Tag: Trends

Swissbau 2026 creates new synergies

Collaboration has always been the defining theme of Swissbau: meeting in person, acting together, helping each other move forward. For the next edition in January 2026, the trade fair organizer is increasingly focusing on positive synergies. Joint development is not only practiced in the Swissbau Focus & Lab collaboration platforms, the exhibition areas of the trade fair have also moved closer together both spatially and thematically. This is particularly evident in the newly staged Hall 1.2, which provides an atmospheric stage for the entire interior design sector.

Trend world interior design for design enthusiasts
Newly positioned in Hall 1.2, the Swissbau public will encounter a world of bathroom innovations, trendy surfaces, atmospheric lighting and high-quality contract furnishings. The shared level for interior design offers space for discoveries and an in-depth exchange with renowned manufacturers and new brands. The highlight: the new Trend World in Hall 1.2 is also open on Saturday. Thanks to the Swissbau Focus with partner lounges, info points and events, the weekend visit leads directly to the Trend World via escalators.

Experience the trade up close
Swissbau’s eye-catchers in Hall 1.0 on the first floor are undoubtedly two real construction projects that are being built and developed in parallel by various trade businesses. In a steel hall, metalworkers, electricians, gate and door builders demonstrate their skills. In the two-storey residential building, woodworkers, plasterers and tilers can be seen at work. Both buildings will be completed on the construction site after Swissbau. The “Treffpunkt Handwerk” has even more to offer: In addition to playful activity areas and a forum with practical topics, craft businesses and topic-specific exhibitors will be presenting themselves in the surrounding area. A spacious BauBeiz invites you to talk shop.

Benefit from the exchange with experts
Swissbau Focus in Hall 1.0 and Swissbau Lab in Hall 1.1 are the best examples of an interdisciplinary dialog on current challenges and future trends in the industry.
Leading associations, institutions and universities will contribute their positions to the Swissbau Focus event platform. Trade visitors can discover and try out suitable products and market-ready solutions in the Swissbau Lab. Visitors will also benefit from an enlarged Swissbau Workshop, where they can scrutinize innovative applications in practice. Participation in the extensive program in the Swissbau Focus and Lab is included in the admission ticket. Event registrations are easy to complete on the Swissbau website and should not be missed in any trade fair preparation for an optimal gain in know-how.

A colorful marketplace for plaster and paint
A new-born cooperation with the Swiss Painting and Plastering Contractors’ Association SMGV offers insights into innovative techniques, high-quality materials and sustainable solutions in the creative sector in Hall 1.1. With its presence at the multi-industry trade fair, the association aims to position itself more strongly with architects, planners and other construction professionals. Highlights of the themed area include the “Swiss Prize for Plaster and Paint” exhibition and award ceremony on January 22 in the Swissbau Focus, live training sessions by two newly crowned Swiss champions for the WorldSkills in Shanghai, the “SMGV-Marktblitz Spezial” industry get-together on January 21 and 23 and a “Maler-Gipser-Stübli” for personal discussions. The SMGV training centers will present practical examples of their diverse industry sectors. In the painter-plasterer workshop, experienced craftsmen will show how facades are designed with decorative plaster structures.

Valuable partnerships
Before exhibitors and partners take command of the halls on Tuesday morning and unveil their innovations, Swissbau will be opened by Bauenschweiz, the umbrella organization of the Swiss construction industry. In discussions with people from politics and business, the core group of the finishing trade and building envelope, as the industry with the highest turnover, will focus on its importance, needs and further development at the opening ceremony. The continued relevance of Swissbau in 2026 is also demonstrated by renowned partnerships. The Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA), the Swiss brand LAUFEN and the new partner Abacus Business Solutions are making a major commitment and contributing their specialist expertise to the trade fair’s offering.

Swissbau under new management
Rudolf Pfander has been at the helm of Swissbau for 25 years and has successfully led it into the modern era. In order to take on new tasks for MCH Exhibitions & Events after the 2026 edition, he handed over the reins to his deputy Tobias Hofmeier in September. The 36-year-old from Lörrach has been in charge of Swissbau project management and the successful development of the Swissbau Focus and Lab collaboration platforms since 2020. Rudolf Pfander emphasizes: “Tobias is the perfect successor for Swissbau. He knows the needs of exhibitors, partners and visitors inside out and is also aware of the future development opportunities for the trade fair.”

Swissbau 2026 – the leading platform for the construction and real estate industry in Switzerland

Exhibition duration, opening hours
20.- January 23/24, 2026
Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
Saturday additional day Interior Construction and Swissbau Focus, Hall 1.2 and Hall 1.0 South, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

Buy a ticket or redeem a voucher
swissbau.ch/ticket

Register for events
swissbau.ch/events

All information
swissbau.ch

Organizer
MCH Exhibitions & Events GmbH, Swissbau, CH-4005 Basel

October 2025
New approaches to collaboration and remuneration

The current revision of the SIA’s service and fee regulations sets a new milestone in construction planning. For the first time, the regulations for architecture (SIA 102), civil engineering (SIA 103), landscape architecture (SIA 105) and building services engineering (SIA 108) have been harmonised. This harmonisation is intended to strengthen cooperation between the disciplines and avoid misunderstandings caused by inconsistent terms or service descriptions. The basis for this is a common phase model and the clear allocation of functions such as overall management, specialist planning, construction management and construction supervision.

Clear terms – fewer misunderstandings
A central focus is on the standardisation of terms. For example, the term “creative construction supervision” replaces the previously different use of “creative management” and “construction supervision”. These adjustments are intended to minimise confusion and facilitate communication between the specialist areas. Specialist coordination for building technology and installations is also regulated more clearly. It is defined as a separate service to be agreed and can be undertaken by different specialists depending on the project.

Future-orientated fee agreements
The fee calculation based on expenditure-determining construction costs that was previously used has been replaced by a method-neutral approach. This takes project-specific features into account and enables transparent adjustment of fees to individual requirements. The new Article 7 of the LHO describes in detail which criteria should be included in the calculation, thereby creating a basis for legally secure and fair fee agreements.

Consultation until 2025
The consultation on the new LHO will run until 28 February 2025. Interested parties can view the drafts and further information on the SIA website and submit comments.

December 2024
New solutions for hinged and folding-sliding doors

Hawa Sliding Solutions has expanded its range with a new generation of fittings for swing and folding sliding doors. The new Hawa Concepta III turn-and-slide fitting extends the wide range of variants of the Hawa Folding Concepta III, explains the Mettmenstetten-based company, which specialises in sliding solutions for rooms, furniture and façades, in a press release. When closed, the hinged and folding sliding doors from Hawa look like a wall. With Hawa Concepta III, they can be rotated by 90 degrees, folded and inserted into a recess at the side.

They can be opened and closed using a handle or a few touch points. “Everyone will get it right from the start,” explains Matthias Rothbrust from the Hawa innovation team in the press release. The doors are guided into and out of the side recesses without play using magnets.

Hawa also acquired the Barcelona-based Klein Group in mid-October. The internationally active specialist for sliding solutions will strengthen Hawa’s portfolio and market position, Hawa writes in a corresponding press release. Klein’s locations and brands will also be retained under the Hawa umbrella.

Hawa Sliding Solutions is one of five companies nominated for this year’s Prix SVC Wirtschaftsraum Zürich. The prize from the Swiss Venture Club(SVC) honours innovative companies in the region for outstanding achievements with great economic potential. It will be awarded on 26 November.

November 2024
New initiatives for sustainable digitalisation and the economy

The SMG Swiss Marketplace Group has presented a new sustainability manifesto. According to a press release, the company intends to use the document to emphasise its commitment to sustainable business practices. The manifesto contains four central pillars that are intended to describe SMG’s future framework for action.

These include integrity through good corporate governance and transparency, protecting the digital future through advanced cybersecurity and data protection, empowering employees by promoting an inclusive working environment and positive engagement through environmental and social initiatives.

As part of its new sustainability strategy, SMG is committed to various initiatives, such as promoting electromobility, reducing carbon emissions in various business areas and improving energy efficiency in its data centres.

The company sees its online marketplace Ricardo as an important example. “For 25 years, Ricardo has offered a real alternative for responsible consumption,” said Christoph Tonini, CEO of SMG, in the press release. “Thanks to its circular economy approach, which promotes the reuse of products, Ricardo is a key driver of sustainable consumer behaviour in Switzerland. Sustainability has been part of our DNA since the beginning and we are determined to extend this approach to our entire group.”

The SMG Swiss Marketplace Group brings together the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar. These focus on property, automotive and finance, among others.

November 2024
New platform for Aargau as a business location

The Canton of Aargau location promotion organisation is presenting Aargau as a business location on a new platform. At www.aargau.swiss, existing companies and companies interested in setting up a branch can find out about the advantages of the business location, explained the location promotion organisation in a press release. The Aargau cantonal government is pursuing the goal of increasing the economic strength of the location by attracting companies with high added value. The new website contributes to this by making the strengths of Aargau more visible.

The new website provides information about the business location, programmes to promote innovation as well as advisory and support services offered by the cantonal location promotion agency and its partners. Separate sections are dedicated to company start-ups, relocations and the expansion of existing companies. In addition, news about the business location and its companies is published regularly. The news is produced by the Café Europe news agency based in Winterthur.

November 2024
Expansion in the mortar market through takeover in Peru

Sika has acquired Chema in Peru, a manufacturer of products for tile laying. With this acquisition, the Baar-based speciality chemicals company is expanding its distribution channels in the Peruvian mortar market and expanding its production in the area of building finishing, according to a press release.

The acquisition opens up additional distribution channels and complementary production sites for Sika. This is associated with important opportunities for cross-selling with complementary products such as sealants, adhesives and liquid membranes. “The expanded product offering and geographic footprint will allow us to better serve new and existing customers across the country with complete solutions,” said Mike Campion, Regional Head Americas.

Chema has been in the business of distributing high-quality, easy-to-use tile installation products for more than 50 years with four modern manufacturing plants and seven warehouses worldwide. “The broad customer base appreciates the efficient logistics organisation and delivery reliability in combination with a top range of products and solutions,” it says.

November 2024
Innovation and networking in the Swiss electrical industry

The newly launched ineltec 2024 offers a platform for over 140 exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services in the fields of electrical engineering, building automation, e-mobility and more across 11,000 square metres of exhibition space. The trade fair not only attracts a large number of experts, but also decision-makers from the entire industry who are looking for innovative solutions and sustainable technologies. The topics of e-mobility and smart building technologies are a particular focus, as these areas are expected to undergo decisive developments in the coming years.

Interactive platforms for professional dialogue
In addition to the traditional trade fair experience, ineltec reloaded also offers digital access via its content platform ineltec.ch, where exhibitors and visitors can network and gather information in advance. In addition, the two marketplaces with bistros and an interaction zone ensure a lively exchange and offer space for daily events such as innovation pitches and moderated discussions. These formats are designed to provide participants with new ideas and practical knowledge for their day-to-day work.

Focus on young talent and networking
Another focus of ineltec 2024 is the promotion of young talent and networking among industry participants. The events, such as the start-up pitches and after-work events, not only provide a platform for new ideas, but also offer valuable networking opportunities. The aim is to build a bridge between established companies and innovative start-ups and at the same time actively involve young talent in the industry.

Future-oriented discussions and further training
ineltec 2024 also places a strong focus on further training and discussions on key industry topics such as the integration of AI in building automation and the impact of ESG directives on electrical engineering. By participating in these round tables and presentations, trade visitors will gain valuable insights into the future development of the electrical industry and can thus prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

Ineltec 2024 promises to be an unmissable event for all electrical industry professionals, providing not only a showcase for technological innovations, but also a central platform for professional exchange and training.

May 2024
Grisons architect impresses in Los Angeles

According to a report by LA Weekly, Chur-based architect Roger Kurath is one of the ten most innovative entrepreneurs in Los Angeles who are pushing boundaries in their respective industries. With innovative and sustainable design methods, Kurath is influencing the architecture of the West Coast metropolis, the article says.

The work of the architecture firm Design21, founded in 2000, is represented in Switzerland as well as in the United States and Shanghai. Thoughtful design combined with cutting-edge technology have led to the firm’s buildings winning many awards. For example, Design21 received the Award of Merits at the prestigious PCBC Gold Nugget Awards for an 8000 square foot (about 750 square metre) custom house.

As the article points out, Roger Kurath demonstrates not only exceptional talent but also a love of craftsmanship, with which he aims to create “sustainable dream homes for his discerning clients”. The aim is to create architectural masterpieces that also carry the climate of his homeland to various corners of the world.

July 2023
First Electrosuisse e-mobile Charging Forum

Electromobility yes, but how to charge? Competent advice is crucial even before the purchase decision is made. When planning and implementing an appropriate charging infrastructure, questions from different areas arise. What is the appropriate charging infrastructure for home, business or on the road?

The e-mobile professional association has perceived the industry’s need for a specialist conference in the field of charging infrastructure and launched a call for papers. Over 25 proposals were received and then voted on in a topic voting. The feedback from the community was clearly focused on the following 5 topics:

– Bidirectional charging
– Smart charging
– Charging infrastructure in underground car parks
– Energy supply 2050
– Charging infrastructure 2050

The moderator, Sarah Andrina Schütz, will guide the participants through the day, while renowned speakers will present solutions for concrete implementation and provide an outlook on the coming trends. In addition, well-known partners will organise an interesting accompanying exhibition. Numerous associations support the congress with the aim of establishing dialogue between the various professionals involved in the electromobility sector.

At the e-mobile Charging Forum, current developments in the charging infrastructure sector will be discussed and an interactive exchange of knowledge and experience will be facilitated.

March 2023
Daiwa House Modular Europe names four trends that will be essential for the real estate industry in 2022

Global scarcity of resources
The prices of many building materials are currently skyrocketing. This will not change this year either – insulating materials, steel, everything will become more expensive and scarce. Construction prices are rising accordingly and threaten to make many projects unprofitable. In addition, the emerging countries in particular are currently asking for a lot of material and are buying the market empty. So the situation will continue to worsen. In the long term, only improved project planning with a greater focus on reusability can help, because circular economy and resource protection already begin in the planning phase. If entire buildings, parts of buildings and building materials can be recycled or found a subsequent use, this not only reduces the material requirement, but also contributes to greater sustainability at the same time. It is important to think big about Cradle to Cradle in the future.
Sustainability not only through energy savings in the usage phase
The German construction industry in particular has an urgent need to catch up when it comes to sustainability. In the Netherlands there is already a CO ₂ cap per square meter of new construction. With the new government with green participation, it is quite conceivable that such a cap will also become the new guideline in Germany. In addition, disposal costs will remain a major issue and will increase proportionately. Due to the still immature framework conditions for recycling processes and the low landfill capacities, waste is becoming a further driver of construction costs. This shows how important it will be in the future to use building materials and building parts for a long time and to reuse them later – as is already possible in modular construction by refurbishing reused modules. The circular economy should therefore be the focus of the project early on in the planning.
Digitization and AI also in construction
In order to increase sustainability across the entire industry and to counteract the scarcity of resources, both planning and production must be optimized. Both must become more intelligent overall and network. The use of “artificial intelligence” is ideal for this. It supports construction projects, for example, through generative design, proactive problem detection and the avoidance of delays and cost overruns. But it also has to be used in production. An example: Digitizing the cut leads to less offcuts and waste. Thanks to good advance planning and the use of an AI, the remaining material from a cut can be used for further use in other future projects. This not only saves material, but also additional work steps and thus increases the efficiency of the entire production process. After all, residual materials are also resources.
Industrialized manufacturing as in the automotive industry
The advance of digitization within the construction industry also enables the use of semi- or fully automated processes. They reduce sources of error and make production more efficient. Affordable living space can be optimally realized with robot-supported construction processes in connection with the necessary digital management of the construction data – from planning to construction site. In view of the acute shortage of skilled workers, which will not be solved in the next few years, this development is the logical consequence. Daiwa House Modular Europe will also rely on automated processes in the already planned German gigafactory.
These four trends should encourage the construction industry to rethink. In addition, there are a number of other changes such as a generational change in the ranks of managers as well as political and social change. Builders are now open to standardized building solutions. Modularly planned and built buildings offer a short construction time and high quality thanks to around 90 percent prefabrication in the factory. In the residential, care, hotel and education segments in particular, there are similar needs despite the different locations – so not every building has to be a prototype.

February 2022
In-house Livit Academy celebrates its 15th anniversary

Since its foundation in 2007, the academy has repeatedly taken innovative paths and has developed from offering a once compact course program to today's industry-wide known competence center. It is an expression of Livit's strategic orientation of investing heavily in its employees and supporting them in achieving their goals – the credo to this day.
For the practice of most professional groups, different skills are required today than 15 years ago. The (working) world is becoming more and more digital, the flow of information is faster and job profiles are changing. Livit recognized the opportunities offered by new technologies and has become more and more modern in recent years. The Livit Academy developed accordingly and acted as a sparring partner in change management. In an accompanying function, she supports employees in remaining professionally qualified and in being able to develop culturally with the organization and strategic orientation.
Prepared for the future
The complexity will continue to increase and the specialization of the job profiles will affect the professional requirements and the need for training and further education, says Judith Engel, head of the Livit Academy. This also means that cooperation is becoming increasingly important in order to achieve more together. The Livit Academy recently initiated a cooperation with the SVIT, the HWZ and Wincasa and jointly developed further training in the field of real estate accounting, which will start in March 2022 for the first time. The future is all about cooperation: Livit is also intensifying this with Swiss Life Asset Managers – with the launch of the “AM Academy”, of which the Livit Academy is a part. Together with the parent company, Livit is expanding its know-how in the national and international real estate market, using synergies and promoting networking.

February 2022