business field
Site development
Derelict industrial sites offer enormous potential for diverse, visionary options for use. We support clients in the transformation from brownfield site to completed excavation pit. In doing so, we also point out hidden costs and risks.
Building land is scarce in Switzerland. For this reason, investors are increasingly becoming interested in former industrial sites in their search for suitable sites. These derelict sites offer numerous advantages, as they are centrally located, have good transport links, and are connected to the existing infrastructure.
Development of these sites means that green spaces are not built up and urban sprawl is prevented. However, building on sites that have already been used often involves hidden costs and risks. Careful planning is essential. Only in this way can the client be ensured financial security and adherence to deadlines.
Site development - all from one source.
We support the client comprehensively throughout site development – from brownfield site to completed excavation pit.
Consulting for developers
In sustainable site development, the opportunities and risks posed by the subsurface and the building fabric – concerning geothermal potential, construction ground risks, process hazards, or pollutants – are ideally evaluated and included in an early phase of the planning process. We advise and support the developer, architects and planners in each planning phase with our broad expert knowledge, taking into account the legal and normative guidelines that need to be observed by the developer. Depending on the type of project, we can also take on overall or partial project management.
Assessment of geothermal potential
The subsurface (i.e. subsoil and groundwater) offer a high energy potential that can be used for the sustainable extraction and storage of heat and cold. Targeted investigations are carried out to determine which utilisation technologies can be considered at the site (e.g. borehole heat exchanger, thermal use of groundwater, or energy piles where applicable). Based on the heating and cooling requirements, we assess the potential of the resources. Sustainable and correct use of geothermal energy can be ensured by optimising the dimensions and design of the system.
Investigation of construction ground risks
Geotechnical aspects are crucial for the safety, cost efficiency and durability of a structure. We carry out customised sounding campaigns and thus develop the subsoil model as a key prerequisite for planning a construction project. Based on this model, the foundation, design of the excavation and water drainage into the subsurface can be optimally dimensioned and the drainage methods can be determined. This ensures that the project is built on a solid foundation.
Analysis of natural hazards
Natural processes, such as flooding, can become a hazard for people and infrastructure. We develop reliable protection concepts based on careful risk analyses.
Investigation of contamination
Often, past activities on a former industrial site resulted in contamination of the soil, subsurface and groundwater. It is important to be aware of this contamination for the development of the site. A sound assessment of the necessary measures and the associated costs, as well as clarification of who will bear them, is therefore essential when purchasing a property. We develop a customised concept for the investigation of contamination to determine the risks and costs in advance.
Assessment of buildings for hazardous materials
In older buildings, there is a particular risk that parts of the building may contain materials that are hazardous to health (e.g. asbestos, PCB/SCCP and PAC ). As part of a building assessment, we examine the building fabric to identify hazardous materials as early as possible. In this way, the disposal of the hazardous materials and the resulting additional costs can be integrated into the planning process right from the start.
Spatial planning analysis
The new development or conversion of a brownfield site requires spatial planning analysis at an early stage of the project planning. These formal planning steps secure a project legally in the long term. We are happy to provide support in the determination of zoning conformity, the approval procedure, and the preparation of land-use plans and building applications.
