InnHub La Punt

The design of InnHub by Foster + Partners envisages a two-story innovation campus that aligns with the local building tradition. The campus will be built entirely from locally sourced wood, granite, and lime mortar and will house conference and co-working rooms, hotel rooms and apartments, a sports area, a restaurant, a sports shop, and the new La Punt tourist office. IB is responsible for overall project and construction management — including the local execution phase — and ensures timely completion of the InnHub by the end of 2028.

Structural challenges at the Alpine site of La Punt Chamues-ch

As general manager, construction manager, and local site manager, IB is responsible for the planning, cost control, and implementation of InnHub La Punt. In addition to technical project implementation, particular attention is given to mediating between the Madrid-based design team of Foster + Partners, the client, and the local planning authorities. The location in the Engadine poses special requirements: In midsummer, tourist-related transport bans prevent a continuous construction process, while in winter, a four-month construction site break is necessary. To meet the ambitious schedule and ensure the grand opening at the end of 2028, part of the basement will be cast in concrete before the end of 2025.

Significance of the construction project for the municipality of La Punt Chamues-ch

InnHub La Punt will be an innovation campus open year-round – a place of creation, exchange, and transformation for locals, guests, and companies from around the globe. The two-story building was designed by world-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, who lives in the Engadine. The unique architecture, the commitment of the Swiss company On, and local partnerships help to give the project an appeal that has an impact beyond the Engadin region.

For La Punt Chamues-ch, InnHub is an important milestone: Parallel to the municipality’s future projects, including the road bypass and the renaturation of the Chamuera stream, the new innovation campus in the heart of the village is being created as a lively center that will sustainably revitalize the village and create around 50 jobs.

On a total area of 7,700 meters, InnHub will offer a workshop and classrooms, co-working spaces, an auditorium with 250 seats, a sports training infrastructure, a spa, a restaurant with bar and lounge, a sports shop, the tourist office, as well as 44 hotel rooms and 8 serviced tourist apartments.

A sustainable project of the heart

Sustainability characterizes the construction and operation of the campus: Built from local wood, granite, and lime mortar, InnHub exemplifies sustainability and the circular economy, according to Norman Foster. In a video message, the architect also emphasized his personal connection to the project, as he has resided in the Engadine for years.

For the initiators, too, InnHub La Punt is much more than an investment. Making a profit is not the main goal, according to Caspar Coppetti, co-founder of On. Nevertheless, the campus must be operated cost-effectively in order to achieve long-term sustainable effects in the region. All initiators are deeply attached to La Punt and the Engadine and want to create a place for the village and the valley that triggers new impulses.

From demolition to grand opening

After the dismantling of the existing buildings in spring 2025, the excavation and construction of the underground access to the underground car park will follow in summer 2025. In mid-2027, the shell of the building will be ready, after which the interior work will begin. The grand opening of InnHub La Punt is planned for the end of 2028. Until the completion of the Innovation Campus, the InnHub PopUp in La Punt will serve as a temporary work and event venue. It is open to locals, tourist guests, and employees of various companies who appreciate the combination of co-working, sports, and nature.