Space-efficient construction with ERNEplus in Sissach
March 19, 2026
The Dorf elementary school is getting a new triple sports hall. The official ground-breaking ceremony took place on April 12, 2024. Around 40 guests, including mayor Peter Buser and building administrator Marcel Meier, attended this historic moment. Since then, construction work has been in full swing and the vision of an innovative and forward-looking sports facility is gradually becoming a reality.
Total contractor order ERNEplus
The triple sports hall in Sissach is being built by ERNEplus as a total contractor and impressed the jury of an overall performance competition in particular with its low ecological footprint and the saving of land reserves. The sustainable construction method is a particular focus of the building: The design by architects Penzel Valier AG provides for a large part of the hall to be embedded in the ground. This creates space for an all-weather area on the actual roof of the hall, while the above-ground area remains free in order to preserve the green character of the site.
Smooth from planning to completion
As a total contractor, ERNEplus takes on the central coordination of all trades, which means that the coordination between architecture, supporting structure, building services and recesses is efficient and decisions can be made directly. This ensures a smooth process across all disciplines.
Integral 3D planning (BIM) and a digital construction site with a central, transparent planning platform give everyone involved access to up-to-date information at all times, while consistent cost, schedule and quality management creates maximum planning security.
Construction execution as a total contractor contract thus guarantees smooth workflows, optimized processes, on-time implementation and the highest quality - decisive factors for the success of the project.
Digitally planned. Efficiently built.
The entire planning and implementation of the new triple sports hall was carried out digitally - a logical step towards a paperless construction site. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was used to create detailed 3D specialist models for all specialist areas - from civil engineering and architecture to HVAC planning, including all recesses. These were brought together in a central coordination model and coordinated across all trades. The result: early, precise work preparation based on models ready for execution, with potential collisions being identified and eliminated as early as the planning phase. This not only increases efficiency, but also the quality of the entire construction process.
Progressive excavation work
On the construction site, the digital data is integrated directly into the execution. The excavators for the excavation work were equipped with a tablet in the driver's cab, allowing the driver to see the exact position of the bucket using position data from satellites. All values as well as the excavation volume of 21,000 cubic meters are available to all project participants at all times. The nine-metre-deep excavation pit was secured with special foundation engineering measures such as nail walls and shotcrete.
Complex new building with an innovative concept
Above ground, the new triple sports hall presents itself through the pavilion building and as a framed school square, which connects the gymnasium with the existing school building. Via the pavilion with entrance foyer and a multifunctional and flexible gymnastics room, visitors can reach the spectator stands and changing rooms via a spacious staircase. Two staircases lead from the grandstand to the halls.
The special architecture of the 50 x 30 meter triple sports hall required an unusual construction. The pre-stressed ceiling beams of the sports hall were suspended from the longitudinal concrete beam with an overlay function, which made the planning and execution particularly challenging. The beam serves both as an outer wall for the sports field and as a structural element in the hall. In addition, it provides a distinctive skylight space. During the construction phase, the cross beams supporting the roof were stabilized with tree trunks and only fully reinforced at the end of the construction phase. This static force detour makes it possible to open up the halls to the stands and at the same time benefit from daylight in the spectator areas.
Mullion and transom façade - precision, light and flexibility
The new triple sports hall will have a mullion and transom façade from ERNE AG Holzbau that combines high functionality with design flexibility. Vertical mullions and horizontal transoms form a load-bearing grid into which glass elements are inserted. The system allows for large installation heights, plenty of daylight and numerous individual design options, thus optimally combining architecture and technology.
The façade planning was carried out in two stages: the 2D basic planning resulted in a 3D production plan for machine production, which allowed the elements to be precisely manufactured in stone at ERNE AG Holzbau 's production facility. On the construction site, the experienced timber construction fitters installed the mullion and transom façade and integrated the windows to ensure that the façade met the architectural specifications exactly in terms of quality and design.
