Conscious and fulfilled living

An open innovation project by Strüby Konzept AG Forecasts by the Federal Statistical Office predict that the permanent Swiss resident population will grow from the current 8.6 million to 10.4 million in 2050. The 10 million mark is expected to be exceeded in 2040. The proportion of over-65s in the total population will increase at an above-average rate - from 18.9% today to 25.6% by 2050, i.e. a good 2.7 million. This will require 70,000 additional places in retirement and nursing homes. However, organizations in the geriatric sector warn that an increase in capacity on this scale will not be feasible. Alternatives must therefore be created. The expansion of various forms of housing is a promising approach. There is also a shortage of land in Switzerland. Inward densification is intended to meet the continuing demand for living space. The question therefore arises as to how a liveable built environment can be created in the context of an ageing population, denser construction and increasing anonymity. Objective With the aim of realizing a concept for a multi-generational housing project that addresses precisely these challenges, Strüby Konzept AG launched an open innovation project in the Central Switzerland Innovation Park at the beginning of 2020. As part of the social lab, an interdisciplinary team of park members was put together. The primary aim was to better understand the two target groups "young old people from their mid-60s" and "middle-aged couples and families". Under the title "conscious and fulfilling living", the project team invited a dozen participants from the region to a structured target group workshop. Together, they discussed what constitutes quality of living, a meaningful environment and neighborhood activities. Result Based on these findings, Strüby Konzept AG was able to develop a suitable spatial program and define unique selling points. In collaboration with the Energy Lab, ideas were also developed for a sustainable energy concept with a focus on Minergie-A-Eco. Also in an open setting, participants considered the recyclability of the materials to be used, the digitalization of the infrastructure and possible forms of sponsorship and operation. The whole process was supported by the Innovationspark Zentralschweiz, in particular the Social Lab. At the end of 2020, Strüby Konzept AG brought the project back into its own organization with thanks to the input providers, where it developed it further and expanded it into a marketable business model. The complex requirements were incorporated into a process model under the title HOMA (Holz Magnet). The model is intended to enable densification with existing buildings through new construction, primarily in conurbations and well-developed rural regions and municipalities. The current generation, which owns single-family homes and no longer has children at home, is invited to make their attractive living spaces accessible to families again. To this end, an offer must be developed to suit the location and life goals of this generation of detached house owners. In order to define the right use and objectives, a participatory process is recommended to identify the needs of future residents and the existing potential of the site. The vision includes a timber construction project, close to the center, for and with local people. The participation process is supported by digital tools in order to quickly define concrete, common denominators for the new building. Tried and tested, social and technical as well as qualitative, sustainable implementation modules are available, which can be used individually and adapted to the location depending on user requirements and objectives. The next step will be the evaluation of a corresponding pilot project by Strüby Konzept AG in 2021. Strüby Konzept AG As a full-service provider with a focus on wood, the Strüby companies combine development, architecture, planning and timber construction under one roof. Strüby is Switzerland's leading full-service provider with a focus on timber, active in the fields of architecture, real estate, residential construction, interior design, conversion, commercial construction and agriculture. The expertise, specialist knowledge and commitment of around 300 employees in 25 professions enable the company to plan and realize the most demanding projects.