When existing properties are modernized, this requires special sensitivity and know-how – especially in the case of densification in inner-city areas. Philippe L. Kaufmann, Head of Modernization at Implenia, talks in an interview about current challenges such as sustainability.
What are the particular challenges of modernization today?
Philippe L. Kaufmann: Modernizations today often go hand in hand with densification - especially in inner-city areas. Such projects require particularly precise planning due to limited space and logistical requirements. This also applies to the modernization of buildings while they are still in use. We want to keep the restrictions as small as possible. Other issues include monument protection and building permits, whereby our orders always benefit from our proactive and close cooperation with the authorities. Above all, however, sustainability plays a central role in modernizations.
To what extent is sustainability central?
The fact is that investors and owners are making their portfolios greener and are also receiving subsidies for sustainable refurbishments. The focus is on environmentally friendly solutions. In the case of heating systems, these are geothermal probes, PV systems or electric heating instead of oil. But modern façades and windows, the reuse of materials from properties that are being demolished or the addition of wooden storeys also contribute to the sustainability of properties. They have a positive impact on the CO2 balance and promote the circular economy.
What role do timber extensions play in modernizations?
Wood is not only sustainable, but also lightweight. As mentioned, modernizations are often about densification. With timber extensions, we can add one or two, sometimes even three storeys more than with concrete or steel extensions. This creates additional square meters of usable space on the same plot of land. Thanks to our timber construction expertise, we are able to offer appropriate solutions from a single source.
Existing properties in new top form
From the Caterpillar headquarters in Geneva to the Doormannsweg project in Hamburg and the Creative Factory in Lausanne: in the video we show how Implenia succeeds in making existing properties fit for the future.
What distinguishes Implenia in the field of modernization?
We offer partnership-based support from analysis, consulting and planning through to execution and cover all SIA phases. The first step is often the analysis, with which we show the client whether his property is in need of refurbishment or when the best time for refurbishment is and what returns any refurbishment can generate. This is where we also benefit from Wincasa's extensive know-how. If a renovation is required, we coordinate the architects and specialist planners and optimize the project in terms of costs, deadlines, risks and solutions together with the client. We also take care of issues such as subsidies, monument protection, coordination with authorities, etc. and take on the execution as a total contractor with a single point of contact for the client. Our experience and the ability to draw on a wide range of disciplines make us the ideal partner for modernizations.
What does this mean in the current market environment?
The market environment is indeed challenging for investors and therefore also for us. Business plans from the past are hardly effective in today's world. For us, this means that we have to be particularly creative and innovative in order to stay within our clients' budgets. One approach, for example, is Design to Value, which we often carry out with our Real Estate department. This identifies potential opportunities with which the client can generate greater returns. By merging the two existing Real Estate and Buildings divisions into the Buildings division from April 2025, we will become even stronger in the area of modernization and refurbishment.
Our specialists
Many different specialists are needed for modernization projects. Implenia has its own specialists in the following areas:
