Winterthur’s ‘Rocket’ High-Rise Ditches Timber in Landmark Shift
Winterthur, Switzerland – In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated ‘Rocket’ high-rise project in Winterthur’s Lokstadt district will no longer proceed with its pioneering wood hybrid construction. Owner Cham Swiss Properties AG announced today a significant revision to the plans, opting for a more conventional steel and concrete structure and adding approximately 50 new apartments in place of a planned hotel. This is breaking news for the Swiss construction and sustainability sectors.
From Flagship to Functionality: Why the Change?
Originally envisioned as potentially the world’s tallest wooden hybrid residential building, the 100-meter ‘Rocket’ was meant to be a symbol of innovation in sustainable construction. However, according to Managing Director Thomas Aebischer, a series of risk assessments led to the decision to prioritize practicality and long-term stability. “While we remain committed to a low ecological footprint, the complexities of sourcing materials and the extended construction timeline associated with a wood hybrid high-rise presented challenges we weren’t willing to accept,” Aebischer explained. Concerns centered around the availability of suitable construction beech beams and the potential for weather-related issues during the three-year build.
Beyond the Wood: A Focus on CO₂ Reduction and Affordable Housing
Despite abandoning the wood hybrid approach, Cham Swiss Properties insists the project will still achieve a strong CO₂ balance. The company plans to utilize optimized statics, efficient material usage, and CO₂-reduced concrete to pursue the Gold label of the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS). This demonstrates a continued commitment to environmental responsibility, even with a shift in construction methodology. The change in use from a Radisson Red hotel to approximately 50 additional apartments is also a key element of the revised plan. This move addresses a critical need for affordable housing in Winterthur, with a commitment to dedicating a third of the total 300 apartments – including extensions – to the affordable segment, catering to housing cooperatives, students, and shared living arrangements.
The Rise of Timber Construction: A Growing Market, Growing Pains
The decision highlights a crucial point in the burgeoning field of timber construction. While wood hybrid buildings are increasingly common for smaller structures (four to five stories), scaling up to high-rise projects presents unique hurdles. The supply chain for large-scale timber components is still developing, and the construction process requires careful management to mitigate risks associated with weather exposure and material availability. This isn’t to say wood hybrid construction is failing; rather, it’s a realistic assessment of the current landscape. Cham Swiss Properties has experience with wood hybrid construction, having built a 50-meter structure in Cham, giving them valuable insight into both the advantages and disadvantages.
Lokstadt’s Last Piece: A New Vision for the Area
The ‘Rocket & Tigerli’ project, slated to begin construction in mid-2027 with completion expected in 2030, represents the final major building block in the Lokstadt development. The ground floor will feature retail spaces and restaurants, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding area and the nearby Dialogplatz. The city of Winterthur granted the building permit in April, but with conditions requiring improvements, particularly to the public terrace, which will now be expanded to offer panoramic views of the old town. Cham Swiss Properties also owns other buildings in the area, including Habersack, Draisine, and Rapide, and is actively developing usage concepts for these properties, including a new casino opening in the Rapide hall this December.
The shift in direction for the ‘Rocket’ high-rise underscores the complex interplay between ambition, practicality, and evolving market conditions in the construction industry. While Winterthur may have lost a potential world-first in timber construction, the revised project promises a significant contribution to the city’s housing stock and a continued commitment to sustainable building practices. The story of the ‘Rocket’ serves as a valuable case study for future high-rise developments, demonstrating the importance of thorough risk assessment and adaptability in the pursuit of innovation.
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