immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Verstärkung

  • Philipp Good joins the Board of Directors of Helvetica

    Philipp Good joins the Board of Directors of Helvetica

    Philipp Good joins the existing board, whose members include Peter E. Bodmer (Chairman), Dr Hans Ueli Keller (Vice Chairman), Dr Franziska Blindow-Prettl, Theodor Härtsch and Herbert Kahlich. He joins the management body at a time when sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the property sector. His election is seen as a strategically important step for the future positioning of the Helvetica property funds, which aim to secure stable returns for investors in the long term through sustainable investment solutions.

    Focus on sustainable investments
    With his many years of experience in dealing with pension funds and specialised sustainability investments, Good strengthens Helvetica Property Investors AG’s commitment to responsible investing. His ability to develop investment strategies that achieve positive social and environmental impacts in addition to returns is particularly relevant. “His experience in the area of sustainable investment solutions will help to ensure that the Helvetica property funds are equipped for the future,” emphasised Chairman of the Board of Directors Peter E. Bodmer.

    Setting the strategic course for the future
    Philipp Good is highly motivated to put his expertise at the service of Helvetica: “I am looking forward to developing innovative and responsible investment solutions together with the Board of Directors. My aim is to create solutions that combine economic success with positive social effects.” This strategic decision will ensure that Helvetica remains a leading player in the field of sustainable property investments in an increasingly challenging market environment.

    With the election of Philipp Good, Helvetica is sending a strong signal for its future-oriented focus in the area of sustainable property investments. This strengthening of the Board of Directors will enable the company to focus even better on the challenges and opportunities of the property industry and secure attractive long-term returns for its investors.

  • Cement revolution thanks to mother-of-pearl structure

    Cement revolution thanks to mother-of-pearl structure

    Unlike glass, wood and steel, cement is naturally brittle and not very flexible without reinforcements. This considerably limits its possible uses in load-bearing structures. Although there are already methods for improving the fracture toughness and ductility of cement, for example through polymer, glass or metal reinforcements, these only slightly increase energy absorption and fracture resistance.

    A composite material modelled on mother-of-pearl
    The Princeton University team found that alternating layers of thin polymer and patterned cement paste increase ductility. The composite material developed mimics the structure of mother-of-pearl, a substance found in certain shells and known for its strength and flexibility. Mother-of-pearl consists of over 95% calcium carbonate and up to 5% organic material. This unique combination gives mother-of-pearl its remarkable mechanical resistance.

    Mechanisms of the mother-of-pearl structure
    Mother-of-pearl is a biomineral consisting of aragonite platelets connected by a soft biopolymer. This 3D brick mortar structure allows the platelets to slide and deform, absorbing energy and increasing toughness. This synergy between the hard and soft components is crucial for the remarkable mechanical properties of nacre.

    Applying the principles to cement composites
    The Princeton University researchers used conventional building materials such as Portland cement and polymers to develop a similar composite. They layered cement paste boards with polyvinyl siloxane, a flexible polymer, to create multi-layered beams. These were tested for crack resistance in a notched three-point bending test. The results showed that these composites achieved 17 times higher fracture toughness and 1791 per cent higher ductility compared to solid cement.

    Future prospects and optimisation
    The researchers plan to explore different soft materials for more resistant infrastructures and to optimise the groove shapes for better defect integration. In addition, production methods are to be further developed using integrated lamination laser processes or additive manufacturing. These advances could revolutionise the construction industry and significantly expand the use of cement in load-bearing structures.

    The newly developed cement composite, inspired by the structure of mother-of-pearl, offers a promising solution for improving the mechanical properties of cement. With its exceptional crack resistance and ductility, this composite represents a significant innovation that has the potential to transform the construction industry.

  • Markus von Gunten joins the management of the Admicasa Group

    Markus von Gunten joins the management of the Admicasa Group

    As part of its ongoing expansion and commitment to quality and comprehensive expertise, the Admicasa Group has announced a significant recruitment. Markus von Gunten, founder of von Gunten Baumanagement AG and its successful director until the end of 2020, has been appointed a member of the Executive Board by the Board of Directors of Admicasa Holding AG. This decision underlines the Admicasa Group’s endeavour to further expand its leading position in the construction sector and strengthen the interdisciplinary solutions it offers its customers.

    Von Gunten, whose company has planned and realised projects with a total value of over one billion Swiss francs during his time at the helm, brings extensive expertise and high quality standards to the company. Since the takeover of his company by the Admicasa Group, von Gunten has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Admicasa Bauwerk AG and has already made a significant contribution to strengthening the construction segment in this role.

    Serge Aerne, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Admicasa Group, emphasises that the integration of Markus von Gunten into the Executive Board is strategically important for the further development of the company. Aerne emphasises that von Gunten’s 40 years of experience and his extensive knowledge of the property sector are a valuable asset to the team and will make a decisive contribution to achieving the Group’s goals in terms of growth, quality and customer satisfaction.

    With this move, the Admicasa Group is sending a clear signal that it will continue to rely on strong leadership and deep industry knowledge to consolidate its position in the market and expand its services beyond the boundaries of the traditional property business. The appointment of Markus von Gunten underlines the Group’s commitment to excellence and innovation in an ever-changing market.

  • One subway, and 600 tonnes moved

    One subway, and 600 tonnes moved

    A house shift is undoubtedly a rare and impressive event. This is what happened on 17 August last year at Lugano railway station. The actual shifting of the house, which used to house the post office and later the customs authorities, lasted from 8.30 am to 12.00 pm. The house, built at the beginning of the last century, has long been protected because of its architectural significance. Its location would have caused major problems, especially during the excavation work for the new subway, and therefore posed great challenges for all involved. It was decided to move it about 40 metres towards the north, and after about a year it was more or less moved to its original position.

    The technology used to move a 600-tonne, 25-metre wide, 10-metre long and 9-metre high building cannot be used just like that. Months of preparations were necessary before the building could be moved. First, the building was completely hollowed out and a reinforcement made of wood and steel was built to prevent the outer walls from being damaged during the shift. Then, the ground was removed both around the building and inside it to expose the original foundation, which was completely milled away and gradually replaced with steel beams. At the same time, the advance tracks were prepared to the north of the building, on which the house was moved about 40 metres.

    At the end of this year, as soon as the work on the subway is completed, the house will return to its original place, where it will stand on a fresh foundation for many years to come.