A new residential and working quarter with an industrial flair is being created on the Papieri Areal in Switzerland. Situated directly on the River Lorze, the historic buildings of the original paper mill are being complemented by modern new buildings. In the spirit of sustainable construction, history and the present are coming together.
The paper mill has been in a state of flux since 1657, when permission was granted to use the waterpower of the Lorze River for a paper mill: Over the next 300 years, it became the Ennetsee's largest operation. It finally came to an end in 2015 when production was relocated abroad - marking the start of a new future: from paper to neighborhood. In 2016, the people of Cham voted for the redevelopment of the Papieri Areal.

Sustainable construction and renovation with Multipor

Today, the Papieri Areal offers a completely new basis for an energy-efficient, climate-neutral, and sustainable society, including an energy supply from renewable energies such as photovoltaic systems and its own run-of-river power plant. As a result, approximately 40 percent of the mill's electricity is generated on site.
Another important pillar of the site's pioneering sustainable character is the use of appropriate building materials. In addition to a former warehouse, which was claded with Ytong, (LINK TO FORMER STORY) three other buildings were constructed with Xella building materials: two former factory buildings and a new building were insulated with Multipor.
In the new building of House A, the mineral insulation boards from Multipor provide optimum thermal insulation. In the renovation of the former paper machine hall PM1-4 and the historic locomotive shed, Multipor is also preserved the historic appearance of the former industrial buildings. In total, almost 4,000 square meters of Multipor interior insulation have been installed here to date.

Renovation of the former paper machine halls PM1-4

The former paper machine halls PM1-4 were refurbished with mineral Multipor interior insulation according to the specifications of Boltshauser Architects from Zurich. The idea of "living by the river" has become a reality in the paper machine halls on the Lorz river: the building complex is a listed building due to its historical significance. With a total of 52 loft-style apartments, seven loft studios and five commercial spaces, it is one of the most distinctive buildings on the entire site.

New construction of 160 rental apartments in House A

As the first completed rental property in the Papieri Areal, the mineral interior insulation from Multipor ensures a pleasant and balanced living climate. Together with Galli Rudolf Architects from Zurich, 160 rental apartments have been built, 30 of which are affordable. In 16 commercial units with more than 1,000 square meters, there is space for studios with and without galleries.

Preserving the industrial charm of the Lokremise

Once used to store locomotives, the Lokremise now offers space for administration. During the complete renovation of the listed building, 580 square meters of commercial space were created on the first floor and in the gallery.
With these and many other construction projects, the Papieri Areal in Cham is developing into a completely new district with around 1,000 apartments and workplaces, inviting people to live, work and meet, while preserving the historic factory character.