The BAUHALPS partners gathered in Lucerne, Switzerland, where they were welcomed by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Technology & Architecture for a two-day project meeting. The first day combined technical discussions with a study visit, offering partners the opportunity to connect the project’s methodology with real examples of circular and sustainable construction.
The BAUHALPS partners were welcomed by Silvia Jost, as the Swiss Alpine Space National Contact point and Head of the International Affairs and Mobility Section at the Swiss. Federal Office for Spatial Development.
The morning programme focused on the continued development of the BAUHALPS Toolkit, a practical tool designed to support sustainable renovation projects based on the principles of the New European Bauhaus. Drawing on experiences from the ongoing pilot actions across the Alpine region, partners discussed how the toolkit can better support decision-making from the earliest stages of a project—from defining ambitions and engaging stakeholders to shaping long-term renovation strategies.
The first evaluation of the toolkit confirmed its greatest value lies in guiding the early planning process. At the same time, partners identified several opportunities for further improvement, particularly regarding usability, navigation, accessibility, and the presentation of results. The feedback collected during the meeting will contribute to the next development phase of the toolkit.
In the afternoon, the meeting moved from discussion to practice through a study visit showcasing innovative examples of circular construction in Lucerne.
The first stop was the Manal Pavillion, presented by its architect, Professor Stefan Wülser. Located in front of the Lucerne University campus, the pavillion serves as both a demonstrator for innovative technologies and their applications in construction and a creative meeting environment for campus users. Built almost entirely from low-carbon and cement-free materials developed through collaboration between researchers and industry, it demonstrates how new construction materials can significantly reduce the environmental impact of buildings while maintaining high architectural quality.
A key feature of the pavilion is its Design-to-Dismantle concept. Rather than being designed as a permanent structure, the pavilion was conceived from the outset to be disassembled and rebuilt. Concrete slabs from a former tunnel, reclaimed windows, roofing elements, and lighting fixtures were all incorporated into the project, demonstrating how reused materials can become an integral part of contemporary architecture instead of being treated as waste.
The study visit continued with the Circular Time Lab, the Swiss BAUHALPS pilot, where partners explored how circular construction principles can be applied in public space through temporary timber architecture. The initiative brings together education, research, and practice by enabling architecture students to work alongside apprentices from regional timber companies to design, build, dismantle, and reuse the same structural elements over successive project cycles.
At Structure Inseli, partners visited an open timber installation designed as apublic viewing platform for the Soccer World Championship 2026. The structure was designed entirely for future reuse, with timber elements kept at their original lengths and joints carefully engineered for easy disassembly and reassembly.
The study visit concluded at Structure Apothekergärtli, a lightweight temporary timber structure built in the public garden on top of the existing boat shed of Lucerne. Following the the semester’s topic “Lucerne Summer” it provides shadow for visitors of the garden for relaxing and enjoying the impressive view of the lakeside of Lucerne. Like the other installations, it demonstrates how locally sourced materials, circular design principles, and thoughtful architectural design can create high-quality public spaces while minimising environmental impact.
The first day in Lucerne demonstrated that circular construction is not only about innovative materials, but also about rethinking the entire lifecycle of buildings—from design and construction to future adaptation and reuse. By combining technical discussions with built examples, the meeting provided valuable inspiration for the continued development of the BAUHALPS Toolkit and for the pilot actions currently being implemented across the Alpine region.