Study on the Renovation of the Spiez Laboratory

The Spiez Laboratory is the Swiss Institute for CBRN Protection (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Protection). As a division of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), it deals with scientific and technical aspects of hazards posed by CBRN events and their potential impacts. As part of this, it operates the necessary laboratories with various testing and measurement tools. To maintain these standards in the future and to sustainably strengthen the site's efficiency, safety, and innovative capacity, the renovation of various building sections is necessary, including modernization and strategic realignment.

Based on this, the general contractor Halter AG, in collaboration with Blaser Architekten AG and a large team of planners and specialists, has developed a comprehensive service study. This study encompasses the demolition and reconstruction of the Spiez Laboratory (cross-shaped building) along with the renovation of the highly toxic building, workshop building, energy center, and the underground energy tunnel.

The objective was not only to provide the site with a functional character but also to create an inspiring environment that harmoniously balances safety, innovation, and sustainability. For this reason, a combination of new construction and renovation/upgrading is proposed, which utilizes and optimizes existing structures. It aims to create a location that meets current and future security requirements to the highest degree, while fostering a work atmosphere that is pleasant for employees, welcoming to visitors, and overall representative in character.

The following measures have been proposed according to the comprehensive service study:

__ Phased demolition of the existing cross-shaped building and complete redesign with a focus on the flexibility of usage units, to create a building that adapts to continuously evolving work process

__ Renovation of the workshop building with a focus on strengthening the existing building and support structure.

__ Renovation of the highly toxic building in two phases, to ensure long-term flexibility and functionality and to address weaknesses in the current building substance.

__ In the energy center, renewals are aimed at optimizing the building's functionality.

With regard to energy efficiency, all current guidelines, particularly the Minergie classification for new construction, are taken into account.