway station in St.Gallen, receives this prize because it impressively demonstrates the potential of the many fallow areas in the cities. With its perseverance and commitment, the Areal Bach association overcame resistance, seized the opportunity and, together with the population, ecologically upgraded the areas and revitalised them with creative ideas. It has managed to get many stakeholders on board to realise a jointly supported, multifaceted project. A temporary green oasis was created from a non-place, which can lay the foundations for biodiversity and quality of stay for the planning of a future area development.

  • Chalet. Longing, kitsch and building culture

    Chalet. Longing, kitsch and building culture

    Switzerland loves its chalets. Foreign travellers also associate temporary living during skiing and hiking holidays with the charm of the wooden chalet. But what actually is a “chalet”? Are there characteristics that make a cosy wooden house a chalet? Is it the wide overhanging roof? Is it the geraniums in front of the windows, the carved roof beams? Or is the “chalet” simply a symbol of the longing for alpine nature and thus an invention, a myth? The more precisely one tries to grasp the chalet, the more blurred its contours become.

    In the exhibition “Chalet. Sehnsucht, Kitsch und Baukultur” (10 March to 30 June 2023), the Swiss National Library and its cooperation partner Gelbes Haus Flims take a winking, informative and entertaining look at the chalet. It approaches this Swiss phenomenon via the three focal points of longing, kitsch and building culture. It shows how the chalet became a romantic image of longing. It traces the path of the “Laubsägeli-Chalet” to becoming an export hit and, in small format, a souvenir. It presents current buildings that deal freely with this type of house.

    A playful approach
    The exhibition offers a playful approach to the subject of the chalet from different angles and via different media: text, images, film, graphics, sound, interactive stations and objects. On the one hand, the exhibition makes use of loans: from toys and models to photographs of contemporary chalet buildings (e.g. by Gion Caminada) and “false chalets”, which are actually bunkers. On the other hand, collection holdings of the National Library are presented. For example, works from the Swiss Literary Archives (archives of the author Daniel de Roulet, his publication “Un dimanche à la montagne”), from the Prints and Drawings Department (small masters, posters) and publications on the subject of chalets from the General Collection will be shown.

    Ultimately, the exhibition “Chalet” contributes to a more precise understanding of the phenomenon of the chalet, i.e. to answering questions such as: What makes a chalet? Why is it a symbol of the longing for alpine nature? And what does it mean at a time when many have moved to the countryside (for corona reasons)? In addition, the show shows what the contemporary chalet can look like and is thus also informative for those interested in architecture and design.

    Varied accompanying programme to deepen the content
    On the one hand, the Swiss National Library has planned events for a broad public to accompany the exhibition: Concerts, readings, creative workshops, a silent disco, guided tours of the stacks and much more will be offered for young and old at both the Bern Museum Night on 17 March 2023 and the BiblioWeekend, the weekend of libraries open throughout Switzerland, on 25/26 March 2023. In addition, on 2 May 2023, the curator will give a guided tour of the exhibition. On the other hand, the National Library is focusing on digital cultural mediation: In the podcast “Gegensprecher”, four experts will explore the individual exhibition lines together with the curator and contribute their knowledge and views in conversation. In addition, on the website kleinmeister.ch, under the title “Chalets in all pictures”, historical pictures of Swiss houses from the National Library’s Prints and Drawings Department are prepared in such a way that viewers can immerse themselves in Switzerland’s early building culture.

  • Sound house: Walk-in instrument in the middle of nature

    Sound house: Walk-in instrument in the middle of nature

    At the Schwendisee in Toggenburg, a magical new building will be built between protected raised bogs: the so-called sound house, built as a walk-in sound box made of local wood, similar to the sound box of a violin. The aim is to create a house for the sound that itself becomes an instrument and resonance space, with acoustics that do not yet exist in this form.

    It is intended to address and attract very different target groups. On the one hand, it is intended to attract musicians, choirs and orchestras for rehearsals, courses and symposia. It should be a special place for practicing and singing. On the other hand, it will develop into a place for events, concerts and performances. It also wants to give companies, clubs, schools and other organizations space for their events and represent an attractive point of attraction for those interested in architecture and hikers.

    The sound house is to become the heart and architectural center of the tourist area around the Schwendisee. The President of the Foundation Council of Klangwelt Toggenburg said: “From the time the Klanghaus is put into operation, a functioning operation with a successful cultural and tourist offer should be ensured. This includes infrastructural, organizational, economic and content-related aspects that combine the needs of our guests and providers into a coherent ‹ecosystem of sound campus›. " The Toggenburg Sound World wants to establish a leading sound and resonance destination in Toggenburg.

    The Toggenburg Sound House was designed by the architect Marcel Meili, who died in 2019. In the meantime, the implementation of the project has been entrusted to the architect Astrid Staufer, who developed the sound house in 2010 in contractual collaboration with Marcel Meili.

    The former Hotel Seegüetli currently stands where the Klanghaus will be built. The canton plans to demolish it in the coming year. Today's street is currently being relocated. According to the current schedule, the sound house should be completed in autumn / winter 2024. In spring 2025, the canton of St. Gallen and the Toggenburg Sound World Foundation want to jointly open the unique wooden structure.

  • Six “courtyards” promise urban and natural flair in Adliswil

    Six “courtyards” promise urban and natural flair in Adliswil

    Six buildings in a park-like setting with natural names such as “Libellenhof”, “Eulenhof” or “Froschhof”. Around 10,000 square meters of space for commercial and office space and space for 331 rental apartments. Energy efficient building standard. A park-like environment, car-free zones, beautiful courtyards, meeting places and playgrounds. Urban flair through bistros, shops, a fitness center, a supermarket, a daycare center and medical practices. Relaxation, liveliness and an inspiring environment. That is what the Quartier Höfe Adliswil should be when it is completed in 2024.

    The Libellenhof and Hummelhof buildings should be ready for occupancy as early as 2022. The Libellenhof is located in the west of the area. The L-shaped structure is the gateway to the Höfe district. On the ground floor there is a supermarket, a daycare center and other services. Office space and apartments are available on the upper floors. The 56 apartments in the Libellenhof have spacious floor plans, the atrium apartments are loft-style and have roof terraces. The Hummelhof is on the east side of the quarter. Commercial space is planned on the ground floor, office space and 53 apartments on the upper floors.

    In the course of 2023, the Amselhof and the Schwalbenhof right next to it should be ready for occupancy. The Amselhof forms the south-eastern boundary of the quarter. The trapezoidal structure has a large inner courtyard. Commercial space is planned on the ground floor, office space and 68 apartments on the upper floors. The Schwalbenhof wants to appeal to tenants – double earners with or without children, singles, expats – who are looking for exclusive quality of living.

    The Froschhof and the Eulenhof are to be built by 2024. The Froschhof is also mainly intended for living. The smaller Eulenhof with only 16 apartments offers tenants a lot of privacy.

  • Swiss Prime Site Solutions is developing a new quarter

    Swiss Prime Site Solutions is developing a new quarter

    Swiss Prime Site Solutions is developing a new “living space” for the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation, as stated in a press release by Swiss Prime Site Solutions . The foundation stone for the Riverside project was laid on July 10, 2020. The development is under the motto "Urban living – surrounded by nature". Construction work will begin in the northwest, where the area is located directly on the Aare and closest to the city of Solothurn. From there, the new quarter will develop in further construction stages to the south and east.

    "Anyone who lives and works in the Riverside has, in addition to a chic apartment or a modern workplace with modern infrastructure, a multi-faceted quarter including local recreation on the Aare that meets the highest demands," explains Anastasius Tschopp, CEO of Swiss Prime Site Solutions. He speaks of a "lighthouse project for our client Swiss Prime Investment Foundation (SPA) and at the same time important for the entire Solothurn region".

    Initially, 140 rental apartments are to be built directly on the banks of the Aare. The first tenants should be able to move in in winter 2021. More than 280 Swiss pension funds are both financiers and investors in the SPA. "We are currently carrying out the sixth emission for the SPA," said Tschopp. The subscription period lasts until July 22, 2020. The development program of the customer SPA currently amounts to around CHF 600 million and includes projects and real estate across Switzerland.