Berne

New building Swiss National Science Foundation

View from outside the Swiss National Science Foundation
The new building in Bern is a new building with exemplary character: on completion, it is likely to be one of the most sustainable and modern office buildings in Switzerland. The four storeys offer flexible space for up to 456 employees. With the aim of achieving the SNBS Platinum certificate (Swiss Sustainable Building Standard), a building was designed that not only meets the highest ecological standards, but also combines a large number of complex requirements with a floor area of 12,270 m².

Fast Facts

12‘270 m²
Floor area
Flexibility
For up to 456 employees
SNBS Platinum Certificate
aimed at
1'190
Number of workstation sensors
142
Number of people counter
Receptions of the Swiss National Fund
Entrance area / Photo © Nightnurse Images AG
View from outside the Swiss National Science Foundation
Exterior view / Photo © Nightnurse Images AG

challenges

How do you build a sustainable office building that can be used in a variety of ways and can be reinvented at any time?

Sustainability at the highest level: The building's energy requirements are covered by renewable energy sources. The aim is to achieve SNBS Platinum certification, the highest award for sustainable construction in Switzerland.

Architectural complexity: The visible building technology was deliberately used as a design element and had to be convincing both functionally and aesthetically.

Diverse uses: In addition to traditional office space, a catering kitchen, a restaurant and several plenary rooms have also been integrated.

Flexibility for up to 456 employees: The space had to be designed in such a way that it could accommodate a wide variety of working styles and remain adaptable in the long term. The overall concept is based on new forms of work such as “New Work”, work-life balance and central accessibility from all parts of the country.

SOLUTIONS

A solution-oriented approach, bundled expertise and seamless interaction between all disciplines.

Reversible geothermal probe heat pumps are used for heating and cooling.

The close collaboration between architecture, building technology, sustainability experts and users enabled holistic planning and implementation.

The expertise from previous workspace projects was specifically incorporated into the planning and helped to identify and solve complex requirements at an early stage.

The visible building technology was not concealed, but designed as an integral part of the architectural concept - a clear statement of transparency and innovation.

The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) right through to the construction site enabled end-to-end digital planning and execution. This facilitated coordination on site, increased the quality of execution and minimized interface problems.

We work in an interdisciplinary, user-centered and future-oriented way - creating working environments that work and inspire.

As general planners, we bear overall responsibility for complex construction projects - from technical planning to execution. We coordinate all trades and ensure quality, deadlines and costs.

We advise on all aspects of energy and building technology. Sometimes as technical experts, sometimes as project managers for major investments.

TECHNOLOGY

We combine digital innovation with real added value

Curiosity and expertise are the driving force behind our innovation. A sense of personal responsibility is the basis for the quality of our sustainable solutions.
Application

Building simulation

Graphic building simulation
Application

Digital Twin

Graphic Digital Twin
Application

Revit plug-in

Graphic Revit Plugin
Sustainability

Refrigerant

Graphic refrigeration technology
Application

BIM2FM - BIM in facility management 

Graphic BIM to FM
Sustainability

Thermal grids

Graphic thermal networks
Workflow

BIM Management

BIM Management Graphic
Research

Genetic algorithms

Graphic genetic algorithms
Logo of Willers
Expert Talk

Data centers: Potentials and planning challenges

Adrian Altenburger and Michael Reuteler discuss the potential and challenges of data centers
Research

Cleanroom Systems

Graphic Cleanroom Systems
Application

Cyber Security

Graphic OT Cyer Security
Logo of Willers
Expert Talk

Energy Hub: Energy centers of the future - sustainable, decentralized, innovative

Expert panel of Willers Rheinfelden and Primeo Energie on sustainable heat expansion
Logo of Willers
Expert Talk

Cleanroom: Developments and challenges in cleanroom planning

Andreas Rieben in conversation
Sustainability

Decarbonization

Graphic decarbonization