Sustainable building & living in multi-residential buildings: New directions for urban living spaces

Swiss cities are growing steadily – today 84.9 percent of the population lives in urban areas. This development presents new challenges for developers, architects and building managers: How do they create a living space that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable?

Sustainable building and sustainable living are no longer trends, but essential requirements for modern multi-residential buildings. This is not just about energy efficiency, but also about holistic concepts that combine flexibility, community and resource conservation.

What does “sustainable building & living” really mean today?

Sustainable building planning is based on the proven three pillar model of sustainable development: Ecology, economy and social responsibility equally form the foundation for future-proof housing concepts.

• Environmental sustainability includes, among other things, energy-efficient building envelopes, the use of renewable energies and the use of durable materials. 

• Economic sustainability means cost efficiency throughout the entire life cycle – from planning to operation and dismantling to reuse and recycling.

Social sustainability takes into account accessibility, community support and adaptability to changing lifestyles.

ASSA ABLOY Schweiz is developing locking solutions with the same sustainability initiatives: Durability, energy efficiency and social responsibility are at the heart of our product development.

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Swiss flagship projects and modern residential properties demonstrate how these principles are firmly anchored in spatial planning laws and municipal building strategies for multi-residential buildings. They combine green building and living with innovative forms of housing such as co-living and mixed-use concepts.

• Since 2014, the Kalkbreite cooperative in Zurich has been combining housing, work and business via an active tram depot. 250 people live here in 88 apartments. 

• The Hunziker area in Zurich transformed an industrial area into living space for 1,200 people and around 150 jobs. It combines cluster apartments with sustainable building technology.
• Stücki Park in Basel transformed a shopping center into a life science hub with laboratory and office space. SNBS 2.0 and BREEAM certifications confirm the sustainable link between work, dining and entertainment. Other rating systems such as those of the German Sustainable Building Society (DGNB) supplement these Swiss standards for sustainable building. Urban Living in Transition: Multi-residential properties as the key to sustainable cities.

Urban living in transition: Multi-residential properties as the key to sustainable cities

Multi-residential properties are evolving from purely residential buildings to multi-functional living spaces. Mixed-use concepts combine living, work and leisure activities under one roof. These co-living models create community while reducing individual space requirements.

This development supports three key sustainability goals:

• Less use of space thanks to efficient use of space and shared infrastructures

• Better quality of life thanks to short distances and versatile uses

• Social integration by means of common areas and flexible housing

Good security and accessibility are essential for urban construction – extending life cycles, enabling flexible expansions and reducing the need for retrofitting. This increases the demands on building technology that combines safety, convenience and sustainability in the long term. ASSA ABLOY develops modular solutions specifically tailored to the requirements of multi-residential buildings:

• Door closers with CAM-Motion technology enable barrier-free access to buildings without compromising security.

• Planet drop-down seals combine energy efficiency with sound insulation and privacy. They reliably seal the door gap (ideal for optimum thermal insulation as well as smoke and fire protection) while remaining completely barrier-free.

• Planet finger protection systems prevent crushing injuries on the hinge and non-hinge side and thus increase safety in commonly used entrance areas – for example, for families with children or people in need of support.

These integrated solutions avoid costly retrofits and promote sustainable, generationally inclusive building use.

Digitalization meets sustainability: Smart locking systems as drivers of efficiency

Digital access control is revolutionizing the management of multi-residential properties. Sustainable building technology today means more than just energy efficiency. It also includes intelligent systems that conserve resources and increase flexibility.

Locking solutions such as KESO eCLIQ and KESO Integra as well as access control systems such as SMARTair show how sustainable construction and digitalization work together:

• Physical key copies are eliminated, which reduces material consumption and transport routes.

• Central rights management eliminates the need for time-consuming cylinder replacements in the event of tenant changes.

• Energy-independent components function without an external power supply.

• Flexible expandability adapts to changing usage requirements.

For building managers, this means fewer service calls, more convenience for tenants and less consumption of resources for the environment. The systems support sustainable living through durability, long-term cost savings and reduced maintenance costs.

Conclusion: Sustainable building & living starts with access planning

Sustainable building and sustainable living in multi-residential buildings require a holistic design approach. Modern locking and access solutions make an active contribution to ecological, social and economic sustainability. With solutions such as the Planet drop-down seal for exterior doors, even main entrances become completely barrier-free – a crucial building block for buildings that are inclusive for all groups.

The integration of intelligent door systems, energy-efficient components and flexible access systems lays the foundation for urban living spaces to meet today’s and tomorrow’s requirements. Investments in sustainable building technology pay off in the long term by reducing operating expenses, increasing user satisfaction and creating environmental benefits.  

ASSA ABLOY Switzerland supports you with well-thought-out solutions that optimally combine security, convenience and sustainability – for residential buildings that are impressive today and and will continue to be impressive tomorrow.