The Swiss Life Brannhof in an audio-visual documentation

A time-lapse video summarises the three-and-a-half-year construction period and explains why Swiss Life is investing in the long-term preservation of its buildings. Paolo Di Stefano, Head Real Estate Switzerland, Swiss Life Asset Managers, explains: “The aim is for us to be able to meet our obligations for generations to come. Real estate covers our liabilities and generates long-term rental income for our policyholders.”

In a historic building such as Swiss Life Brannhof, the aspect of preservation plays a role that should not be underestimated – not only because of its façade and staircases, but also because, for example, it “is one of the very few buildings on Bahnhofstrasse that still have their original windows,” comments Christoph Kling, Project Manager Construction, Swiss Life Asset Managers. Giorgio Engeli, Head of Real Estate Portfolio Management Switzerland, Swiss Life Asset Managers adds: “This began at the start of the 20th century when merchant Julius Brann laid the foundation stone of this property. We have brought out the historical roots again.” A new use concept and a good tenant mix are intended to appeal to a wide audience. “Everyone should feel the desire to go into the Brannhof,” says Simone Zurbuchen, Asset Management Real Estate Switzerland, Swiss Life Asset Managers.

For a good six months now, the hustle and bustle has returned to the building complex, which is more than 100 years old – café and shops are open and the first tenants have moved into offices. In the video, you can relive the three-and-a-half-year construction in just eight minutes and hear what the various internal and external experts have to say about the particular challenges they faced, the issue of sustainability, digitalisation and urban planning.