Major Research System, SwissFEL, Villigen AG

Villigen

Photo © René Rötheli, Baden Heli Partner AG, Sitterdorf

Institutes + Laboratories

Architects: Itten+Brechbühl AG

Location: Villigen
Year: 2016
Client: Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)

What began in 2012 with 1st place in the sole contractor tender put out by the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), has concluded in 2016 with the BIM Innovation and Performance Arc Award. The high-precision SwissFEL X-ray laser combines many different superlatives. On being commissioned, it will be one of only four free electron X-ray lasers in the world. With a length of 760 metres, it is one of the longest buildings in Switzerland, and is considered to be an engineering masterpiece due to its exceptional requirements in relation to precision and tolerances. Even the curvature of the Earth amounting to a few millimetres was taken into account at the planning stage and vibrations reduced to a minimum through structural design. In spite of the high technical demands, IttenBrechbühl has included some design features. The high quality demands made of the building were thus also realised in design terms in spite of the tight schedule and budgetary framework.